At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Pratibha Tiwari for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Pratibha is an Entrepreneur and Founder & Owner at Prasha. Let’s learn more about his background, inspiring journey so far and his advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Pratibha:
Can you describe an early-life experience that laid the foundation for your professional determination?
Growing up as the youngest in my family’s defence cantonment shaped me in unexpected ways. With few household responsibilities, I had the freedom to chase my ambitions and daydream without limits. Over time, that curiosity turned into drive, and I learned to take calculated risks. Those early lessons in independence and focus laid the groundwork for the determination and confidence I rely on in my career today.
What inspired you to start your fashion brand, ‘Prasha’?
As a fashion lover and someone who has always used retail therapy as a stress buster, I was naturally drawn to the fashion industry. Starting my brand, Prasha, felt like the perfect choice because it allowed me to combine my passion with understanding customers’ needs. Having been a customer myself, I know the importance of exclusive designs at affordable prices, which is the core philosophy of Prasha. This connection with customers and my love for fashion made me confident that this path was the right path for me.
What would you say is your biggest achievement as of now?
My biggest achievement so far has been starting my own business and successfully running it. What began as a small venture with exhibitions has now grown into owning an online store. This journey reflects my commitment to growth and consistency, which I deeply value. Building my brand from the ground up has been both challenging and rewarding, and it symbolises my dedication to turning dreams into reality.
How did you start your professional journey, and what challenges did you face at the beginning?
I started my professional journey as an operations executive, facing challenges due to a lack of guidance. However, once I received support, I never stopped progressing. My enthusiasm for learning and exploring new technologies, market trends, and strategies helped me overcome obstacles. Constantly upgrading my skills, including earning certifications in Scrum and PMP, has been key to my growth and success.
What are you working on right now, and how does it fit into your career goals?
Right now, I am exploring the potential of AI, as I believe it has immense scope in the future of fashion. From personalised recommendations to trend forecasting, AI is already influencing our daily lives. By learning and understanding its applications, I aim to incorporate AI into my business strategies, aligning with my career goal of staying innovative and ahead in the fashion industry.
Who has been the most inspiring person in your career, and how have they influenced you?
My first inspiration is my husband, who trusted me and encouraged me to take this bold step. I deeply admire his trading and marketing skills, which have guided and motivated me throughout my journey.
On the other hand, the most inspiring people in my career have been the women entrepreneurs I met when I entered the market. Honestly, I never envisioned starting something of my own, but I believe you just need to start, and the vision will come along the way. Prasha wasn’t as planned as it is today, and I learned valuable lessons by standing among these hardworking small business owners. Their resilience, creativity, and determination continue to inspire me and shape my journey.
How do you stay motivated and positive when facing challenges or setbacks?
It took years of hard work to get here, so going back isn’t an option. Reminding myself, ‘I will make it happen,’ somehow makes every obstacle feel a little more manageable.
Can you talk about a major problem or failure in your career and what you learned from it?
One major challenge I faced in my career was navigating without proper guidance, thinking I had to figure everything out on my own. This led to setbacks and mistakes. I learned from this experience the importance of seeking guidance and talking about your problems. Failure isn’t the end; it’s a valuable source of learning and growth that helps you improve and move forward.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career, and how has it shaped your approach to work?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in my career is the value of persistence and consistency. No matter how tough things get, sticking to your goals and continuously working towards them always pays off. This lesson has shaped my approach to work by making me focus on steady progress, even when immediate results aren’t visible. It has taught me to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
How has your definition of success evolved over the course of your career, and what does success mean to you now?
In the beginning, my definition of success was all about achieving milestones and financial stability. However, over time, it has evolved to focus more on growth, learning, and making a positive impact. Now, success means balancing professional achievements with personal fulfilment, creating a business that adds value to others, and continuously challenging myself to improve. It’s no longer just about the end goal, but the journey and the lessons learned along the way.
What advice would you give to your younger self at the start of your career, knowing what you know now?
If I could advise my younger self at the start of my career, I would say, “Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. ‘Trust the process, even when it feels scary or tough, be patient because you will outgrow the challenges.
Seek guidance when you need—asking for help doesn’t diminish your abilities. Stay consistent, keep learning, and remember that every experience, good and bad, builds your path to success.”
Had I embraced this mindset earlier, I’d have welcomed challenges with more confidence and seen every setback as a stepping-stone much sooner.
What do you hope your legacy will be in your industry, and how would you like to be remembered by future generations?
I hope my legacy in the industry will be one of empowerment and innovation. I want to be remembered not just as a businesswoman, but also as someone who inspired others, especially women, to recognise their strength and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with confidence. Through my work, I hope to leave a lasting legacy.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
