Please tell us something about yourself and what exactly you do?

An overwhelmed mother to a 3-year-old little boy, who knows first-hand how to negotiate to raise an incredible man whilst running a successful practice and business.
My venture, “Labeled” a fashion-forward multi-brand clothing group, for kids, was started when my boy was about 2 yrs old as a way for me to relax and kind of wind down from the stresses of being a new mom.

I never imagined I would actually be starting a business that would allow me to have three full-time personnel in less than a year. After having a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of London and have been working in the corporate world since I graduated in 2006 from Symbiosis Society Law College, Pune. I always knew I wanted to have my own company and now I have found my passion and success with Labeled. Labeled offers great value, high quality, and stylish kids clothing for babies & kids with a fabulous range for daily wear or special occasions. Discover the finest kids’ fashion from a world-renowned edit of brands at the lowest prices.

What was the idea behind your venture/association /startup and why you thought to start it?

I’m a corporate lawyer by profession, however, Motherhood brought a modification of interest. My never-ending hunt to find bonny clothing for my newborn helped me substantiate the struggle new parents go through while shopping for their loved ones. Labeled, Kids Clothing was born with an intent to bring an end to a parent’s search for premium quality fabrics and voguish styles for their munchkin at pocket-friendly prices. We are adding sparkle to Children’s wardrobes since June 2017.

What is your “Mantra” to success and how important is “Growth” for you?

Growth can be distinct to different people. I am referring to the kind of growth that nurtures you, breeds a team, and develops an organization. It cultivates a wealth that is far more sustaining than money alone. In my opinion, the single best reason to expand is to give others the opportunity to gain and flourish. So if one wants more opportunities for oneself and employees, they need to grow.

Your journey is inspiring. Who is your mentor and what is the force behind your dreams?

If you want a mentor, look around. That person may be closer than you think. I have had many mentors who crafted the person I am today.

My dad taught me the importance of Family while my mother helped me find my voice and be comfortable being myself. I am indebted to my spiritual coaches who advanced my soul for good. I learned the fine art of writing & drafting from my then mentor and Professor at the University of London, who gave me the opportunity to be the Assistant Editor of a prestigious Law Magazine. But when it comes to a business mentor, there’s been no one better than my husband and partner Sachin Jain.
A good mentor is a guide, encourager, strategist, supporter, to summarise, an exemplary person you want to emulate, and Sachin is all that. In the last five years of togetherness, he has displayed strongly that one can succeed on their own if they have the willingness and courage. I have learned from him resourcefulness, the art of balancing, strength, versatility, and staying curious. His golden words, “Growth Requires Perseverance”, indeed have been my driving force.

So, Shradha, what is that one incident/decision of your life, which changed you?

Life is best designated as unpredictable. With so many highs and lows, each experience leaves us wiser than before. But, there are some exhilarating incidents that alter the very core of our faith and beliefs. The moment I gave birth, I knew that my life would change, but I didn’t realize in what ways. My outlook on life changed wildly for the better. I learned to work hard to conquer my weaknesses and gave my 100%. Motherhood presented the prospects to experience, that we learn the most when we move out of our comfort zone. Now I could gather the courage to get out and do things that I was scared of doing. Consequently, I discovered my true potential and cherished the skills that a woman naturally acquires in the act of being a mom. I learned that entrepreneurial traits like multitasking, prioritizing, risk analysis, are inherent in moms.

If one needs to know you in one line, how will you describe yourself?

A compulsive writer, an avid reader, vegan enthusiast, a legal professional turned into a toddler wrangler.

How do you feel to be selected among 15 ambitious women at Mommies World For U & Me and what is that one ambition which still keeps the fire alive in you?

I recently read an article that quoted fashion designer Tory Burch “ I believe in rebranding how women with ambition are perceived so that more women-owned businesses can thrive”. Highlighting 15 ambitious women and embracing their ambitions, is an incredible initiative by Mommies World For U & Me. Women supporting other women is key to more women succeeding in business.. While I feel privileged to have the opportunity to vocalize my strengths and promote my accomplishments, I hope to help other women along the way.

I have material goals and like everyone else I work hard on achieving them, however, my priority is to work on myself without excuse, directing my thoughts on learning how to control myself better, manage my emotions, love to the fullest and be kinder.

Do you agree that there is too much competition around? According to you end of the day, what matters, victory or satisfaction?

Well, there are two kinds of people, those who do the work and those who take the credit. I really try to be in the first group since there is less competition there.  On a serious note though, as many have said before, the biggest challenge in a race or competition is yourself. I have often found myself racing against time or always competing against preconceived ideas. So frankly it’s not really my competitor that I generally worry about. Eventually, the victory in the competition is the product of inner satisfaction that is achieved by knowing that you have done your best and that you have accomplished the most out of what you had to give. As rightly said by Mahatma Gandhi, “Satisfaction truly lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory”, and I abide by it.

Share the most inspiring story/incident, you have witnessed yourself.

I have seen my parents struggle and work hard to provide the unsurpassed to us even though they bargained on their comforts.

While their efforts are worth describing, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce a phenomenal man who I met five years back. Smartly dressed in a blue shirt, and freshly pressed blue chinos, the handsomely tall boy took the lead to open the door for me and my mother.

Ever since he has amazed me with the determination and poise he welcomes each challenge, life throws at him. I was always quacking and complaining, but once I started observing his attitude about taking the toughest days in his stride, I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle to soar high.

No matter how much the world tried to hold him back, he always continued with the belief that what you want to achieve is possible. He inspired me to believe that, Trusting that you can become successful is the most important step in actually achieving it. He displays with live examples each day that our struggles in life develop our strengths.

Last but not least, how you are managing your personal and professional life, any tips and tricks you wish to give to our readers.

It is quite an established fact that running a business while raising a family isn’t easy.

There is nothing harder than trying to find enough time for both work and family life. I have realized that embracing and learning from my failures is an important aspect of both business and parenthood. I reconcile with failure on a day-to-day basis.

When splitting time between being a mom and an entrepreneur, there is always this discomfort of, being at work when I should be with my kid, and when I’m with my kid I should be in the office. It’s a vicious cycle that infuses quite perfectly to feelings of failure and inadequacy. Sorry to pull the curtain completely back, but I have breastfed my boy during more than my fair share of customer assistance calls! And although I was never probed to explain the suckling noise on my end of the line, it was one of the many situations where I realized that being a “mom-entrepreneur” is not always as splendid as I hoped it would be! It’s often chaotic and unpredictable, but accepting the bewilderment of life as a mother and business owner is an important part of being a success.

Another journey and another inspiring story shared with us and we couldn’t be happier to see this mommie going strong every day. Challenges are in everyone’s life but who deals it with gracefully, is the real way of living life. Shraddha we wish you all the very best and loads of luck to your second baby “Labeled”. 

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This series of 15 Ambitious Women will bring stories and journeys of women, from different walks of life. If you know anyone, who equally deserves to be here, write us on [email protected]

Disclaimer – All the information added in this article is shared on the base of the personal interview with our guest. Copying or publishing the same without our consent will lead to consequences. You are definitely encouraged to share such stories with people who need motivation in their life.

Penned by

Shalu R Varadkar