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Time of India

These mompreneurs turned career breaks into successful gigs

Motherhood often signifies a shift in priorities, but for some, it ignites the courage to start their businesses. We spoke to inspiring mothers nationwide who turned their career breaks into entrepreneurial victories . T here is no set timeline to follow your dreams: Minakshi Jhawar Minakshi's venture: Ekatra – A platform that empowers homemakers to work from home Minakshi Jhawar, from Rajasthan, began her entrepreneurial journey in her 50s. 'As a homemaker, I had always been creating something on the side. When Aishwarya saw my work, we decided to give homemakers like me a platform and an identity,' she says. Minakshi says no woman should feel powerless because she is not earning. Inspired by her belief in financial independence, her organisation provides homemakers training and opportunities to earn from home. Minakshi believes age should never stop anyone from achieving their dreams. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor 'It is never too late to start your passion project. The journey may be tough, but the rewards are worth it,' she said. Starting a business after being a homemaker empowered and helped me get financially free. I want all women to experience that Minakshi Jhawar Motherhood has been my biggest teacher: Simrat Kathuria Simrat's venture: Diet Xperts – A wellness company offering online and offline consultations Simrat Kathuria, a Ludhiana-based celebrity dietitian, launched Diet Xperts after a decade-long career break to raise her children. 'I started when my kids were seven and eight, and I asked myself, if not now, then when?' she said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Lost Their Money - Learn From Their Lesson Expertinspector Click Here Undo Simrat now leads a team of 25 women. Despite her success, she is also a mom. 'It's never easy, you're working and still expected to be there for everything,' she shared, adding that her husband's support was crucial in the early days of her business. Reflecting on her journey, Simrat advises, 'I may have started late, but I started.' It's never easy. You are working, but you are still expected to be there for everything at home Simran Kathuria Work and home can coexist: Heena Patel Heena's venture: Magic Needles- A platform selling knitted and handmade products Heena Patel, from Mumbai, turned her knitting hobby into a business after taking a break from her banking career. 'I wasn't used to having so much time on my hands, it felt unsettling. Knitting came to my rescue. I used to knit sweaters and accessories for my kids. My friends and family suggested I put them up online,' she says. When one of Asia's largest kids' stores began to buy her creations, Heena knew she had created something big. 'I had no agenda to mass produce. For me, each piece had to carry the love and skill that handmade work offers. So I trained over 300 women across India — many who had never earned before or came from conservative communities,' she shared. I'm a mother first, but I'm also passionate about what I do. The key has been building a life where both coexist Heena Patel Motherhood made me an empathetic leader: empathetic leader: Garima Satija Garima's venture: PoshVine – A discovery platform for dining experiences Garima Satija, based in Bengaluru, launched PoshVine in 2011-12, a dining discovery platform. 'I started PoshVine at 26, and my daughters, Arya and Meera, grew with my business, and I grew with them,' Garima said. 'Running a business does not give you the option of a maternity break, but it allows you to work at your own pace. I was back to work on the fifth day after my first daughter's birth and the third day after my second,' she adds. Garima believes that motherhood has made her a more empathetic leader. 'The nurturing instinct of being a mother extended to my workspace. I learned patience, empathy, and responsibility—not just towards my children, but also towards my clients and team,' she says. The nurturing instinct of being a mother extended to my workspace. I learned patience, empathy, and responsibility—not just towards my children, but also towards my clients and team Garima Satija With no money generated initially, I thought I'd made a mistake: Sonica Aron Sonica's venture: Marching Sheep – An HR consultancy firm with over 400 clients in 50 countries A former HR head at a corporate company, Sonica Aron, says she took a risk by leaving her corporate job to set up her own business post motherhood. The Delhi-based entrepreneur says, 'I launched Marching Sheep in 2013 when my daughter was just three months old. It was a tough call to make. Initially, I didn't make money, and I wondered if I had taken the wrong step. Today, our company serves over 400 clients in 50 countries. ' She believes that motherhood taught her more than spreadsheets ever could. 'It has made me a better facilitator, I don't come from a place of authority, I come as a learner, and it helps me connect deeply with my audience,' she says. In a job, you can shut your laptop. In your own venture, you don't switch off. Ideas can come at 2 a.m., and you just act on them Sonica Aron Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !