Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Myesa Arora. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Myesa , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Rejections are a significant aspect of being a young entrepreneur. But I’m not disheartened by it. I have a strong belief in myself and a growth-oriented mindset, which enables me to remain resilient in challenging situations. I view obstacles as learning opportunities and transform “no” into “next opportunity.” Having wonderful, supportive people surrounding me gives me the extra motivation I need to persevere as I work towards achieving my goals!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
During the pandemic, I started a JeeJi-Hood, a social enterprise to support tribal women in the Indian state of Rajasthan, who had lost their livelihood on account of the lockdown. These women relied on tourists to sell their crafts and were struggling to feed their families. I collaborated with my mother’s friend who lived locally to provide the women with an avenue to sell their products online. Rather than wait for the tourists to come to them, I wanted to take their products to consumers across the world. I wanted to give them the chance to use their embroidery, hand sewing, and beading skills to manufacture cotton handbags using block designs, hand embroidery, and stitching in their homes. I sent funds to my liaison in Jaipur, bought materials on Zoom conversations, and designed the product in Photoshop and PowerPoint. I used Zoom to work with the women, explaining to them the need to adapt to the changing global situation. Over the past three years, JeeJi-Hood has found a very strong sense of purpose. Our vision and tagline (for our sisters) guides our decision-making and inspires us each and every day. We push for gender equality and empower Indian tribal woman financially. We hope that by working they are able to gain independence. We prioritize ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility in our operations and strive to make our little, yet positive impact in our home country. We are very proud of our impact and yearn to be able to employ more women! Currently we have four team members and are slowly expanding! We are also beginning to work with more women across India!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Though I have just begun my journey and still have TONS to learn. I would give the advice that has been really impactful in my journey:
Putting Yourself Out There: Though it is hard, to be successful and grow you need to not only embrace, but seek discomfort and risks.
Asking for Help: Though it does not always seem like it, seeking guidance is a strength, not a weakness. You should not hesitate to learn from mentors, peers, and experts as their insights will offer valuable perspectives and be essential for growth.
Staying True to Your Purpose: When you are true to your purpose, you are often true to yourself. When you begin your journey, you need to define your values and goals and let them guide ALL your decisions and keep you on the right track.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Balancing the demands of school, extracurricular activities, and running a business can undoubtedly become overwhelming at times. In the midst of these pressures, I’ve come to rely on a strategy that consistently helps me regain my balance and perspective. When the weight of responsibilities feels like it’s piling up, I intentionally take a step back. Stepping into the outdoors, particularly nature-rich settings, has proven to be incredibly rejuvenating. A simple walk amidst the trees, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the fresh air create an environment where I can temporarily disconnect from the whirlwind of tasks. During these walks, I intentionally shift my focus away from the never-ending to-do list and allow myself to simply be present. Observing the patterns of nature, the play of sunlight, and the natural rhythm of life helps me recalibrate my thoughts. It’s as if the environment itself encourages me to adopt a more relaxed pace. And its in these moments I find solace in the fact that the world continues to function at its own pace, regardless of the deadlines and pressures that loom in my mind. This realization provides a valuable perspective on the bigger picture, reminding me that the temporary setbacks and challenges are just a small part of a larger journey. After such breaks, I return to my tasks with renewed energy and clarity. The overwhelm that initially seemed insurmountable has often been replaced with a more focused and composed mindset!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jeejihood.com/
- Instagram: https://www.jeejihood.com/instagram
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE1e-FbtGik
