Being an Entrepreneur: A Dream That Refused to Fade

Growing up, we have always been told that each one of us is unique and a little different from others. From what I recall, there were times when I stood out as being too different from the rest. For instance, when I was around five, most of my childhood friends used to enjoy roleplaying as doctors, teachers, police officers and even bus conductors when I was deep in my own imaginary empire, running a business that only I could see. At a very young age, I was building rather than just playing. My very own office setup was legendary. It had a non-working landline phone for endless business calls, a plastic flip phone buzzing with imaginary deals, a hefty bag stuffed with paper cash, and a desk cluttered with my dad’s old documents and paperweights. At five, I hardly knew how to spell the term “business”, yet I already knew that I wanted to be a businesswoman.

As I grew older, my dreams expanded. I wanted to be a Barbie who could be anything: a pink Power Ranger, a pop star like Hannah Montana, a news reporter at NDTV. But through all the phases and fascinations, one dream remained untouched, quietly glowing in the background: the dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

Now, at 27, I’ve ventured into many creative lanes—educator, writer, speaker, YouTuber, podcaster. Each role has taught me something new, helped me grow, and brought me closer to my core. But if I trace the thread that runs through it all, it leads back to that little girl with her buzzing flip phone and paper cash. That dream never left me. It simply waited for me to grow into it.

Growing up with the Dream

In my pre-teen and teenage years, I was completely captivated by the glamorous portrayals of businesswomen in movies and television. Their confidence, their command, their elegance—it all fed into my growing fascination. I didn’t just admire them; I saw myself in them. I was certain that I wanted to lead something meaningful, to build a brand, and to have a team.

What made this dream feel even more real was my father’s unwavering belief in me. I still don’t fully understand what he saw, but he sounded almost prophetic that I was born to do business. His quiet confidence started fuelling my ambition even when I didn’t yet understand the concept of entrepreneurship. I had no clue how businesses actually worked, but I knew what I wanted: to be one of those poised women on screen, dressed in a sleek suit, driving a luxury car, taking important calls while the hero stumbled in awe. It was a dream wrapped in drama, but beneath the glitz was a genuine desire—to lead, to create, to build something that mattered.

Finding my Niche

When I stepped into college, I was still wide-eyed and open to exploring multiple career paths—journalism and teaching being two of the most prominent. Luckily, I got the chance to dip my toes into both. Serving as an assistant professor for nearly four years gave me a deeper understanding of where my heart truly lies. I discovered a genuine love for being in front of students, for presenting, and most of all—for speaking. Public speaking became more than a skill; it became a passion. I found immense joy in delivering lectures and conducting training sessions that engaged and empowered young, curious minds.

Even as a student, I always enjoyed being on stage. I loved the spotlight, the energy of presenting, the thrill of connecting with an audience. But I also noticed how many of my classmates struggled with the very idea of speaking in public—nervous, hesitant, overwhelmed. That contrast taught me something profound: confidence in communication isn’t about perfect language or flawless content. It’s about presence, delivery, and the ability to connect—regardless of how many eyes are watching.

That realisation helped me define my niche. I knew I wanted to create something that nurtured these very skills in others. I envisioned an academy that would help young adults develop their soft and life skills—public speaking, effective communication, interview readiness, presentation techniques, and more. Not just a place for theory, but a space for transformation.

Ultimately, I told myself: I want to lead an academy that doesn’t just teach. I want to build one that empowers people to become confident, expressive, and individualistic professionals.

RYLA 51.0 Happened

RYLA BaE Batch 51.0 (PC: Amrishi Ram Kumar)

A few weeks ago, my scattered thoughts and long-held dreams finally found their shape. It all came together when I attended RYLA BaE (Become an Entrepreneur) 51.0—a transformative three-day workshop that helped me translate my vision for an academy into something tangible. Led by seasoned industry professionals, the sessions offered a deeply technical and structured approach to entrepreneurship, giving my idea the framework it needed.

Organised by Punch Gurukulam and Rotary Club Virudhunagar, the initiative was nothing short of an eye-opener for me and the 31 other passionate participants. Through engaging activities, insightful assessments, and dynamic team collaborations, we spent three days not just learning, but living the entrepreneurial mindset. We imagined ourselves as future founders, leaders, and changemakers. Honestly, what unfolded during those three days deserves an entire blog post of its own—so I’ll save those stories for later.

By the end of the workshop, my once-vague idea had blossomed into something real. I walked away with a name, a logo, a slogan, and foundational materials for my dream academy. It was more than satisfying—it was empowering. For the first time, I didn’t just believe in the dream. I saw it. I held it. And I knew it was going to happen.

Building Forward

I feel incredibly grateful to have been selected as one of the 12 participants for the next phase of training—RACE. This online program is designed to help us build upon the strong foundation laid during our RYLA journey. With structured modules and a systematic approach, my fellow participants and I are being guided by dedicated mentors to transform our entrepreneurial ideas into reality—within just 60 days.

So, what’s next? It’s time to get the ball rolling. This very blog post is part of the journey—one of the many activities I’m expected to complete. From today onward, I’ll not only be working behind the scenes to shape my academy but also sharing my experiences, insights, and entrepreneurial reflections right here. I hope these stories resonate with you, inspire you, and maybe even spark a dream of your own.

From the Dreamer

From childhood roleplays with buzzing flip phones to structured entrepreneurial training at RYLA 51.0 and RACE, my journey has been a beautiful blend of imagination, exploration, and conviction. What began as a playful dream has now taken shape as a vision rooted in empowering young adults with life skills, confidence, and individuality. With every step, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a brand; it’s about honouring your story, trusting your instincts, and creating something that reflects who you truly are. This blog marks the beginning of that journey, not just mine, but perhaps yours too.

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