Your Name: Rekha Gopal

Business Name: Padmajyothi Industries, a manufacturer of automobile, electrical, and engineering products

Type of Business: Manufacturing

Business Location: Bangalore, India

Reason for starting
After having served many years in one of the Public Sector Industries in India, I realized that there was a potential in me, like many other women to make a mark. The Primary reason was that, I wanted to be as independent as I could be, also, there were many instances where I felt that women are better when they are not subjected to any kind of discrimination. Overall, there was a sense of void in me that would just let me be happy until I had just not started something of my own.

How do you define success?
Success to me is making time for yourself and the family even after a long day’s work. This is possible only when the family understands and supports your intention and completely trusts you and helps in whatever means possible for you to reach your goals.

Biggest Success
2 time recognition as an Ideal Women Entrepreneur by a Reputed Bank.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
The top challenge has been in making my unit known. This is because the Mechanical Engineering Industry is Male Dominated; bigger Industries do not take Women Entrepreneurs very seriously. I overcame this by ensuring that I kept my unit running, even if it meant taking up very small laborious orders and building up a reputation of timely delivery and quality.

Who is your most important role model?
My most important role model is my Father. He led by example and never de-motivated me, he was one who truly believed in my potential.