Continuing our journey through Navratri’s inspiring stories, we now explore the radiant world of Goddess Chandraghanta. On the third day of Navratri, we pay homage to this powerful goddess, depicted as a warrior with ten arms, riding a tiger, and wearing a crescent moon on her forehead.
Chandraghanta stands as a symbol of courage, strength, and wisdom, qualities that women entrepreneurs hold close to their hearts as they address the challenges of the business world. With this in mind, we at StartupTalky asked these remarkable women an important question about how they address challenges in their businesses.
Their insights give you a glimpse of their strong determination, much like Goddess Chandraghanta herself. Here are their stories of turning challenges into opportunities with courage and clarity.
Ambika Bhaik, CEO, Yellow Fertility
Each challenge is an opportunity to learn and lead. My style is to remain observant, rather than reactive, to examine situations calmly and then move forward. Courage to me is the willingness to make difficult decisions, to pivot the strategy, to invest in new technology, or to stand up for what’s right, even if it’s not popular.
Gopika B Raj, Co-Founder & CCO, MyDesignation
As a cofounder and CCO, I believe challenges are an inevitable part of the journey. I believe that good things do come to good people. We will have to overcome many challenges. We should be willing to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the uncomfortable. I see it like water, we have to bend, twist, and adapt to whatever shape the situation demands. Just like an ECG, the ups and downs are a sign of life; a flat line means no pulse. Similarly, in business, those fluctuations, complicated days, unexpected turns, and tough calls are proof that we are alive and moving forward.
For me, it’s about making peace with that rhythm, standing alongside my teammates, and knowing that at the end of the day, everything will find its way to work out.
Tejasvi Madan, Founder and CEO, Beyond Bound
Being a woman founder in a largely male-dominated industry isn’t easy. At times, it feels like you are asked to prove yourself twice over. Chandraghanta’s courage reminds me that belief in oneself has to come first. Whether it was deciding to take risks with unconventional designs or standing firm on size inclusivity, every bold move has shaped BeyondBound into what it is today. Obstacles don’t disappear, but courage transforms them into stepping stones.
Muskaan Kapoor
Nidhi Sabbarwal, Founder at Kalyanamm Holy Waste Recycling Pvt. Ltd.
Chandraghanta inspires bravery and diligence, qualities I rely on and use when faced with challenges. When approaching a traditional market where charcoal was standard for incense, it took bravery; it was no easy task to get consumers to abandon routines that had lasted generations. Diligence included tracking consumer trends, being aware of changes in the industry, and pursuing environmentally sustainable practices.
I think that every challenge is an opportunity to reaffirm why we began: to make rituals healthier and more sustainable. Encountering challenges with courage and practising with discipline, we turn every setback into a learning opportunity. I feel we have transformed challenges into opportunities for growth and impact.
Dishi Somani, Founder of DishiS Designer Jewellery
The jewellery business is constantly evolving, and challenges arise daily, whether it’s due to changing consumer tastes or shifts in the market. I address challenges proactively by maintaining vigilance, identifying emerging trends early, and systematically analysing customer feedback. Courage is built upon having faith in the uniqueness of my brand and taking courageous decisions, either through trying out new designs or changing business strategies. Just like Chandraghanta, in my view, staying alert, responding swiftly, and leading with courage are essential to turning challenges into catalysts for growth.
Drishti Madnani, Co-Founder & Beauty Expert, Shryoan Cosmetics
I tackle every challenge with care by remaining attuned to global beauty trends and domestic consumer behaviour. Bravery emerges when we dare to step beyond our comfort zone, whether through bold choices or innovative ideas that disrupt the market. Just like Chandraghanta, I find that challenges are best confronted with knowledge and bold action, because each challenge brings with it the potential to learn, innovate, and build the brand even more.
Samiha Jha, Founder & Director of Sammyukk
Chandraghanta’s courage influences how I confront challenges in business. Entrepreneurship requires not only passion but also the tenacity to make difficult decisions and the discernment to foresee challenges. Faced with uncertainty or failure, I prefer to act, not react, with courage, strategy, and poise. We’ve converted challenges into opportunities at Sammyukk by remaining vigilant, being able to pivot quickly, and believing in our purpose. Similar to Chandraghanta, I think courage does not mean being fearless, but getting up with purpose every time fear comes knocking on your door.
Final Thoughts
Just as Goddess Chandraghanta symbolises courage, vigilance, and wisdom, these women entrepreneurs show us that challenges are not roadblocks but turning points. Their stories remind us that staying alert, believing in oneself, and acting with purpose can transform obstacles into growth. This Navratri, may their journeys inspire us to face challenges with the same courage and clarity.
Muskaan Kapoor
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