Rashi Khanna is the Founder & Chairperson of “Ra By Rashi Foundation”. She is a seasoned business professional with over 18 years of experience both in a corporate setup and as an entrepreneur. As an assertive marketing expert, Rashi always felt many social issues lacked empathy, sensitivity & compassion. Rashi believes in bringing the change that adds many smiles to mankind. She is a rare combination of hyper empathy and deep caring. Today we got a chance to interview. Let’s know more about her & her foundation.
We hope this can inspire you to become a successful person too! It is worth listening to a successful entrepreneur or to people who share their success stories? We can significantly learn many things from the experiences of them, by listening to their story.
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with her:
Q1) Tell us a little bit about your start-up and your journey.
Rashi Khanna, founder of Ra by Rashi Foundation is an Empath. We, at Ra by Rashi Foundation strongly promote our mantra; Empathize, Energize, and Empower. With an aim to not only touch, but also change as many lives as possible, we enable them to discover strength and hope, at their lowest. We have several flagship initiatives for women across several sections of the society, experiencing mid-life crisis, separation, emotional, mental, or physical distress, or just want to work towards shaping their future.
We are always here for you, providing you with sustainable and customized solutions while supporting you as you thread upon this new path.
Q2) How did the idea for your business/start up come about?
Having been born into a business family, managing businesses and the many complexities came naturally to me. Blessed with supportive and encouraging parents who always let me explore the many spheres of my personality and interests, fuelled my passion for business and social work. Back in my hometown, Lucknow, my family’s welfare trust worked towards empowering women by introducing them to embroidery and stitching.
These enriching experiences and the determination to change the world, one soul at a time, in what proved to be the essence of Ra by Rashi Foundation.
Q3) What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?
As years passed, I realized that there will always be people who question your choices and your decisions. However, the immense support from my husband, and more importantly, my belief in myself, my focus, and my work changed my intent. Being someone who experiences emotions deeply, I always wondered about those women who did not have a shoulder to lean on and a safe space to express themselves freely.
A few don’t need monetary support, all they yearn for is to be felt, heard, and empathized with. This re-asserted my faith in my initiative which I then worked towards, with newfound zeal and compassion.
Q4) How did you come up with the name for your business/startup?
Ra by Rashi Foundation is named after “SUN”…Ra means Sun, so its Providing SUNSHINE to all by Rashi, the founder. Often, we fail to recognize our own effort, which leads to our work not being recognized by others either. Also, I feel by relating my venture to my own name, I give it my very own touch. My little way of expressing my Empathy, support, and solidarity.
Q5) What service(s) or product(s) do you offer/manufacture?
Ra by Rashi is a social organization that works towards strengthening community bonds while spreading awareness. We work towards several social causes using a sector-based approach which helps us support our cause while providing a platform too many to express themselves and their talents.
Q6) Why should people choose your product/services?
We at Ra by Rashi Foundation, recognize your struggle, hear your voice, and most importantly work towards helping you, get back up on your feet. With our unconventional approach, we not only support those in need but also provide a platform for them to express themselves and put themselves out there. Very often, we as a society forget to look beyond the extremes. We endeavor to work towards all issues, regardless of how trivial it may seem.
Q7) How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful?
One of the primary strategies that have proven to be effective, has been Sharing my Story. While it may not be a conventional strategy, it is safe to say, that it is one of the ways I try to encourage those in need of some insight. Sharing my experiences, my tribulations, and the instances where I have erred serves as a reminder that I am only ordinary and, in my opinion, this adds value to my cause. While as a brand and marketing expert I use this as a strategy; sharing a little bit of myself, helps me feel more connected to the cause.
Q8) What risks are you facing?
My biggest challenge has been to identify a woman who is in need. Several women spend their entire lives without a suitable environment where she can grow, nurture their skills, emotions, and aspirations. Having UN-supportive families who question the legitimacy of my work is not very favorable either. Another challenge that I faced in the course of my work was raising funds and financial freedom. Many times, it restricted us from expanding our venture and working towards several more.
Q9) Did the COVID – 19 pandemics affect your business? If yes, how?
The pandemic is an unprecedented time for all of us. We are striving hard to provide emotional strength in these woeful times. We have introduced several social media initiatives that are being spread and conducted through several social media pages. A few of them include talk shows/ discussions based around entrepreneurs who have started a new business, those who are unable to maintain their existing ventures, and those who are facing the threat of imminent close-down. Other initiatives include –
- Share your Story: An initiative that supports mental health and wellness, health, life lessons, new skills, and talent.
- Be the Help: An initiative that gives a platform to speak about services/ideology.
- Mudita: Initiative to support Aajicha Ghar, a project by Shree Gauri Sawant Ji.
- Donate a brick
- Share your happy days
- Sponsor a child’s education.
- Business Showers: A platform for budding entrepreneurs/MSME’s to showcase their products. We help them connect with buyers and sellers.
Q10) What is your Business Mantra: Money or Emotions?
Being a realist, I believe that in today’s world, in order to empower someone else, one needs financial backing. Just as Maslow’s theory of Self – Actualization states, before graduating towards higher needs, an individual’s physiological needs need to be fulfilled. I believe that a person should be able to provide for himself before he lends a helping hand to another.
Q11) What are your responsibilities as a business owner?
As a business owner, one of my biggest responsibilities is to ensure that deliverables are on time. Consistency and punctuality are key. Additionally, I ensure that my office staff is as comfortable as I can help. Developing a positive, healthy relationship with my team helps me connect with them more, which leads to us together, serving you better.
Q12) How many hours a day do you work on average & can you describe your typical day?
An average workday may range from 15 – 18 hours. My day begins as early at 5: 30 am and may extend until 11:30 pm. I ensure that I have a concrete, comprehensive schedule to follow through the course of my day. My everyday morning mantra, ‘I feel to heal’ reminds me of my purpose and my intent to turn my mess into a message.
My daily regime also consists of setting aside a little time for myself where I engage in meditation, yoga, and spending time with my plants. I also believe strongly that, the more real I am, the less I am pressurized. Additionally, I always remind myself that through the course of my work, there will always be a few people who will raise eyebrows. However, fitting into their expectations isn’t what I expect out of me and my passion.
Q13) Have you considered any alliance/partnership/funding?
We have partnered with several government organizations, brands, and NGOs to increase our reach and provide more support. A few of them include PayPal, Pankaj Bhadouria, Nutreat, etc.
Q14) What piece of advice would you give to college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs?
My advice to anyone pursuing any field or sphere of work is that education is an absolutely necessary pillar of your being. Being equipped with all kinds of skills and qualifications will work in your favor in every aspect. To carry and conduct a successful venture, one should not only be proficient in management skills but also be ready to work at the grassroots level.
Being informed and aware of the several developments in technology, media, and trends around the world help the organization to stay more in the spotlight. We at Ra by Rashi Foundation help people develop entrepreneurial skills, provide mentor ship, and also help sustain a
sustainable ecosystem. We have customized solutions for women who would like to restart their career and grow. We also provide internships to college students who want to learn and gain experience. Feel free to reach out to us at our email address.
Follow Her @
LinkedIn Handle | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashi-khanna-8b990b44/ |
Facebook Handle | https://www.facebook.com/rashi.khanna.73/ |
chair@rabyrashi.in, rabyrashi@gmail.com, office@rabyrashi.com | |
(+91) 9910266606 |
Follow Ra by Rashi @
Website | https://rabyrashi.com/ |
LinkedIn Handle | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashi-khanna-8b990b44/ |
Facebook Handle | https://www.facebook.com/rabyrashifoundation |
Instagram Handle | https://www.instagram.com/rabyrashi/?hl=en |
YouTube Channel | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVnPXDWhaKVvFS5ZkVbgGig |
Twitter Handle | https://twitter.com/home |
Speaking Tree | https://www.speakingtree.in/rashi-khanna-2 |
StartoCure is the online entrepreneurial magazine platform, where the team brings you Interview & Stories of Entrepreneurs, Inspirations, Influencers, Startups eco-system & Change-makers. StaroCure also committed to bringing resources, research reports, funding reports, and analysis of the startups, as well as profiles of great businesses & entrepreneurs from all over the world.
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