Suneeta Sodhi Kanga
Name: Suneeta Sodhi Kanga
Trainer
The Enterprise: I am a corporate trainer, mentor and coach in the area of grooming, international etiquette, fine dining, wine appreciation, beauty and style etc. I have trained and polished a vast number of participants on skills of proper etiquette, manners and intercultural communication on various levels and spectrums.
The Woman behind the Entrepreneur:
After my graduation from Panjab University, Chandigarh ,I joined the services of Air-India as an airhostess in 1988. I had been in the company for a year when I was elected to represent Air-India in the prestigious “Miss World Airlines” contest held in Paris and won the first prize. I was crowned “Miss World Airlines – 1989”.
I participated in the official openings of many of Air-India’s new offices and official cultural functions and publicity extravaganzas like Indian festivals and food festivals around the world .I was also selected to be a judge to various beauty pageants around the world.
I was also a VVIP hostess on the Prime Minister’s foreign official visits. While in this capacity I was invited to various embassies around the world and had the opportunity to interact with foreign dignitaries.
When did you first start your venture and how did the idea come about?
After I resigned from Air India to raise my two daughters and be a hands on mom, I needed to start something whereby I could work from home that was flexible time. I started my own Company in 1998, launching an Ayurvedic range of beauty products dealing in skin, hair and body care under the brand name of “Salon Secrets”.
I had a very exclusive and private clientele all over Mumbai city and used to host numerous successful talks and seminars on Skin care, Grooming and Make up in various institutes and finishing schools, covering a wide and varied spectrum of clients. And before I knew it, I started training on Etiquette as well.
How much capital did you start with?
Rs. 1500/- only.
In how much time did the enterprise turn into a profit making venture?
Almost immediately. I had no overheads.
What were the initial years like?
I was always looking for work. Promoting myself, marketing and even doing free trainings some times. After about a year it all paid off. I have great faith in the word of mouth and that good work speaks for itself.
What are some of the top challenges you faced and how did you surmount them?
It was hard leaving my young kids for long hours as I didn’t have a support system while raising them. I just waited till they grew up! It paid off as now they are very independent and my mother is a great help since she moved closer. So now I can travel outstation without any worries.
What challenges do you continue to face and what is your strategy to tackle them?
As much as I enjoy my job it is physically very tiring to speak to 20 -25 participants non stop for 8 hours a stretch, and keep them interested – All this while standing in high heels!
Still not found any strategy to tackle it, but I come home or to my hotel room and just crash out. (If some of the readers have some solutions, please advise me.)
What drives you?
I love my job. I enjoy sharing knowledge, tips and experiences from my life. It’s not work for me, more like a hobby.
How many hours do you work per week?
About 20 – 30 hours.
What tips would you like to give to budding entrepreneurs?
Research, educate yourself, work hard, take calculated risks, follow your dream, visualise and love what you do. There is nothing that can stop you from being successful.
Can a budding entrepreneur reach you for guidance? If yes, how can she contact you?
Yes, please. I’ll be happy to address any questions and be of help. My email is – suneetakanga@sodhi.net
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