Meet Ruche, an entrepreneur and the visionary Founder of HEN – Her Entrepreneurial Network, a dynamic Partner at Studio Red, and a driving force behind a revolution in the world of women entrepreneurs.
Ruche’s journey began in the exhilarating early 2000s when she first dipped her toes into the world of freelancing as a Graphic Designer. But she didn’t just dip her toes; she plunged headfirst, using the now-nostalgic orkut.com to secure her very first customer, find a valuable business partner, and connect with essential vendors. It wasn’t long before her creative spirit led her to establish a design studio, where she conjured captivating design solutions for marketing and branding across print and web platforms. The birth of IdeaPerfect Communication was just the beginning of her transformative voyage, now known as Studio Red.
However, as her business soared, so did the challenging questions. She grappled with the intricacies of managing relationships, optimizing cashflow, and mastering the art of project management. These questions propelled her forward, driving her to learn, grow, and adapt.
In the midst of this exhilarating journey, Ruche embarked on a personal adventure—marriage and a relocation from Kolkata to bustling Bangalore. Juggling a virtual team while establishing a new business in an unfamiliar city, amidst a new family dynamic, was a daunting task. It was in Bangalore that she learned the true meaning of resilience.
Amidst the whirlwind of change and growth, Ruche sought two critical connections: those who could offer business opportunities and those who could impart the knowledge to navigate the intricate world of entrepreneurship. This quest led her to various networking events, where she joined TiE, which proved invaluable. But the pivotal moment came with her exposure to the GSS 10K Women Program, in partnership with ISB, where she learned a profound lesson: knowledge precedes wisdom.
With this newfound wisdom, she embarked on a mission to create a supportive ecosystem tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs. Ruche envisioned a space where women could come together, share their experiences, exchange knowledge, and stay abreast of the latest in the business world. Thus, HEN – Her Entrepreneurial Network, was born in 2011, initially as a Facebook group.
Her motivation wasn’t rooted in feminism, but in recognizing the unique challenges faced by women who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. Women who sometimes struggle to prioritize their own goals and find themselves in a world that often judges them unfairly. In such an environment, asking questions and seeking support can be daunting. HEN emerged as a beacon of support and empowerment, providing a safe haven for women entrepreneurs.
The journey continued, and between 2017 and 2020, Ruche dedicated herself to researching and developing a self-sustaining community, leading to the launch of HEN 2.0 in 2021. She found a trusted partner in her childhood friend, Priyanka Changia, who joined her as a co-founder in this remarkable journey.
HEN – Her Entrepreneurial Network (www.henindia.com) has become a thriving community, uniting women entrepreneurs to inspire, inform, and support one another in building successful businesses while maintaining balanced lives. Networking is at the core of their philosophy, offering opportunities for collaboration, business growth, and enhanced visibility for their members.
In the digital age, HEN is 99% virtual, with members spanning the length and breadth of India, engaging in weekly networking and learning meets across diverse business subjects on their own networking platform – www.hen.community.
Beyond connections and knowledge sharing, HEN members enjoy invaluable collaborations with industry giants like Razorpay, Canva, Zoho, Internshala, Vyapar, Instamojo, Shiprocket, Amazon, and more. These partnerships empower women to harness the potential of these tools to strengthen their businesses.
But the influence of HEN doesn’t stop at borders; it extends internationally through partnerships with organizations like Indian Women in Dubai, Femcity, Cherie Blair Foundation, and WEConnect International.
Since its inception in 2021, HEN has left an indelible mark, impacting over 3000 women entrepreneurs through its diverse array of products and services. Ruche’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of entrepreneurship.
