Bhavna Botta, a young serial entrepreneur with cerebral palsy, had her dream project, Saahaagika, an exclusive boutique for ahimsa silk, washed away in the recent rains and floods in Chennai. Broken but not beaten, she looks for strength, motivation and new avenues to start afresh.
Could you tell us a bit about your journey and how you became an entrepreneur?
I finished my high school from Vidya Sagar and went on to do higher secondary from Lady Andal Matriculation School, Chennai and then bachelors in commerce (corporate secretary ship) from Ethiraj College for women. Since I am person with cerebral palsy (speech impairment and limited motor ability), I use an eye pointing communication system. But all this did not deter me from having a huge group of friends and all the fun in college. Yes I was judged ‘Miss Smiley’ in college, but the credit goes to my friends.
In 2011, as soon as I finished my graduation I wanted to start off an initiative which had a social cause inbuilt. I went on an exploration spree, since I wanted it to be an economic model too.
I came across the story of Sri Kusum Rajiaha who had done a lot of research on Ahimsa silk. It caught my interest. Then as I was contemplating on it I came across Jharcraft (A Government of Jharkhand Undertaking) which was working with tribals and also on ahimsa silk. My interest got growing and I contacted them.
Then the concept Saahaagika, an exclusive boutique for ahimsa silk in Chennai started brewing in my head. I went around looking for a place, bank loan and all the permission etc. I failed in locating an accessible place (me being a wheel chair user that becomes the priority). So ultimately I started it at our own premises at Srinagar colony.
What challenges do you face in your business because of your disability and how do you overcome them?
Yes there is always a charity perspective from customers, so after some time I did only the back office work and would not sit in the boutique. But I over came it in due course and then it stopped bothering me. My dream was to build a business which could get livelihood for some people with disabilities. So I compromised and chose to work from my own premises. But the space was too small, could not accommodate more than me, my wheelchair and a helper. At present I have closed down the boutique as I felt lonely and was not feeling positive even with a good turnover. Of course, the rains and floods created havoc and destroyed my boutique which made me take the final step.
Yes, I am still exploring online marketing but I am not sure of it. But there is a steady stream of calls still from old customers, I have no answers as of now.
Your newsletter, Connect Special, is well researched with a large following. Do you bring out the Newsletter with a special objective in mind? How do you gather stories and content for it?
All along, my heart was (will always be) in activism particularly in disability sector. I am a proud member of Disability Rights Alliance and contribute to rights based initiatives. I wanted to do something more and started Connect Special. I want to connect the activists with the grassroot stakeholder. So I choose topics which will be interesting and knowledgeable for the readers. I write in to the article contributors and so far so good.
What’s your advice to other persons with disabilities who dream of being entrepreneurs?
I don’t know whether I am in state to advice but I gained by following where my heart is!!
You have a bustling Facebook page. Are you active on many social media platforms?
No, only Facebook, I seem to be able to keep in touch with my friends through this.
Despite your hand being full, you are able to fulfil diverse interests. What are your other activities and how do you manage your time?
I have a small group of friends on the same wave length, enjoying activism, movies, pets and travelling. I find time for everything. Yes some I have to give up, not for lack of time, but due to other reasons.
One last question, how do you develop mental toughness in the face of adversity?
Think Positive!!
