Shikha Dhawan
PhD, PGDM / Executive / Strategic Tone Development & Policy Focus Premium Personal Branding
Q1. What inspired you to begin your entrepreneurial journey?
Life becomes truly meaningful when you find your Ikigai-your passion, your purpose, what fulfils you, what the world needs and what rewards you. I design transformative roadmaps and success strategies for entrepreneurs whether it is self-help groups, farmers or emerging startups. Because when clarity meets
purpose, success is no longer a possibility-it becomes inevitable. I’m inspired by the ethos that when a woman rises in financial freedom, she does not just transform her own life-she uplifts an entire ecosystem around her. Her confidence becomes a force that radiates strength, her choices inspire generations and her resilience fuels progress. As founder Biozazen, I have transformed lives by the power of eco-conscious living. Our endeavours supported by Reliance Foundation and Gates foundation have generated respect and livelihood for rural women in tribal villages of Phulbani-Odisha, Sabarkantha-Gujarat and Tikamgarh-Madhya Pradesh. Many slum dwelling women in Delhi have been trained to make Bioenzymes to enhance their livelihood. We have even built confidence in women homemakers across
India to establish Bioenzyme production from comfort of their homes as a viable business venture and garnered their inherent potential as Independent Business Owners. We proudly partner with rural communities and empower women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and training to produce high-quality Bioenzymes. Together, we are building a cleaner planet and a more inclusive, sustainable economy. I have also emerged as a changemaker at the intersection of women’s health and environmental sustainability. My visionary leadership and relentless dedication have brought transformative impact through one of India’s most innovative menstrual
waste management initiatives. Recognizing the environmental toll of millions of disposable sanitary pads which are discarded monthly, I spearheaded a groundbreaking transition to sustainable menstrual hygiene at Aminabad, Badagoan Village, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Through strategic collaboration with local stakeholders and the support of a startup-MildCares, we successful led the awareness and distribution campaign that reached 600+ menstruators of all age groups, equipping them with reusable, eco-friendly menstrual cups. This initiative didn’t just distribute menstrual cups, it reshaped mindsets. We conducted extensive community engagement to dismantle menstrual taboos, promote hygienic practices, and empower women with knowledge about their health. The impact was so profound that 100% of menstruators in the village voluntarily transitioned to menstrual cups, eliminating the use of disposable sanitary pads entirely. As a result, Aminabad, Badagaon Village was officially declared as Uttar Pradesh’s first ‘Sanitary Pad-Free Village’ by the National Health Mission, setting a precedent for sustainable menstrual health management across the nation.
Q2. What was the biggest challenge you faced in the early days, and how did you overcome it?
Patriarchal norms often limit women’s ability to make independent decisions. To address this, we structured flexible and conducive work hours that allowed women to participate once their family responsibilities had been managed. We interacted with their families to build understanding and agreement around the women’s social and financial autonomy. Ultimately, the intervention succeeded because we communicated transparently and effectively with all stakeholders, creating an environment where women could exercise real decision-making power.
Q3. As a woman entrepreneur, what unique strengths do you bring to leadership?
I have encouraged women to get bold and loud. I tell them – “you are growing every day; the most courageous act is to think about yourself-aloud”. I have empowered them with capacity building, tools and knowledge that when shared with intention sparked the real change. My originality and critical thinking have emerged from exploring beyond the crowd. I have blended technology, tradition and local intelligence for building a sustainable future for all of us. I belong to the world and the world listens when I speak with purpose and intent.
Q4. Have you ever doubted yourself? What helped you move forward?
We are all stars and we deserve to twinkle. I have made conscious, informed choices and then build my life around these choices. By never regretting a day or any choice, I live life with elan with the freedom to falter, rise and shine again. As a phoenix, I have always emerged from ashes with new found wisdom and resilience. I’m like a springboard-whenever pulled down, I have emerged stronger and bolder with clarity and without the need for external validation.
Q5. How do you balance ambition with personal life and well-being?
As a leader trained in the management of health programs, I excel at time management, prioritizing what needs my attention first and empowering other through thoughtful delegation. I have learned to “sharpen the saw” – resting, recharging, rejuvenating before rising to shine again. I laugh easily, practice yoga, walk for miles, spent time in nature and amongst my plants. I spend quality mindful time with friends and even strangers as each one of us have a story to share. I travel often to transformative destinations that nourish my mind, body, soul and spirit. I attract work that takes me to new places. Wherever I go, I imbibe local cultures and traditions, blending in with ease and embracing experiences that feed my adventurous spirit.
Q6. What does “Give to Gain” mean to you in your professional journey?
To me, “Give to Gain” is a reminder that our purpose is not here only to take, but to contribute, shoulder life and responsibilities with love, gratitude, empathy and curiosity. As humans we are driven by either name, fame or money. However, what truly enriches me is not the applause at the end but the purpose inthe journeys I undertake, the people I uplift, and the value I create along the way. I am the voice the universe has been waiting to hear. My words and actions carry an energy that lingers long after the moment has passed. I’m here to create legacies, to elevate the collective consciousness and to help us rise toward our self-actualization potential where we can finally place humanity above self and live from a place of deeper purpose in whatever work realms we are positioned.
Q7. What is one mistake that taught you a powerful lesson?
“For the master’s tool will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change.” People who understand the problems best should be the ones leading the way toward the solutions. These voices should not be ignored. Economic policies prioritize markets over people and do not reveal about whose lives were valued. My endeavours have been to make everyone seen and heard. I ask the people I work with to listen deeply to their inner voice, follow their heart and their core values to make their product or service better. Together, we build what truly matters to them. We question the systems, we redistribute power and expand our collective knowledge, wisdom and experience to guide aligned action so that instead of blaming the fragmented systems, we drive transformation with our intentions.
Q8. How do you build and sustain a strong, supportive team?
I have never worked in silos. Every member of my team is an essential member of the larger vision and I ensure that they see the full story behind the work we are creating together. I share the complete work requirements with everyone, making them move and deliver beyond their comfort zones as they are proud to be part of something larger, more meaningful and beautiful endeavour. I lead with integrity, passion, empathy and effective communication. I create a safe space where every voice is empowered and encouraged to give inputs with open assiduous deliberations to make the outcomes fruitful.
Q9. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to start their own venture?
Believe in yourself, your inner potential and capabilities. The world is your oyster, spread your wings and claim your brilliance. Equip yourself with the needed acumen, insights and the strength to rise and lead towards the zenith of success in your endeavours.
Q10. In one sentence, how would you define success?
Success to me is the unapologetic freedom to make my own choices and walk a path that I fully claim as mine.