ST Bureau
Mumbai
This
interview is a part of Startup Terminal interview series to mark the occasion
of ‘International Women’s Day’
interview is a part of Startup Terminal interview series to mark the occasion
of ‘International Women’s Day’
ST: Please tell us more about yourself.
Shailie Parekh: I hold a
Master’s degree in Marketing Management from Aston University, Birmingham.
Previously I worked as the Senior Digital Media planner for Hindustan Unilever.
I have also worked with Percept Entertainment and FoxyMoron as an Online
Marketing Executive. My prior work experience has given me insights in
strategic media planning and has also helped me maintain successful client
relations which have now worked in my favor. Currently I am the head of client
servicing and marketing department at Wishtry. I even head the in-house design
team and design interactive solutions. It is always a great feeling to work for
something you like and Wishtry has provided me the perfect platform to do so.
Master’s degree in Marketing Management from Aston University, Birmingham.
Previously I worked as the Senior Digital Media planner for Hindustan Unilever.
I have also worked with Percept Entertainment and FoxyMoron as an Online
Marketing Executive. My prior work experience has given me insights in
strategic media planning and has also helped me maintain successful client
relations which have now worked in my favor. Currently I am the head of client
servicing and marketing department at Wishtry. I even head the in-house design
team and design interactive solutions. It is always a great feeling to work for
something you like and Wishtry has provided me the perfect platform to do so.
 |
| Shailie Parekh, Co-founder & Vice President, Wishtry |
ST: Who is your biggest influence in life?
Shailie Parekh: My mother has
been the biggest influence in my life. She is a home maker and has always been
composed yet confident. She has motivated me to work hard and be compassionate
towards whatever I do in my life. These are truly the qualities I wish to
imbibe and apply in my professional field.
been the biggest influence in my life. She is a home maker and has always been
composed yet confident. She has motivated me to work hard and be compassionate
towards whatever I do in my life. These are truly the qualities I wish to
imbibe and apply in my professional field.
ST: What challenges do you face in your day to day
professional life, if any?
professional life, if any?
Shailie Parekh: Gender
discrimination is one major challenge we face. Even though the female
entrepreneurs are rapidly rising, we are still outnumbered by men. Furthermore,
young entrepreneurs are not taken seriously. We are often judged by our age and
not our hard work or commitment. These obstacles restrict the growth of the
business especially when it is at its inception phase.
discrimination is one major challenge we face. Even though the female
entrepreneurs are rapidly rising, we are still outnumbered by men. Furthermore,
young entrepreneurs are not taken seriously. We are often judged by our age and
not our hard work or commitment. These obstacles restrict the growth of the
business especially when it is at its inception phase.
ST: Where do you want to see yourself in next 5 years
down the line?
down the line?
Shailie Parekh: We want this concept to be popularized
in India as every time one thinks of a registry only Wishtry should come to
their head. They should use it as a reference point for celebrating or planning
any event. Keeping this in mind, one of the biggest plans in the pipeline is
that we want to have our own bar code scanners wherein one could go to any store
and just scan the bar code which will automatically be added to one’s Wishtry.
We also want to tie up with the small stores and website owners who would like
to promote their products on our platform. Hence if a user makes a Wishtry and
a small website is mentioned on it, one would like to browse the website and
explore various gifting options. This in turn will increase the website’s
traffic, and enhance our affiliation with varied portals. Moreover in the
future we also look forward to have an inventory based registry.
in India as every time one thinks of a registry only Wishtry should come to
their head. They should use it as a reference point for celebrating or planning
any event. Keeping this in mind, one of the biggest plans in the pipeline is
that we want to have our own bar code scanners wherein one could go to any store
and just scan the bar code which will automatically be added to one’s Wishtry.
We also want to tie up with the small stores and website owners who would like
to promote their products on our platform. Hence if a user makes a Wishtry and
a small website is mentioned on it, one would like to browse the website and
explore various gifting options. This in turn will increase the website’s
traffic, and enhance our affiliation with varied portals. Moreover in the
future we also look forward to have an inventory based registry.
ST: What is your message to the readers on
‘International Women’s Day’?
‘International Women’s Day’?
Shailie Parekh: Everywhere you look; there is an Indian woman in the pursuit of an
entrepreneurial dream. Never limit yourself as you have the potential to
conquer your dreams. Moreover always have a strong team that supports and inspires
you. I am fortunate to have 2 women walking besides me on my journey. The
importance of having a good support system is not something that should be
overlooked as it is certainly the right path towards your success.
entrepreneurial dream. Never limit yourself as you have the potential to
conquer your dreams. Moreover always have a strong team that supports and inspires
you. I am fortunate to have 2 women walking besides me on my journey. The
importance of having a good support system is not something that should be
overlooked as it is certainly the right path towards your success.
You could send your feedback at
startupterminal@gmail.com
startupterminal@gmail.com
