Setting an example

International Women’s Day is around the corner and everyone has started making the right noises. And for Chennai girl Simran Ram this Women’s Day is special for more than one reason — she will launch her first entrepreneurial venture, a unisex salon and spa ‘Jack and Jill’, along with celebrating her parents’ wedding anniversary on March 8! Just 18, the first year Electronic Media student from M.O.P. Vaishnav College, Simran is a fine example of a modern-day bold woman.

“It was my childhood dream to become an entrepreneur. My parents were very supportive when I decided to start my own venture. This keeps me going and I don’t want to let them down, no matter what,” starts Simran.

Simran, who has also acted in two Tamil films, says that acting happened by chance. “My last Tamil film was Yennai Arindhaal. I haven’t signed anything since then. Right now, I am focusing on my business. Having said that, if interesting offers come, I will definitely take them up,” she quips.

So, why did she opt for a salon-and-spa as her first business venture? “I selected it because I could relate to it very well. My mother was working as an admin for a salon and spa in the city and I used to visit some salons. Also, I am familiar with the film and advertising industries.”

A multi-tasker, Simran also works part-time at Sakthi Associates. “I love multi-tasking and I like to keep myself busy, whether productive or not. My mother has agreed to help me in the business for the first few months. But after that, I have to handle it on my own,” she adds.

Simran also has a piece of advice to young entrepreneurs. “I think life expands or shrinks in proportion to one’s courage. And being a lady already takes a lot of courage. My dad says whatever you do, you have to do it differently. I think that’s the best advice for an entrepreneur,” she sums up.