“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” ~ Virginia Woolf. On this International Women’s Day, GlobalSpa recognizes and celebrates the women in the industry as we delve into their success mantra they follow, mistakes that have helped them grow, and of course, their WELLNESS philosophy.

Aishwarya Gupta is the founder of House of Rugs. She comes from the family of generations of weavers and manufacturers of carpets. She is determined to empower women by bringing more of them to the workplace, and also share their stories and improve their standard of living.

What is your wellness philosophy?

For me wellness is all about having a positive frame of mind and attitude. I like to start my day early so that I don’t feel I have missed any time or opportunity. Every morning, I work out even if it is just 30 minutes, as it helps me feel active and makes me feel good about myself. Then I start the day with an open, confident mind ready to take on whatever it has to offer with an optimistic attitude. Even if something doesn’t go the way I liked it or hoped for, I look at the brighter side of it, that helps me stay motivated to carry on with the day’s work. I was taught at a very young age that if one door shuts, the other opens.

Your success mantra?

My success mantra is to believe in oneself, and work hard towards achieving it. Everyone has the resource of time, but the one who can make most of it will succeed. Also, success is not over-night, it’s a journey, so it’s important to stay positive all along, even when one is at the lowest. Because that is when you work harder and eventually success follows.

A lesson you learned from making a mistake?

Mistakes teach us to be resilient. Every mistake is an indication that there is scope for improvement. I believe in acknowledging the mistake, and learning from it, because that is how we grow.

Any piece of advice for all the women out there?

For all the women out there, I would encourage them to believe in themselves, and never think that they are lesser beings in any way. Follow your dreams and work hard to achieve them. There is nothing that a woman can’t do. No profession is big or small, what matters is the willingness and your passion.

What has been your biggest pride as a doyenne?

My biggest pride is when I’m able to inspire other young women working at our factory, and when they come up to me and say that I have set an example for them. I’m happy I’m able to get them out of their homes and earn their living. I believe there is a lot to achieve yet, and do better and bigger things towards contributing to society, but it all starts at a small level, within a small inner circle, which has started. Where those people see you and if you can help impact their lives and inspire even a few, I feel it’s a big achievement. Because it’s one step at a time.