Kadambari Umapathy’s journey from a traditional upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in women’s entrepreneurship is a powerful testament to resilience and vision. As the founder of WEDO
Kadambari Umapathy’s journey from a traditional upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in women’s entrepreneurship is a powerful testament to resilience and vision. As the founder of WEDO (Women Entrepreneurship Development Organisation), Umapathy has not only transformed her own life but has also significantly impacted the entrepreneurial landscape for women across India.
Kadambari Umapathy started her entrepreneurial journey with a modest investment of just Rs 1 lakh in 2015. Her vision was clear: to create a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs who faced numerous barriers to success. Despite initial challenges, her dedication and innovative approach have helped WEDO achieve a remarkable turnover of Rs 40 lakh, making it a cornerstone for aspiring women business owners.
Born into a middle-class family in Chennai, Umapathy’s early life bore no hint of her future entrepreneurial endeavors. Her father worked as a central government employee, while her mother managed the household. “As a kid, I was never exposed to business at any point in time,” Kadambari recalls. “I grew up in an environment where everything was provided for us. I didn’t realize how limited my exposure was because my needs were always met by my parents.”
After completing a Bachelor’s in Allied Health Sciences specializing in Cardiac Technology from Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute in 2000, Umapathy married and started a family while still in college. Her initial foray into the business world was marked by setbacks, including two significant failures that shaped her future path.
The first major turning point came in 2006 when Umapathy co-founded a recruitment company. Despite the venture’s profitability and success, it eventually faced closure due to irreconcilable differences with her partners. “The business was highly profitable, but the strain among partners became too much to sustain,” she explains. The company’s closure was a major setback, but Umapathy learned valuable lessons about partnership dynamics and business management.
Undeterred, Kadambari ventured into a second business, which also faced challenges but did not deter her spirit. These early experiences were crucial in shaping her approach to entrepreneurship, teaching her about the resilience and adaptability needed to succeed.
In 2015, Kadambari Umapathy founded WEDO with the goal of empowering women entrepreneurs. The organisation started with a small investment and a big vision. “The idea was to keep the membership cost cheaper than a cab or the price of a kurti. Every month we offer two free training programmes,” Kadambari explains. This affordable membership model allowed women from diverse backgrounds to access essential resources and training.
WEDO offers a variety of training topics, including business models, market strategies, import and export practices, GST rules, and scaling up businesses. The organisation provides both basic and advanced courses, with a focus on practical skills and real-world applications. “We believe in making high-quality training accessible and affordable,” Kadambari adds.
Since its inception, WEDO has empowered over 35,000 women entrepreneurs. The organisation’s impact is evident in the success stories of its members. For instance, Sreeranjitha G, founder of Littlesparkles Toys, began her journey with WEDO while managing a young child. Today, her business boasts over 1,500 customers across India, illustrating how WEDO’s support can lead to significant entrepreneurial achievements.
Another success story is Vinothini Shridhar, who launched Little Bitty, a children’s clothing brand, with two stores in Tambaram, Chennai. Vinothini’s journey from taking notes during WEDO sessions to running a successful business highlights the transformative effect of the organisation’s training and networking opportunities.
WEDO’s influence extends beyond India, as seen in their recent women’s acceleration conference in Nigeria. The conference aimed to create pathways for women from India, Malaysia, and Nigeria to connect and collaborate, further expanding WEDO’s global reach and impact.
Kadambari Umapathy’s success did not come easily. She faced numerous obstacles, including personal and professional setbacks. Her journey was marked by a strong will to overcome limitations related to mindset, exposure, funding, time, and mobility. “WEDO puts women entrepreneurs in an environment where they can overcome these limitations,” Kadambari says.
Through perseverance and strategic planning, Umapathy has built WEDO into a thriving organisation that not only supports women entrepreneurs but also fosters a collaborative community. The organisation’s model of providing affordable membership and practical training has been instrumental in helping women achieve their business goals more quickly than they might have otherwise.
Looking ahead, Kadambari Umapathy remains committed to expanding WEDO’s reach and impact. The organisation plans to introduce new courses and training programs, further strengthen its support network, and continue its efforts to empower women entrepreneurs across the globe.
Kadambari’s journey from a predictable life to becoming a leader in women’s entrepreneurship is a testament to her resilience and vision. Her success story inspires countless women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and overcome the challenges they face.
In conclusion, Kadambari Umapathy’s achievements with WEDO exemplify the power of determination and innovative thinking. Her commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs has not only transformed her own life but has also created a positive ripple effect throughout the business community. As WEDO continues to grow, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of women’s entrepreneurship in India and beyond.
