Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Nisary Mahesh’s Legacy

• Nisary Mahesh is the creator of HerMoneyTalks, envisioning empowering women financially.
• Nisary’s upbringing ingrained self-motivation and resilience in her, shaping her entrepreneurial journey.
• The landscape for women entrepreneurs has significantly improved in recent years, according to Nisary Mahesh. 
• Nisary emphasizes the importance of mentorship, including reverse mentoring, in her personal and professional journey.

1. What was a defining moment in your childhood that shaped you as a person today?

I grew up being my father’s favorite. Though he had hoped for a son, he made sure to raise me to be bold and independent. He was always particular about the importance of focusing on one’s career, and he passed that belief on to me. I remember, instead of typical outings, I would go with him to banks and help with small tasks after school. I would also help him draft emails and assist with the family business. At the time, it seemed like too much, but eventually, I grew to enjoy it and developed a strong interest in business and finance. Now, I see those moments as invaluable training that helped shape my ambition and career focus.

I was also lucky to have lived in Germany before returning to India, which gave me exposure to different cultures and ways of life. It gave me an insight into how people both in India and abroad think and work. This has had a lasting impact on me and contributed to my personal and professional growth.

2. Share some of your personal insights on the changing landscape for women entrepreneurs like yourself.

When I first kicked-off my entrepreneurial journey, the ecosystem was quite underdeveloped. There were few opportunities for women. However, things have significantly evolved since then. Today, there are many platforms that support women, and conversations around shaping women’s careers have grown. Women are increasingly stepping forward and taking part in various initiatives. 

When I founded HerMoneyTalks in 2019, the startup scene was still predominantly male. Most of the startups receiving funding and striving for global growth were led by men. But over the past three years, I have noticed a significant change. We observed this as a potential gap and wanted to address it. Thus, we started creating awareness of the importance of women taking charge of their finances. At that time, it was not a popular topic. Now, even banks and insurance companies are engaging in these discussions, and more women are speaking up about financial independence. I believe that in the next five years, women will be on equal ground with men in the business world. Thanks to platforms like yours, which offer women the chance to share their stories and take the lead, we’re seeing incredible progress.

3. Tell us a little about your enterprise – HerMoneyTalks, maybe what it is about, and how you came up with the idea behind it.

I have a background in literature and a passion for the arts but started out my journey with banking. I entered the banking sector by chance and ended up enjoying it. Over time, I explored different areas like credit, insurance, and investments. One thing that struck me during this time was the predominance of men among the customers. I noticed that in joint home loans, women who signed as co-applicants often did not understand the loan details. Even in insurance, policies were generally in the husband’s name. Even working women, despite having salary accounts, often let someone else manage their finances. These observations stayed with me.

After leaving banking, I transitioned back to writing and worked with financial institutions on their digital strategies. This led me to start a content company, producing thousands of finance-related articles. That is when the idea for HerMoneyTalks hit me. I realized that while there are many financial platforms  they primarily target men. The content was often technical and focused on data and statistics. Through my experience, I have observed that women tend to approach finance in a more personal, goal-oriented way. It is just that there was a need to make finance accessible and engaging for women. That is about the inception of our enterprise.

HerMoneyTalks began as a finance portal for women, but it quickly grew into a full-fledged startup. We are now a financial platform focused on empowering women through financial literacy and action. We conduct workshops and programs that help women make informed decisions about their money. Our aim is to provide education, guidance, and support throughout their financial journey through handpicked products and services.

Moreover, we focus on supporting women entrepreneurs. Many women have great business ideas and dedication but struggle with the financial aspects of scaling and profitability. To help them, we offer accelerator programs and mentorship tailored for women-led startups, fostering growth in a sustainable way. Our approach is community-driven. We have built a network of experts and institutions where women can connect, learn, and grow through engaging activities. By bringing women together, we aim to empower them. We encourage them to take charge of their finances and build successful, financially viable businesses.

4. What advice would you give to women looking to break into entrepreneurship, especially those transitioning from corporate careers like you did?

The traditional Indian mindset often overlooks women in entrepreneurship. It views their ventures as temporary rather than serious career paths. Many women, including myself, were raised to aspire to stable corporate jobs, such as those in government, teaching, or banking. All these positions offer predictable 9-to-5 hours. This led to the belief that corporate roles were too demanding for women to balance with personal life. However, this perception is changing, with more women pursuing corporate careers for job security.

Conversely, entrepreneurship is frequently seen as risky for men and as a stop-gap for women. This perception has diminished the seriousness of women-led startups. Many women in the corporate world find it challenging to juggle work and motherhood. This often leads to career breaks that are hard to navigate upon re-entering the workforce.

I believe entrepreneurship provides women with a viable path to manage personal responsibilities while pursuing fulfilling careers. Instead of viewing it as a temporary measure, I encourage women to consider entrepreneurship seriously. They can venture into exploring opportunities with a lot of flexibility. s. Technology has made it easier than ever to start a business from home.

Despite this, many women hesitate to take the leap, underestimating their potential. There is still a perception that home-based businesses aren’t “real” careers, leading to the belief that traditional employment is necessary for stability. It is essential for women entrepreneurs to engage with networks and communities, and recognize their potential. I also believe that staying motivated is crucial, as the entrepreneurial journey can often feel solitary, especially in the early stages. By seeking support from mentors and participating in various networks, women can grow both professionally and personally.

5. You have won numerous awards for your contributions to women’s entrepreneurship. How do these recognitions influence your work, and what do they mean to you personally?

Receiving recognition for hard work is certainly motivating for anyone. But my primary focus is on growing my business in a satisfying and financially sustainable manner. I have noticed that many women entrepreneurs emphasize product quality, customer service, and client onboarding. However, along with that, I believe that establishing a viable financial model is essential for long-term success. Without this focus, businesses can face significant challenges.

I value acknowledgment but my true satisfaction lies in achieving growth. These moments of recognition motivate me, but the entrepreneurial path often demands self-validation. Unlike in a corporate environment, where a boss provides appreciation and rewards, entrepreneurs must cultivate their own motivation.

Every day brings its own set of challenges, so maintaining self-motivation is crucial. Celebrating small financial milestones or personal successes often helps foster a positive outlook. These moments of joy fuel my drive, allowing me to continue pursuing growth and sustainability in my business. In the end, I believe that balancing recognition with a strong emphasis on financial viability is vital for a wholesome entrepreneurial journey.

6. What are your most important life values—how have they influenced the progression of your career?

I prefer to keep things simple, especially when it comes to finance, which many people tend to complicate. I embrace a minimalist approach and believe in making finance fun and accessible. In our business, we adopt this same philosophy. At HerMoneyTalks and within our community, we foster informal conversations about finance over coffee. This makes our platform stand out for its blend of enjoyable networking and finance discussions. This is a core value for me, and I strive to incorporate it into our work culture. 

I have observed that many startups project a rosy image through extensive PR, awards, and hype, only to face sudden closures. I do not push that kind of growth or superficial showmanship. Instead, we at HerMoneyTalks, focus on building something sustainable that creates genuine value for society.

If you look at our social media, you will notice we share only a fraction of what we actually do. True happiness comes from positively impacting others’ lives. We feel motivated creating an impact when women in our community tell us how helpful our efforts have been. Those moments of gratitude are what truly motivates us.

7. Have you had any mentors in your journey—how did they shape your worldview and who you are today?

Over the course of my professional journey, I feel incredibly fortunate to have numerous mentors. I have actively sought formal mentorship through various platforms. I have also learned a great deal from other business owners, friends, and fellow startup founders. I also value reverse mentoring. This is a process of gaining insights from those who may be less experienced than I am. Mentorship is not solely about receiving advice from seniors; often, juniors can provide valuable lessons as well.

Each person I meet brings something new to the table. For instance, I recently observed a group interview format that showcased the power of teamwork. It left a lasting impression on me. I plan to incorporate this idea into my community by organizing group interviews for a more engaging experience. I constantly learn from those around me, whether through their communication styles or problem-solving approaches. I am grateful for the supportive individuals in my life who appreciate my work and willingly share their time with me. They act as sounding boards during challenging moments, which keeps my entrepreneurial journey dynamic and exciting.

8. What has been the most rewarding moment of mentoring women and startups?

I do not have specific incidents to share, but I have seen many cases where women have tremendous potential yet struggle to acknowledge their abilities due to low confidence or mental barriers. I have assisted numerous startups, especially women, in overcoming these challenges. Often, they have fantastic ideas but hesitate to step outside their comfort zones. The moments that bring me the most joy come from mentoring these individuals from the very beginning.

One memorable example is a mentee from Bangladesh. She was a determined young woman facing a lack of family support. Her family believed she should marry after college, which limited her ability to pursue education and entrepreneurship. I recognized her potential and worked with her to help her convince her family to support her aspirations. Despite facing personal health issues, she successfully launched her own business overseas. This experience has remained with me. It highlights the resilience and determination that can flourish when women are empowered to break free from their limitations.

9. What is a daily habit or routine that is essential to your personal or professional success?

I’m a creative person who usually thrives on spontaneity rather than rigid rules or structures. While I recognize the importance of processes, I prefer to dive deep into a task when inspiration strikes. I dedicate days to ensure it gets done. I truly believe that anything is possible. I grew up abroad and later returned to Kerala. I initially entered a conservative environment where traditional roles like teaching or banking were the norm. However, today I find myself traveling extensively and connecting with clients and women who support my business across the country, all thanks to technology and the internet.

I have developed strong relationships with leaders in various cities, driving our initiatives forward. My transformation from a conventional “Kerala girl” to building a vast network of mentors, friends, and clients has been possible by thinking beyond traditional boundaries. I struggled to balance my personal life with a demanding corporate job when I left my banking career. Eager to pursue my passion for creative writing, I initially did not realize it could be a fulfilling career. After researching and networking, I published my first article in The Hindu. Within a month of leaving the corporate world, I established a successful writing career. This journey has solidified my belief that with dedication and passion, anything is achievable.

10. Everyone needs a break once in a while to prevent burnout. What activities do you partake in to maintain the boundary between your work and personal life?

I’m someone who often works around 18 hours a day. My venture is my passion and feels like my baby. This makes it tough to separate my personal and professional lives, but finding joy in my work is essential. Without it, the journey can become overwhelming and lead to burnout. When you love what you do, it transforms your experience into something exciting.

To find my balance, I kick-start my day with exercise that I follow regularly. As a people person, much of my time is spent connecting with  partners, women in our community, and team members. While I set aside focused work time, I find that engaging with others brings me immense positivity. When I feel burnt out or down, I actively seek connection. This helps recharge my spirit.

11. As you have done your masters in English and literature, what is your favorite book, or is there a phrase that is deeply embedded in your mind?

I studied literature, but I’ve never been a typical bookworm. During my academic years, I did not read extensively; instead, I excelled at quickly grasping concepts and summarizing information. This approach has served me well, and it is still how I navigate learning today. If you ask me for book recommendations, I do not think I would be the best person. There are many, and it’s subjective too.

Currently, my schedule leaves little room for sitting down with a book. I’m a people person, always engaged with others. Otherwise, I’m taking time for myself to relax and unwind. Moreover, I believe there is a wealth of information available online that can inspire us just as much, if not more, than traditional books. Our attention spans are shorter these days, making it harder to commit to lengthy reads. So, while I appreciate literature, I must admit I’m not the best source for book recommendations!

12. Is there a quote or philosophy that deeply resonates with you? How has it shaped your leadership style and the decisions you’ve made throughout your career?

First, always believe in yourself. Be kind to others and find joy in your work. If you can’t fully commit to what you do, consider a change, as I did when I left my corporate job. Stay true to yourself; there’s no need to imitate others, whether they are competitors or colleagues. Focus on your unique journey and trust your capabilities. While you can’t control every situation, you can make the best of what you have. I truly believe in taking ownership of your decisions. I chose to embark on an entrepreneurial path, and if I encounter failure, that responsibility falls on me. At the end of the day, it is better to embrace your choices, recognizing both the opportunities you seize and those you miss.

Guided by years of experience in banking, HerMoneyTalks is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, breaking barriers, and fostering a community where financial confidence thrives. This journey underscores the belief that with the right tools and support, women can lead the way in shaping a more inclusive future.