Leaders

The Preschool market in India is expected to increase by $957.86 million between 2022 and 2026, at a CAGR of 9.57 percent. With this growth trajectory in mind, providing a quality-driven learning experience through innovative techniques is more crucial than ever. As a result, the presence of a highly standardized preschool with distinct approaches for delivering learning to children is critical.

Hema Harchandani, Founder & MD at Canvas, has been successfully spreading Canvas, an international preschool, catering to parents who are seeking quality early education for their children. Under the guidance and leadership of Hema, Canvas is today making giant and confident strides in becoming the best school in early learning. PSED (Personal, Social and Emotional Development) technique developed and implemented by Canvas ensures that the child is confident, and self-assured in managing his behaviour, makes friends with other kids, and shares his time with them through interactions and games. In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, Hema Harchandani walks us through her professional journey along with the unique traits of Canvas International Pre- School.

What motivated you to establish Canvas International Pre School? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the school and its most unique features.

I spent 15 years in various jobs in BFSI businesses. I'd always wanted to start something that would bring me closer to the kids. I wanted to make a difference in the future of the country by laying a solid foundation for today's children. I began my adventure in 2016 with one school and have since extended to 50 schools serving 4000 children in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Hyderabad, Punjab, and Delhi. As a young leader in charge of one of the fastest expanding preschool chains in North India, I believe it is critical to consistently innovate in order to establish Canvas as a leader in early child-care education.

Tell us about Canvas International Pre-School. What have been the primary focus areas when it comes to imparting a holistic learning experience?

Canvas's purpose is to make the world a better place by properly moulding the next generation. It is a model preschool chain with locations around Jaipur and other places. We take great care of each kid, developing a route of fun and learning to assist your children to move to formal schooling. We hope to build a perfect childhood filled with smiles and happiness with adequate resources, time, and work.

What are the differentiating factors that separate CANVAS apart from its competitors?

Canvas appreciates children's innocence. We want to make a better future for our children. A world that allows children to explore the beauty and joy around them while also providing them with comfort and warmth. We hope to provide an empty canvas for children to paint with their fantastic imaginations by merging the values of nature and nurturing. We feel that expressing themselves will shape their identity. We expose our children's eyes to a world of possibilities and hope for their success by encouraging them to be creative via singing, dancing, and playing. The growth of the school has been exemplary, and the school has earned a name for itself in preschool education. Some of the awards were bestowed on the school and its management.

"We hope to provide an empty canvas for children to paint with their fantastic imaginations by merging the values of nature and nurturing"

Tell us about the various roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the founder of Canvas International Preschool. What are your primary focus areas in your current role?

As the Managing Director and Founder of Canvas International Preschool, I bring outstanding entrepreneurship abilities to the table. I have received recognition for my passion and extraordinary tenacity in building the brand Canvas International Preschool, a unique playgroup school with a unique learning and grooming idea.

Walk us through the competency of your team. How has the combined experience helped Canvas to go forward?

Canvas is a close-knit staff whose sole focus is your child's positive development. This energetic group consists of experienced teachers/mentors, grooming staff, subject experts, support personnel, and a central support team. Using our cumulative knowledge, we have developed a one-of-a-kind approach that provides all of the fundamental skills and development that your children require to be effective members of society.

In your opinion, what are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been the driving force behind your success as a business leader?

Honourable Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has named me one of the FICCI 100 successful women entrepreneurs in MSME 2020. Forbes India included me in their special issue on global leadership in 2019. Princess Divya Kumari Ji also named me a Women's Achiever for 2018 for Best Practices in Education.

What has been the success mantra for Canvas? Explain the Philosophy behind it.

Our Philosophy is reflected in our name, i.e., Canvas which are C - Creative Excellence - Creative and holistic development of the child, A - Acceptance - Acceptance of child as the way he or she is, N - Novelty - New and fresh methodologies to teach children, V - Visual Impact - Visual and interactive communication with children, A - Assurance - Assurance to parents that their children would learn and have fun in school, and S - Safety - Safe and Secure learning environment for children to grow.

Hema Harchandani, Founder & Md, Canvas International Preschool

Hema Harchandani is an experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. She is a strong business development professional skilled in Negotiation, Business Planning, Sales, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Asset Management.