Donald McGannon, once quoted that~ Leadership is an action, not a position. Sravani Chettupalli, Founder of Ayush Kids- a preschool is a woman leader who exceptionally perceives this excerpt and has signified a potential to make a change in people’s lives through the education of the generation.

Recently, Women Entrepreneur had a revering opportunity to interview her to know more about her inspiring journey and Ayush Kids. Below are the snippets.

Take us through the prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What motivated you to establish Ayush Kids?

My professional journey has been an overwhelming ride of highs and lows which was entirely led by conscience and passion to do something that benefits all. I started my journey as a government employee after pursuing a nursing course and later worked at many prestigious organizations such as Narayana Hrudhalaya and ESIC Super Speciality Hospital and as a Central Government professional. Having suffered a personal tragedy, I always wanted to make a real impact in the medical field. However, entering the medical industry, I could hardly bring about any change as it was difficult to create meaningful change as an employee.

My husband (who pursued his Pediatrics course in Coimbatore) and I have a shared passion for healing, saving,and impacting lives via healthcare. When our child was three years old, my husband started working at Apollo Hospitals as a Junior Consultant. It was also during that time we started our own clinic and charged a minimal fee of Rs.200 from the visiting parents. Over time, when I enrolled my child in a preschool, I got further insight into the preschool system. The period between the age of three to six plays a pivotal role in a child's developmental milestones- shaping a child's overall growth, from fine motor skills to social interaction and communication skills. Having a journey with my child into preschool, and that is when the idea of starting Ayush Kids kicked in and it came into being.

Tell us about your venture Ayush Kids and its key areas of specialization.

Endeavoring to provide the finest and best possible preschool education to children in the 2-6 years age group by exceptionally qualified teachers, Ayush Kids is a growing preschool meeting the global preschool pedagogy in the Indian milieu. Not having a proper campus in the first year, with the capacity to enroll only ten children in our daycare and preschool facility, we are making it big gradually, ensuring to strike a balance between my medical career and Ayush Kids as well. Fortunately, in the second year, 150+ children joined the new campus. Ayush Kids Group of Schools now has quite a few branches. I did my Pre-primary teacher training program (PPTC program) and Master’s in business administration to venture into the education field. We also successfully trained six teachers with the TTC program. We are hyper-focused on preschool and middle school.

I am also passionate about the education sector due to Maggi School. My husband and I took responsibility for the school in 2017.

“It is the commitment to my purpose to make a difference & consistency in doing it that has been my success mantra”

What are some of the most critical challenges you encounter as a business leader in today’s business climate? How do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

There is cut-throat competition. While many institutions brand themselves as the best, the standards are often below par. I've interacted with many dissatisfied parents who want to shift their child to a responsible preschool like ours and subsequently, many parents have even proposed to our school to reduce our fees in the process. While I am happy to reduce the fees, it comes at a price, which cannot be compromised (like quality faculties). Additionally, it is expensive to provide children with a nice playground, engaging facilities,and other infrastructure that promote overall growth.

We have faced many roadblocks and dealt with them on the ground level by investing in our teachers’ training and givingthem incentives, so they are part of the Ayush family for at least five to six years. We also try to engage parents in activities so they can bond with their children and keep a tab on their child's growth. However, real estate costs are still an obstacle.

Tell us about some professional millstones you have achieved over the years. Also, what is your mantra for success?

The journey with Ayush Kids itself has been rewarding being able to do for the country’s future generation leading them to a constructive path. Ayush Kids was awarded the Best Preschool Award at the national level during the pandemic. Also, it is the commitment to my purpose to make a difference and consistency in doing it that has been my success mantra.

What is your vision for Ayush Kids’ next growth phase?

Going forward, I am keen on expanding into higher education (expanding through elementary school and junior college shortly) as well via Ayush University.

Additionally, as a medical professional myself, having noticed a mismatch between the demand and supply of qualified healthcare professionals, I would also like to introduce rigorous, solution-oriented, and holistic nursing and technical-based courses.This will also be the optimal and perfect synergy between healthcare and education.

How do you foresee women’s participation growing and evolving in the Indian business landscape going forward? Any advice for budding industry leaders?

India is way ahead when it comes to Women Entrepreneurship. Indian women are leading the forefront in many fields. When I went to Dubai for International Women’s Day celebrations by Forbes, I realized how lucky we are to be Indians. I saw women from different countries still fighting for basic rights. Our mindset is becoming increasingly progressive and Indian men are becoming more supportive.

My advice to all is - It's difficult, but don't give up. When you achieve your milestones, the feeling of fulfillment is unmatched, and you will be inspired to achieve many more milestones.

Sravani Chettupalli, Founder, Ayush Kids

A medical expert and educational professional, she is a purpose-driven and passionate individual striving to equip the Indian milieu with the right form of education

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