Biography of Riya Shah: Founder and CEO of Easy Puja- Entrepreneur
Biography of Riya Shah:
Early Life and Education
Riya Shah grew up in a family where entrepreneurial spirit
was a part of daily life. Her father was involved in the chemical manufacturing
business, which inspired her to pursue her own path in entrepreneurship. After
completing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from HL College of
Commerce in Ahmedabad, she decided to further her education in
entrepreneurship. With her father’s encouragement, Riya enrolled at the
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) to pursue an MBA in
Entrepreneurship.
A Moment of Inspiration
Riya’s entrepreneurial journey began in a moment of personal
tragedy. While studying at EDII, she experienced the sorrow of a friend who
faced immense difficulty arranging rituals after the passing of a relative. The
family had recently moved from Mumbai to Ahmedabad and had no local contacts to
help them with the necessary religious ceremonies. Witnessing their struggle
sparked an idea in Riya: she realized that many families, especially those who
migrate, often face similar challenges.
Identifying a Need
This painful experience highlighted a significant gap in the
market for services that could simplify the planning and execution of religious
rituals. Riya envisioned a solution that would alleviate the stress of
organizing these ceremonies, leading her to the concept of Easy Puja, an online
platform where people could book priests and related services conveniently.
Building Easy Puja
In 2015, Riya launched Easy Puja, aiming to bring the
services of priests and ritual experts directly to people’s doorsteps. She
began her venture by conducting thorough research on Hindu Vedic practices and
compiling a database of qualified priests, astrologers, and consultants. Her
goal was to create a trustworthy platform that would cater to all communities,
ensuring that clients would not have to worry about arranging materials or
coordinating logistics for their rituals.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Establishing Easy Puja was not without its challenges. Riya
faced skepticism from both potential customers and priests. Many pundits were
doubtful about the viability of her idea, questioning how an online service
could work in such a traditional field. Despite the skepticism, Riya persisted,
believing firmly in her research and the demand for such services.
Gaining Trust and Building Relationships
To build her business, Riya focused on establishing strong
relationships with both clients and priests. She personally visited temples and
engaged with various pundits to explain her vision and the benefits of joining
her platform. Over time, her dedication paid off, and she built a network of
respected priests who understood the importance of adapting to modern needs.
Expanding Service Offerings
As Easy Puja grew, Riya didn’t shy away from entering more
sensitive areas of ritual services, such as those related to death. Many people
advised her against this, fearing it could bring bad luck. However, Riya was
resolute; she understood the trauma families experienced during such times and
felt compelled to provide support. Her willingness to embrace this sensitive
area showcased her commitment to helping others.
Biography of Riya Shah: Founder and CEO of Easy Puja- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/booking priests and related services/Easy Puja story/Riya S
The Importance of Mentorship
Throughout her journey, Riya found immense support from her
mentors at EDII. Their guidance helped her navigate challenges and refine her
business strategies. Gradually, her family also began to recognize her
entrepreneurial potential, providing encouragement as she pursued her dream.
Riya often worked long hours, dedicating herself fully to her business while also
managing her personal life.
Breaking Barriers as a Woman Entrepreneur
Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field
presented its own set of challenges. Riya often faced societal expectations and
safety concerns, particularly when working late at night. However, she refused
to let these obstacles deter her. Instead, she aimed to set an example that
women could excel in unconventional roles and undertake any challenges with
confidence.
Achievements and Growth
Riya’s hard work and perseverance led to significant growth
for Easy Puja. Her efforts resulted in a turnover of approximately Rs. 35
lakhs. She established a reputation for reliability and quality service, earning
the trust of her clients. Her success story became an inspiration for many
aspiring female entrepreneurs, showing that with determination, one can break
through barriers.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Riya has ambitious plans for Easy Puja. She
envisions offering online puja services that allow families to participate in
rituals remotely, using video conferencing technology. Additionally, she is
working on developing a mobile app to make her services even more accessible.
Her ultimate goal is to capture a larger market share, expanding the reach of
Easy Puja’s convenient offerings.
A Journey of Resilience
Riya Shah’s journey has been marked by resilience and
innovation. She faced numerous doubts and obstacles, yet she remained steadfast
in her mission to provide a valuable service to families. Her success is a
testament to her determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to
making a difference in the lives of others.
A Bright Future Ahead
Today, Riya Shah stands as a successful entrepreneur with a
thriving business, Easy Puja, which is listed among verified companies on Trade
India. Her story not only highlights her achievements but also serves as an
encouragement to others, particularly women, to pursue their dreams and
redefine societal norms. Riya’s journey continues, and she is poised to make an
even greater impact in the industry.
A timeline for Riya Shah’s journey:
Early Life - Grows up in an entrepreneurial family; inspired
by her father's business.
2008-2011 - Completes a Bachelor’s degree in Business
Administration at HL College of Commerce in Ahmedabad.
2011-2013 - Pursues an MBA in Entrepreneurship at the
Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII).
2013 - Experiences a friend's struggle with religious
rituals, sparking her entrepreneurial idea.
2015 - Launches Easy Puja, an online platform for booking
priests and related services.
2015-2016 - Faces initial skepticism and builds trust with
clients and priests through personal outreach.
2016 - Expands service offerings to include sensitive
rituals, such as those related to death.
2018 - Achieves a turnover of approximately Rs. 35 lakhs,
establishing Easy Puja's reputation.
2024 - Plans to introduce remote puja services via video
conferencing and develop a mobile app.
Ongoing - Continues to inspire aspiring female entrepreneurs
and aims to make a larger impact in the industry.
