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May, 04 2015

“Nothing better than being your own boss”

On the occasion of women's day this year, Subway opened its 500th store in Andheri, Mumbai. One thing that makes this store even more special is the fact that it will be run by two female budding entrepreneurs and friends from Mumbai.

Just ten days after taking charge, vivacious and zealous Subway franchisees, Rinku Bathla Agarwal and Nidhi Maheshwari spoke to TFW's Ekta Sharma Verma about their fears, challenges, aspirations and more.

What all you both have been doing before taking franchise rights for Subway?

Rinku: I was a telecom and financial services professional with companies like HDFC, HSBC etc, then a full time mom and now an entrepreneur. I believe there is nothing better than being your own boss.

Nidhi: I have 18+ years of rich experience in marketing and other domains in companies like Grant Thornton, Xerox Corporation etc. We both decided to take entrepreneurship and face its challenges and enjoy the task together.

What it takes to be a successful franchise?

Nidhi: Passion, self belief is most important and one has to be extremely hard working.

Rinku: Don't just look at the fancy side of things. Be involved in the work you take up with complete zeal.

So, what was the most challenging part as a budding woman entrepreneur?

Rinku: In QSR sector, staffing is a challenge. Also, dealing with people on a day-to-day basis but then we learnt a lot in this part too.

Nidhi: Being an entrepreneur, you have to specialise in every aspect. Be it finance, marketing, staffing, and looking at little things. Initial six months for a starter are challenging but you have to work hard, prove yourself and be an inspiration for your staff and others.

Best thing about your franchisor.

Rinku: Subway has been very supportive in every aspect. The best part about being associated with Subway is you don't have to explain the customer anything about Subway. They already know it all.

Nidhi: Subway provides perfect handholding to its franchisees. We have so much freedom and support. It is best of both the worlds at Subway.

Any advice to budding women entrepreneurs.

Rinku: Be what you aspire to be. Work hard for your goal. There were days when we had spent 18-20 hours at work, learning things and other management. But felt great after the task was finished. So, becoming an entrepreneur and giving 100 per cent to the work gives immense satisfaction.

Nidhi: It is very important to follow your dreams. Associate with an established brand and you don't have to worry about anything. You can multi-task with so much of support provided.

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