Aparna Venkataraman
Aparna Venkataraman tells us that, “I have been supporting parents and children for the past 20 years in their stress relief in various schools, non-profit organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, United Way and in children’s hospitals with children with life-threatening illnesses. I’ve always felt drawn to be a caregiver and, after studying Psychology, Child Development & Neuroscience, understanding the connection between behavior and connection. I’m honored to support parents, caregivers and children worldwide through personalized coaching and mindfulness now!”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I was a very premature baby, always felt different from others and grew up developing much anxiety, depression and dealing with bullying from friends and family and being labeled as “too sensitive” and “weird” – I had quite a stressful, emotional childhood and so my studies of child development and family connection supported me in understanding the human mind. Once I learned the best ways to enjoy my friendships, it brought out the fun, humorous and joyful side of me – also, volunteering in my teen years and finding creative hobbies like dance, piano and art helped tremendously. Mentors helped me in many ways to remember who I was as a human being and to keep moving forward towards my goals and to lower my expectations.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
I went through a big period of transition after my last 9-5 job as a preschool teacher where I traveled, moved cities and recognized that if I wanted to start supporting and empowering families worldwide with all the skills I have gained, I needed to have a purpose and mission – that is where my business coach empowered me to do what I wanted to do in the WAYS that I wanted to impact families – if you find ways to motivate yourself daily in your business initiative and keep things heart-centered in your work and relationships, that is everything!
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
I am so LIT UP about empowering mothers in creating easier daily routines so that they can truly work on these 5 areas that help them to feel more connected to themselves and their families: self-care (including mindfulness), effective communication, emotions, family celebration and the bigger picture – our mindset about life and family is everything that helps us to keep going!
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I am always honored to celebrate 20 years empowering 1000’s of families – and also being a member of NAEYC – the National Association for the Education of Young Children – I now also partner with major celebrities in their initiatives for family wellness and financial literacy for children and that is a huge honor to be a part of wonderful communities!
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I believe that if we all take some time each day (even for a minute) to work on our levels of calm and mental health through mindfulness and something that connects us back to ourselves, this world would feel like an EASIER place. Entrepreneurs, I hope you have a vision, steps and partner with others who can support and empower you in your wonderful work – finding likeminded individuals within my parent coaching, mindfulness and essential oil communities has been a gamechanger in learning that I don’t have to do it all by myself!
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women leaders of all ages inspire me these days – we have so many gifts, talents and things to say – I encourage and empower you to keep asking for what you need the most in your work and life!
What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Keep developing your passions, talents and taking time to build community, enjoy your self care and recognize your needs as a leader and woman.