Hema is an entrepreneur, who started her own wedding cards and packaging business in 2013 under the name of HN Invitations. With a dedicated showroom on VIP Road, Siripuram, she has lived in Vizag for over 30 years. Married to Mangalagiri Sudarsan Swamy. She has two children who are happily married and two beautiful grandchildren.

Profession: 
Entrepreneur

Hobbies and Interests:
Cooking, Reading and Watching TV

Education: 
She went to school in Delhi and graduated from the Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai (also known as Dadar Catering College)

Achievements:
After my graduation I got a chance to work with the Taj Group at the prestigious Taj Hotel, Mumbai as a management trainee for 2 years. Post which when I moved to the US, I also had the opportunity to work with renowned players in the Hospitality and F&B industry such as the Holiday Inn Group and KFC

Key to success: 
Hard Work - I give my 110% to all my tasks

Inspiration: 
I have been inspired by a whole range of women and men. In my journey as a professional, mother and entrepreneur I have interacted closely with many individuals who have done a fair bit to make an impact and better the world. What I have always found amazing is that the greatest people have also been the most humble. That, and the quest to learn are two traits I really admire.

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Struggles: 
The wedding cards/boxes/gifting sector is extremely personalised. Maintaining timelines for deliverables is a big struggle. There is a lot of excitement about these cards and often the designs/ wordings keep changing till the last minute. This makes on-time delivery a tad bit tough. But we at HN believe in overcoming struggles with utmost grace and ensure that customers get the cards they love, smack on time.

Thoughts on Women’s Life: 
Sharing a quote that I feel all women must take inspiration from – “If you don’t spread your wings, you will not discover how far you can fly”- All women are capable of doing much more than they themselves imagine.

 Advice to women: 
Do not let what others say about you and your work pull you down or deter you from the path you choose. “Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise let it roll right off you.” – Hillary Clinton

Crimes against women have increased in recent times. What would you say about that?
Violence against women is not cultural its criminal. We need to educate our children as a change in mindset cannot be brought overnight; it needs to be cultivated right from the start.

Favourite Book: 
The 40 Rules of love (By Elif Shafak)

Where do you aim to see yourself in the next five years?
I have always dedicated myself towards every task I take up. I see myself working with the same perseverance and dedication for the coming five years with a more promising attitude both on the professional as well as the personal front.

 What are your thoughts about feminism?
Feminism is simply an advocacy for women to be heard, protected, supported, and allowed equal opportunities to make their own impact as much as they can. It is not a battle line drawn against men or an avenue to discriminate. It’s a balanced equation!

Message to Hello Vizag readers
Having seen the world come to a standstill by adventurous microorganisms gone astray, I hope the humanity in each one of us, has had enough space and time to cultivate a handful of vibrant realisations including appreciation for small joys, expressing ourselves to our loved ones and respect for nature. Wishing you the best of health, and let’s face it all with sparkling spirits.