Anu Chadha is a delightfully upbeat entrepreneur who sits down with Amy to discuss her most remarkable life and career. Her message of empowerment and positivity and her indomitable “can do” attitude will leave you inspired.

 

Anu attended school in the northern part of India at Sacred Heart College where she studied psychology and English. When she finished there, she was just 18 1/2 years old and wasn’t sure what she might be able to do with the education she had received to that point. She decided to go to Delhi. There she took a 9 month secretarial course to prepare her for a what seemed to an inexperienced young Anu to be a practical job. It was the late 70’s, and she was still thinking about what direction she might take with her life when her parents intervened.

 

She was then nearly 20, and in her culture, it was time for her to marry. After a short two-month courtship, it was arranged she would be wed to a man from a well-to-do family. Her brief courtship and social mores disallowed her from learning much about her fiancé prior to their vows. This was unfortunate. He turned out to be an alcoholic and prone to violent outbursts. She endured 12 years with him in all, but because she by then had two young daughters, she felt she couldn’t leave the abusive situation. Intimidated by her husband and his parents, she stayed in the union until she finally found the courage to take her children and return to her parents. Although she didn’t know how they would react, she determined through prayer that she would go and ask for their help.

 

She found they were supportive, and they took in the family of 3. They advised her to find work and they would look after the children. She was ready and willing to do this, but she still had no past work experience to show. Luckily a member of her extended family ran a textile business, so she went there, not knowing what she could possibly do. Undaunted, for 6 months she was a focused observer. She also made friends with the buyers and the customers during this learning period. Her knowledge of English was very helpful, but her genuine and friendly approach proved her greatest asset.

 

She continued eagerly to demonstrate she was up to any work assigned to her. She set about cementing that impression in the minds of everyone she interacted with. She made herself indispensable, and little by little, she learned the textile business from top to bottom.

As her confidence grew, and she proved her value to the business, she knew what she wanted her permanent assignment to be. She wanted to travel overseas as the business’ product representative. She had not only proven her worth to the company by then, but she also had proven it to herself.

 

In 2004, Anu made her first career pivot. The company was moving the plant to the outskirts of town. This involved a 2 hour commute each way on public transport for her. Anu would rarely see her children if she stayed on. As she thought about what to do, fate once more stepped in to guide her. As always, the universe had her back.

She was in Delhi for work when she met a Danish man, also in the textile business. He told her he was looking for someone to help him expand his company in India. She took this as a much-needed sign and gladly agreed to this big new job which involved going out on her own. For 2 years she worked with him and after that time, he told her he was having health issues. He said he needed to retire and intended slowly to shut down his business. Again, Anu faced a dilemma. What would she do now?

 

In January 2004, she was on a business trip to Norway. She happened into a shop and saw some exceptional Indian made merchandise there. She bought a few samples, and decided she wanted to make contact with the buyer who had sold the items to the shop. The salesperson gave her the number, and the next day she was able to make the contact. As Anu explained who she was and her interest in the samples, she discovered the person on the other end of the line was someone she had worked with for over a decade at her first job. Fortuitously, that phone meeting began a whole new association and the growth of Anu’s business.

 

That business today, 3A Clothing Company, is housed in a 12,000 square foot factory where Anu hires and mentors her many female factory workers. She and her company have won numerous awards for their ethical practices and leadership in the fashion industry. Anu is a sought after speaker and shares her philosophy liberally with Amy throughout today’s discussion. Most remarkable in Anu’s story is that she built her business without any help. She will convince you that you can also meet your goals with some simple practices. Her incredible work ethic, grit and belief in karma make this an interesting and inspiring story that will help inspire you in your career journey.  

 

Topics in this episode:

• How to make the most of on the job training
• How you empower others along the way and how those efforts later return to you
• The critical importance of building a networking habit
• How determination and positivity will drive your towards your goal
• Using meditation to stay balanced
• Inspirational Quote: “Don’t be jealous of the success of others. It destroys you. Be happy for others, but in your heart say, ‘I want you to do well, but I want to do it better.’”

Links: 3Aclothing – 3Aclothing