Founder in the Chair

What happens when the business you built to make money becomes the thing that costs you time with your child?

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar sits down with Shivani Thakur, founder of Elite Laser and Beauty, who started her business at 21 and has spent the last decade building it while raising her son as a single mum.

Shivani went back to work two weeks after a caesarean and rebuilt her entire clientele from her parents' outhouse, with her parents stepping in to help raise her son. She talks openly about what that season cost her, the healing she has done since her divorce, and why she now thinks about an exit every day.

In this episode, you'll hear about:
- Why Shivani doesn't recommend starting a business as a new mum
- Rebuilding from scratch with a newborn, and the village that made it possible
- The breakthrough after her divorce: "I should have left for me"
- How her circle changed once she started setting boundaries
- Going from a team of 11 to a team of 3, and why smaller has been better
- Late cancellations and clients who don't see your business as a business
- Planning an exit, and what comes next: content, community and life coaching

Whether you're a parent building something of your own, a founder in the beauty industry, or someone rebuilding after a hard chapter, this conversation is an honest look at what it takes and what it costs.

🔗 Connect with Shivani Thakur & Elite Laser and Beauty
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeofshivanii
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeofshivanii
📸 Elite Laser and Beauty on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elite.laserbeauty
🎵 Elite Laser and Beauty on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elite.laserbeauty
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ShivaniElite

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GPumu-M7c3A

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

If you have a story to share and would like to be a Founder in the Chair, apply here:
https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.  

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at [email protected]

At just 15 years old, Parm Elkington ran away from home. By 17, she had entered an arranged marriage - beginning a journey shaped by cultural expectations, conformity and the pressure to follow a path chosen for her.

After almost 10 years of marriage, Parm made the difficult decision to walk away and rebuild her life on her own terms.

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Parm speaks openly about divorce within the South Asian community, reconnecting with her identity and finding the confidence to make her own choices.

She also shares how the unexpected end of her corporate career led her towards entrepreneurship, building a travel-based network marketing business and creating a community that encourages women to pursue greater independence.

Parm isn’t telling her story from the top of the mountain. She is still building, learning and growing - openly sharing what life in the middle of the climb really looks like.

In this episode:

• Running away from home at 15
• Entering an arranged marriage at 17
• Walking away after almost 10 years
• Navigating divorce and South Asian cultural expectations
• Rebuilding her relationship with her parents
• Starting again after losing her corporate career
• The truth about network marketing
• Why every woman should have a Plan B
• Helping South Asian women create greater independence
• Building something her children can inherit

Watch the full episode on YouTube now: https://youtu.be/Q3BZ5GMjC6U

Connect with Parm Elkington ↓

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamparmelkington/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQT1gCX9c/

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parmelkington

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@iamparmelkington

Would you like to share your story on Founder in the Chair?

Apply to become a guest ↓
https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.  

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at [email protected]

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena speaks with award-winning independent filmmaker Ajit Mann about turning pain into powerful South Asian stories.

Ajit shares how he overcame financial struggles, career setbacks, the pandemic and the heartbreaking loss of his father before finally stopping waiting for permission and creating his own films.

His latest short film, Dukh, confronts generational trauma, casteism, toxic masculinity and domestic abuse within Punjabi families. Ajit discusses the risks involved in telling such a sensitive story, screening the film at New Scotland Yard and the emotional moment survivors told him: “I felt seen and heard.”

They also explore the realities of independent filmmaking, breaking generational cycles and why aspiring filmmakers don’t need expensive equipment or a university degree to get started.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/PcQ9A0uiWFw

Watch Dukh for free:

🎬 Indie Crib: https://indiecrib.com/watch/66f76cc4-2dcc-424a-be34-72cb3a09f4c1

Support Ajit’s London Marathon fundraiser for Myeloma UK:

🏃 Fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ajit-mann

Connect with Ajit Mann:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajitmannfilmmaker/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajitveer-mann-835794136/

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mandkfilms

Would you like to share your own story on Founder in the Chair?

Apply to become a guest:

🎙️ Guest application: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.  

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at [email protected]

What if the way you parent isn’t coming from your own beliefs, but from patterns you inherited?

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena speaks with Su Pattni, founder of The Recoded Woman and a neuroscience coach with over 25 years of experience in personal development.

After becoming a mother, Su began recognising the beliefs and behaviours she had unconsciously inherited from previous generations. She realised that unless she addressed them, those same patterns could be passed on to her daughter.

Su shares how women can identify their conditioning, reconnect with their own values and create healthier relationships with their children - without blaming the generations that came before them.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How inherited patterns influence the way we parent
• Recognising when a belief isn’t truly your own
• Breaking generational cycles without blaming your mother
• Teaching children boundaries, autonomy and self-worth
• Why changing yourself can transform the whole family dynamic
• Su’s experience helping coordinate Tony Robbins’ first event in Mumbai
• How Su helps women through her 12-week programme

Connect with Su Pattni:

🌐 Website: https://www.supattni.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/su_pattni_neurosciencecoach/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@su.pattni

Interested in sharing your founder story?

🎙️ Apply to be a guest: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej

If Su’s story resonates with you, share this episode with someone who may need to hear it.

Subscribe to Founder in the Chair for more honest conversations about entrepreneurship, adversity and the stories behind the success.

#FounderInTheChair #GenerationalPatterns #PersonalDevelopment

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.  

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at [email protected]

In this deeply personal episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena sits down with Navraj Dhesi - co-founder of Nekta Drinks and founder of No More Pretending.

Navraj shares his journey from alcohol dependency and suicidal thoughts at the age of 29 to achieving 14 years of sobriety. He opens up about reaching rock bottom, the reality of recovery and the often-overlooked impact addiction has on the entire family.

The conversation also explores the stigma surrounding alcohol harm within Punjabi and wider South Asian communities, and why more honest conversations are desperately needed.

Navraj explains how his lived experience inspired him to co-found Nekta - an alcohol-free drink designed to stand on its own rather than imitate alcohol - and establish No More Pretending, an organisation supporting families and communities affected by alcohol-related harm.

He also discusses the reality of building a purpose-led business alongside a full-time cybersecurity career, recovery and family life - and why no successful founder is ever truly self-made.

In this episode:

•  Navraj’s journey from alcohol dependency to 14 years sober 
•  The hidden impact of addiction on families 
•  Alcohol stigma within South Asian communities 
•  Turning lived experience into a mission to help others 
•  Creating an alcohol-free drink that doesn’t imitate alcohol 
•  Building a purpose-led brand alongside work and family 
•  Why every founder needs a strong support network 

Connect with Nekta

Website: https://www.nektadrinks.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nekta.drinks/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nekta.drinks

Connect with No More Pretending

Website: https://www.nomorepretending.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-more-pretending
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomore_pretending/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nomore_pretending

Content note: This episode contains discussions of alcohol dependency, addiction and suicidal thoughts.

Interested in joining Veena on Founder in the Chair?

If you’re a founder with an honest story, valuable lessons and experiences that could inspire others, apply to become a guest:

https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.  

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at [email protected]

From completing paper rounds at 12 years old to building an award-winning seven-figure performance marketing agency, Rick Parmar’s journey proves that where you start does not determine where you finish.

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena speaks with the founder of Disturb Digital about growing up on a council estate in northwest London, how his early work experiences shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and why corporate life eventually left him feeling creatively restricted.

Rick shares practical lessons on generating sales, choosing the right business idea and building a complete digital marketing strategy. He also explains why relying solely on word of mouth or organic social media can limit growth - and why founders should test their ideas before spending months perfecting logos and branding.

In this episode:

• How Rick went from paper rounds to a seven-figure agency
• Why he walked away from corporate life
• The marketing mistakes holding businesses back
• How to choose a business that matches your interests and talents
• Why speed and customer feedback matter more than perfect branding

Connect with Rick Parmar:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rick.parmar/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rickparmar
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickparmar/

Connect with Disturb Digital:
🌐 Website: https://disturbdigital.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disturbdigital/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@disturbdigital
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disturb-digital/

Interested in sharing your founder story?

🎙️ Apply to join Founder in the Chair:
https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/iqPeXVNcnhRFtNFeyTej

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.  

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at [email protected]

Who would have thought that a simple roti could change someone’s life?

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena Nayyar sits down with Sophia Choudry, founder of Rotibox, to uncover the story behind a product that many people initially laughed at.

Sophia shares the reality of spending four years developing her idea, pushing through doubt and rejection, and remaining committed to a vision that others couldn’t yet see. They discuss the challenges of product development, the resilience required to build something from scratch and what it takes to keep believing when success is far from guaranteed.

This is an honest and inspiring conversation about innovation, perseverance and turning a seemingly simple idea into a business with the potential to change lives.

Connect with Sophia and discover Rotibox:

🌐 Sophia’s Website: https://sophiakchoudry.com
🌐 Rotibox Website: https://rotibox.co.uk
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-k-choudry/
📸 Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophia.k.choudry/
📸 Rotibox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rotiboxofficial/
📘 Rotibox Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rotiboxofficial/
🎵 Rotibox TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rotiboxofficial

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.  

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at [email protected]

What happens when life forces you to stop, walk away, and truly listen to yourself?

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena Nayyar is joined by Sonali, founder of Lilac Rose Designs - a brand identity strategist who blends deep strategy with intuition, alignment, and self-trust.

Sonali’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning how to trust herself again - not just in business, but in life. Through loss, healing, and deep inner work, she rebuilt her confidence and created a business that reflects who she truly is.

Episode Highlights

• Walking away from a wedding the day before - and choosing herself
• Navigating grief, loss, and healing after a stillbirth
• How intuition and inner work reshaped her confidence and boundaries
• Why branding starts with identity, not logos or visuals
• Helping women stop shrinking and show up aligned and empowered
• Building a business rooted in self-trust, truth, and lived experience

This conversation is a powerful reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, you can take back control, trust yourself again, and build a life and business that truly reflects who you are.

Connect with Sonali:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilacrosedesignsuk
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilacrosedesignsuk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonali-tank-lilac-rose-designs
Website: https://www.lilacrosedesigns.co.uk

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.  

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at [email protected]

What makes a home feel calm, timeless, and truly personal?

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar sits down with London-based interior designer Shivli Marothia, founder of Shivli Marothia Interiors, to explore what thoughtful design really means beyond trends, Pinterest boards, and quick fixes.

Shivli shares her journey into interior design after becoming a mother, why intention matters more than excitement when renovating, and how designers and clients must build mutual respect for successful projects. She also explains why not every project is the right fit - and why saying no can be just as important as saying yes.

This conversation is a must-listen for homeowners, creatives, and founders who believe that spaces should support real life, not just look good online.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why great interior design starts with intention, not trends
• The biggest mistakes people make when renovating their homes
• Why excitement can lead to costly design decisions
• The importance of trust between designer and client
• How to create spaces that feel calm, balanced, and lived in
• Advice for women building businesses while raising families

🎧 Listen now and discover how design can bring beauty, ease, and meaning into everyday life.

Connect with Shivli Marothia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivlimarothiainteriors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4to311S9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivli-marothia-5a3276275

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.  

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at [email protected]

What if your home could think, adapt, and work around your life - not the other way around?

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar sits down with Mandy, founder of Akea Homes, to explore a journey that began over a decade ago in India and evolved into a bold vision for modern living in London.

From commercial and residential real estate to smart automation, interior design, and hospitality-led thinking, Mandy shares how one small frustration sparked a business built around people, purpose, and smarter spaces. Together, they unpack what it really means to design homes that serve human life — not just technology.

This conversation goes beyond property and AI. It’s about resilience, mindset, meditation, and the discipline required to keep going when expectations are high and the pressure builds.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Building a founder journey across countries and cultures
• Why smart homes should be human-first, not tech-first
• The role of meditation and spirituality in leadership
• Designing homes, hotels, and spaces that truly work for people
• How vision, discipline, and purpose shape long-term success

Whether you’re a founder, creative, or someone curious about the future of living, this episode offers insight, perspective, and grounded inspiration.

🔗 Connect with Mandy & Akea Homes

🌐 Website: https://www.akeahomes.co.uk
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akeahomes
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@akeahomes
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/akea-homes

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.  

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at [email protected]