Leaders

Real estate is a tough business. But for entrepreneur Shruti Kaura, Founder, Veohm Real Estate Development, success in the industry came organically. Starting out from a single plot of land, she was able to expand to multiple spectacular and profitable projects, in a short time span. This upward growth trajectory has been a culmination of Shruti's vision, her refined creative energy, along with her quest for quality. With an intrinsic penchant for the pursuit of excellence, she creates living spaces that not only bring comfort and joy, but also blend nature into daily life.

Her childhood was influenced by the time spent amidst nature and owing to early involvement in the textile industry, she developed a keen sense for design, aesthetics and creativity. Amalgamating these early influences along with business acumen acquired throughout her early years, Shruthi has carved a niche for Veohm in the rather cluttered Indian real estate space.

In a candid interview with the women entrepreneur team, Shruthi gives us a peek into the makings of a successful entrepreneur and her life beyond work. Here are excerpts from the conversation.

Introduce us to Veohm real estate development. What is the underlying philosophy behind the company and its projects?

Back in 2004, we decided to establish Veohm to create natural and fluid living spaces amidst a balance of light, ventilation and greenery and homes that offer not just warmth and solace, but also proximity to nature and its soothing effects. Today, Veohm is a brand to reckon with.

Veohm's philosophy is based on architectural excellence, with a healthy dose of heart, air, light and nature's bounty. We place a huge emphasis on personalized inputs for each and every project, and personally get involved with every aspect of design and choice of materials. Our choice of quality over quantity, with an output of two projects a year ensures that we give each project the required time, effort expertise, and the inimitable Veohm touch.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience. What motivated you to venture into real estate industry as an entrepreneur?

I earned a bachelor's degree in commerce initially, after which I went on to study Textile Design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Delhi, where I received the President's Award for academic excellence.

I grew up in a family where business was a part of life by default. My father is a well-known tea planter, and my mother is an established textile exporter. A childhood spent on tea estates resulted in a profound affinity to nature and the beauty of the outdoors. As a result of my early involvement in the textiles sector, I developed a keen sense of design, aesthetics, and creativity. And it was through exposure to both areas that I was able to develop a stable, solid foundation in entrepreneurship.

I started out in the clothing industry, exporting to some of Europe's top most brands. Working with amazing designers from all over the world, particularly in Europe, and creating products for some of the world's top international designer has taught me a lot about design, colours, and quality. Following that, I entered the real estate business, as my father had anticipated, and it was rather easy for me to manage both the business and my family commitments.

What roles and responsibilities you currently shoulder at veohm real estate development. What challenges came your way?

My main contributions at Veohm are towards design and marketing. I am a designer with a strong sense of colour and design, and I can envision the final product even before it is finalized. I'm also in charge of discovering appropriate and cost-effective resources. Because the sector is always evolving, resource discovery is critical to our success. Relationship management at Veohm is also my responsibility.

How has your journey been as a business leader so far? How do you keep yourself updated with the evolutions that keep happening within industry?

My initial venture into the world of real estate began with a small plot of land. Though there were several obstacles, I overcame them and subsequently sold it for ten times the money I bought it for. This early success led to several more projects that were larger and more challenging, which resulted in a lot more success and recognition for me. Even during the demonetization phase, when no one else was selling, I was selling four to five apartments per month, which I consider as a major milestone.

I usually attend webinars related to the industry to keep up with the changes and new developments in the market. I've subscribed for a few web platforms and magazines that cover news related to my field. Interacting with individuals, lawyers, and channel partners, on the other hand, gives me a strong sense of what's going on in the sector and helps me locate exhibitions.

“I am a designer with a strong sense of colour and design, and i can envision the final product even before it is finalized”

How do you balance between professional and personal life? What activities you indulge in when time permits? What would you advice women who aspire to become business leaders & entrepreneurs?

My professional life did not present me with any difficulties, but my personal life did. Looking after my children, home, and my business at the same time was a challenge. My son had asthma when I started the real estate business, which made things difficult for me. There have been instances when I had to miss PTA meetings in order to attend key office meetings, and there have also been times when I had to miss a few work meetings in order to attend my children's school functions. End of the day, my multitasking ability aided me in achieving my goals.

For the past 18 years, I've been studying astrology. During the lockdown, I took deeper interest in astrological courses. I'm also an ardent believer and student of old Indian scriptures. I take gita and Ramayan classes to keep me engaged. Our Vedic literature and culture have always piqued my interest. I'm also a fitness freak.

My advice to every young woman is to pursue their passion because that is when they will excel. Don't make assumptions, such as thinking that a particular filed is only for men and not for women. Every girl, in my opinion, should follow her ambitions and do what she enjoys.

Shruti Kaura, Founder, Veohm Real Estate Development

Shruti Kaura is the visionary and inspiration behind Veohm An extraordinary woman entrepreneur, with not only a penchant for excellence but also a refined creative spirit to match. She has built Veohm from strength to strength, owing to her unique vision; to create exceptional living spaces that are a harmonious blend of comfort, joy and nature, homes that are a little slice of paradise in the buzz of our daily lives.