People believe that an idea creates a whole new business, but I would rather defy and say it is the grit, resilience, and determination that add up to the layer. Yes, a perfect business is an amalgamation of vision and idea, but what would you do without sheer grit and resilience? A simple belief – great ideas deserve bold execution is the path to be taken.
To talk about this firmly and in a better way, Nikita Shahri, Co- Founder of Chrome Hospitality contributes to this phase of the series for Women’s Day 2026.
One Decision That Changed My Business
Honestly, it was choosing quality over speed that changed things. There were opportunities to expand faster and scale aggressively, but I knew that if the foundation was not strong, growth would only amplify flaws. I am extremely particular about design, experience and execution. I would rather take the longer route and build something that aligns with my vision comprehensively, than rush something that feels average. That discipline shaped the identity of Chrome Hospitality more than any other marketing strategies.
The Biggest Mistake I Made as a Founder
The biggest lesson I learnt early on was that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself to prove you’re capable. Rather, it’s about knowing when to build the right support around you. Perfectionism can easily turn into over-control. I realised that building a strong team only builds standards, and in turn protects them. Letting go strategically and delegating to the right team strengths was not weakness, it was growth.
Advice I Ignored That Made Me Successful
I was advised to soften my feedback and be less direct in my opinions. I chose not to. I am honest and precise because clarity avoids confusion. In hospitality, vague communication is expensive. Being straightforward has helped me build stronger teams, clearer partnerships and better outcomes.
What I Wish Investors Understood About My Business
Hospitality is built on details. Lighting, acoustics, service flow, material selection and staff training all compound into brand equity. It is not only about projections and margins. Long term loyalty and recall are built through consistency and intention, and that value reveals itself over time.
From ‘Lady Boss’ to Just ‘Boss’: Why Labels Matter?
I do not resonate with the term “lady boss.” Leadership does not need a qualifier. When authority is prefixed with gender, it subtly suggests it is unusual. The goal is not to be impressive for a woman. The goal is to be excellent, period.
Entrepreneurship: Freedom or 24/7 Anxiety?
It is both! The freedom lies in creative control and independent decision making. The anxiety comes from responsibility. When people, payroll and reputation depend on you, there is no real switch off. You learn to not only operate with pressure but channel that energy into something better, instead of not be defined by it.
Government Schemes for Women Entrepreneurs – Are They Working?
The intent behind these schemes is encouraging, but execution determines its impact. While accessing capital can feel like the most daunting step, what truly determines a business’s growth is what you do next. That’s where mentorship becomes invaluable, not only in navigating scale, but also in building credibility and networks. It’s the difference between a practical opportunity and a truly successful venture. And in today’s time, even having access to such schemes is a powerful enabler, one that must be leveraged with clarity and responsibility.
