Cultural expectations surrounding the elderly are being challenged today, and with good reason!
While it was the norm to slow down and retreat into a quieter life post-retirement, more men and women are finding purpose and joy in doing the opposite.
WisdomCircle honours such men and women by shining light on their journey through an inspiring series called “Wisdom Stories”. These people have successfully smashed stereotypes, and their stories remind us that life should be lived to the fullest, no matter what age or stage.
My father was a part of the Police force in Uttar Pradesh and I grew up in various cities in the state. I received my postgraduate degree in Chemistry and got married in the same year. Life was wonderful, as we were blessed with two daughters. My husband got a career opportunity in Mumbai, and I spent 7 wonderful years in the city, in domestic bliss.
However, when he started his own business, we faced a series of financial setbacks. In my effort to support my family through this crisis, I started taking tuition. However, this clashed with the time I wanted to spend with my girls, who still needed me around. At that time, my sister was thinking of starting a jewellery business and wanted me to come aboard. While I was sceptical at first, I took a leap of faith. With a small team, we opened a shop, and gradually, clients started approaching us organically through word of mouth.
Once we built our house, I moved from Delhi to Gurgaon. This was a turning point, as I was faced with starting my jewellery business from scratch. At that time, I asked my daughters, who were both working with good organisations, to join the business. They agreed, and with their support, I branched out on my own. Over time, my customers followed me to Gurgaon, and I built a steady clientele.
The Jewellery business is based on building trust. As our model is completely bespoke, we spend a lot of time understanding the brief and creating pieces that are custom-made. Sometimes our clients bring us their old jewellery and request us to repurpose it. This helps them stay connected with their legacy, as well as own something of their choice. Given the nature of our approach, we make deep connections with our clients, who have continued to place their trust in us. The biggest skill is to be a good listener, and that has helped me grow my business.
My husband and my daughters have been my strength through the ups and downs. Tough situations don’t last, but tough people do. Which is why I wouldn’t want to change anything. I accept every challenge that comes my way.
I love meeting people, and these interactions give me the energy and confidence to have a balanced work and personal life. My husband and I have made a pact to continue working till we can, with a view to live our lives to the fullest and travel around the world.
My message to the wisdom generation is to keep busy, cultivate hobbies, meet people, and travel as much as you can. Life is what you make it out to be in every stage.
Bubli Sethi
Interview and photograph credits: Saonli Sen Choudhury of WisdomCircle
