BLOG_2017_06_07_MEET SHRUTI

MEET SHRUTI...

07 June 2017

Shruti Shah

The LEAP Network salutes Shruti Shah.


Shruti is the co-founder of Arama, a senior citizens care and recreational facility in Nairobi, Kenya. Shruti has a big heart and big dreams to impact the lives of the people most tend to dismiss or even forget about in society.

1. Why did you name your business Arama?

We liked the sound of it and it has a beautiful meaning. Arama is a multifaceted word - in Maori it means SPRING and in Hindi and Gujarati, the word ARAM means RELAXATION. We intend to set up the Arama Centre with this in mind - to provide the feeling of spring and renewal in a relaxing, calm environment.

2. You are an actuary; running a senior care centre isn’t a natural career progression for an actuary. How did that happen?

Once an actuary, always an actuary! Well, the change in career isn’t as drastic as it may seem. I’ve spent most of my actuarial career working within the pensions and social security arena. So even though the shift isn’t a natural progression, there is some connection. We founded Arama because we identified a gap in the market - a gap that keeps growing and is likely to grow even bigger with the changing demographics. We felt that whilst Nairobi is abuzz with new restaurants, events and things to do, and lots of new creative ways to entertain little children, senior care services and senior entertainment are scarce and difficult to find. Most seniors are heavily dependent on family and staff members and in terms of entertainment, most depend on what their community offers. We feel passionate about this cause and believe that it is possible to improve the status quo of our senior citizens.

3. You have always been drawn to charity and giving back to the community, why do you think it is important?

I’ve always felt fortunate that I’ve been born into a comfortable setting – we’ve always had enough food in our pantry and fridge, running water, a warm cozy bed and a stable roof over our heads. I was lucky that my parents had ensured they had sufficient savings for my education and have supported me throughout. As we were growing up, my parents made a deliberate effort to remind us that there are people out there who aren’t as lucky as we are. The mama mbogas and askaris, of this world, and those with fewer privileges than them.They also reminded us that we could make small changes in our lives which would make massive differences to others e.g. instead of going out for dinner one evening we could buy a month’s supply of groceries for our nanny.

4. Why do you think geriatric care isn’t something that people talk or even think about in Kenya?

As Kenyans we still depend on the traditional forms of social protection: we take care of our children and grandchildren and once they are able enough they take care of parents, parents-in-law, grandparents and spouses – it’s almost like a full circle. Whilst this would be great in an ideal world, often it is not possible – changes in family structures, people moving abroad, busy work and social schedules makes it more difficult. In addition, our life expectancy was generally not that long but now people are living longer – globally and even in Kenya. So there is a need to start thinking about geriatric care.

5. What differentiates Arama from other senior care centres in Kenya?

Arama aims to offer a convenient, secure and homely environment for seniors to come spend a few hours, a few days or the rest of their lives. One of our biggest differences is our flexible service offering – we cater our service to the individual’s needs, circumstances and preferences – from food, activities, type and level of care.

6. How soon will Arama open and where will it be located?

Arama’s first centre is based in Westlands and we’re hoping to raise the curtains by August 2017.

7. What are your biggest hopes for Arama?

We would love to expand and have centres in various geographic locations. Eventually, the aim is to build an Arama Retirement Village – which would encompass various facilities. The biggest hope is to help every Kenyan age gracefully and with dignity.

8. What are some of the things that you have learned in the process of setting up the business?

We’ve learnt the A.B.C: Assume nothing Believe no one – make sure you get everything in writing! Check everything. Patience and perseverance are also key tenets which we’ve developed.

9. How do you intend to go about your marketing?

We’re in the process of setting up our website and social media sites and will use these for online marketing. We may also consider some traditional forms of marketing – newspaper adverts etc. However, initially we will be reliant on the most traditional form of marketing ever – word of mouth.

10. What is your advice to entrepreneurs more interested in running a social enterprise as opposed to conventional for-profit corporations?

Take the LEAP! If you feel like you’ve got a great idea for a social enterprise/social impact business – do it! There are lots of different programmes and funds who would support you and guide you. Renee has also been really helpful in guiding us.  So don’t be afraid – believe in your idea and do it! It’s never too late!

Subscribe to My Newsletter

 

BLOGS

Discovering Your Business Niche: Unleashing the Path to Success

5 Tips on How to Generate Business Ideas

You were meant to be REAL, not perfect!

Entrepreneur vs Hobbyist: Understanding the Difference

Brilliant Persistence!

Learning to Live with (and Love) Yourself

5 Benefits of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Taking Stock

The Power (and Benefits) of Mental Discipline

7 Techniques for Building Unshakable Self-Discipline

Go! Go! Go... on a Break!

10 Steps that go Beyond Smart Goals

Top Ten CREATIVE Decision-Making Techniques

10 Behaviors that BLOCK Happiness

Top 10 Signs of Strength

How's Your Joy Level at Work?

Are you Living in Sync with Your Values

Top Ten Powerful Questions to Ask

Looking Back to the Future

Organize Yourself for Success

Is Not Getting Enough Sleep Getting in Your Way?

Listening Practices: TIPS & TRAPS

GO! GO! GO!

A Seasonal Approach to Life

Giving Ourselves an A: Looking at Possibility, Not Measurement

Accessing the Power of Meaningful Work

Dealing with Difficult Co-Workers

Engagement: Are you part of the problem or the solution?

Starting Over: Tips to Finding Grace in Difficult Times

How Well Do You Manage Your Emotional Reactions at Work or Home?

Cultivating Serenity in the Workplace and Beyond

Employing Non-defensive Communication at Work

Are limiting beliefs causing you to play small?

Are you in need of an Attitude Adjustment?

PLAY! When was the last time you did this?

Are you missing the most important step?

How to Support Your Own Happiness

The Vulnerability of Dreams

Finding the Balance of Competing Devotions

Go from stuck to action to empowerment!

Taking Stock

Bounce Back: Developing Emotional Resilience

My Favorite Resources

Don't Let Fear Stop You

Curiosity and Results: What’s the Connection?

How well do you handle failure?

Hiring a Virtual Assistant for Your Business

Saving Ourselves from Self-Sabotage

How to try on-and actually get-the life of your dreams

Oh, the stories we tell ourselves!

Top 10 Ways to Get a Good Night's Sleep

How to Create and Use a Team as a Solopreneur

How do you feel about change?

Action is worry’s worst enemy.

Empower Yourself: Ask for What You Want

Journaling Your Way Through Crisis

How to Handle Negative Emotions and Thoughts

Starting Over: Tips to Finding Grace in Difficult Times

From Crisis Comes Opportunity

Self-Acceptance

The Rebel Within

Are You Too Cautious?

Burnout

Are You Sabotaging Yourself?

A New Look at Selfishness

How Well Do You Take Responsibility for Yourself?

5 Tips to Help You Stay Focused on Your Goals

ARCHIVES

How Well Do You Manage Your Energy?

21 NOVEMBER | Coping with Change

21 NOVEMBER | Top 10 Ways to Cope with Transitions

7 NOVEMBER | Scare Yourself into the Life You Want

7 NOVEMBER | Ten Fears Keeping Us from What We Want

17 OCTOBER | The Business of Purpose

17 OCTOBER | How to Fulfill Your Purpose AND Make a Living

03 OCTOBER | Overwhelm

03 OCTOBER | Are you living your life on a treadmill?

19 SEPTEMBER | Accessing the Power of Gratitude

19 SEPTEMBER | How Well Do You Maintain Balance?

05 SEPTEMBER | Are your Attitudes About Money Sabotaging You?

05 SEPTEMBER | Top 10 Ways to Clean Up Your Financial Act

22 AUGUST | Being Big in Your Life

22 AUGUST | Conquer Your Fears and Empower Yourself

08 AUGUST | Accepting the Gift of Criticism

08 AUGUST | The Perfectionist Quiz

18 JULY | The Business of Frustration

18 JULY | Top 10 Myths About Owning Your Own Business

04 JULY | How to be more productive today

04 JULY | Time to Focus

20 JUNE | Creating Systems for Success

20 JUNE | Do It Now, Do It Now, Do It Now!

06 JUNE | Tending the Fences: Setting Healthy Boundaries

06 JUNE | Badges of Honor

16 May | Are you living your own life?

16 May | Mastering Your Motivation

02 May | How to Hack into Our Own Brainpower

02 May | Sucess Step 1: Set a Goal

18 April | 7 Ways to Motivate Yourself EVERY DAY

18 April | Your real goals

04 April | How well-constructed are your boundaries?

04 April | Lend a Hand

21 March | Designing the Alliance

21 March 2019 | Look for the Passion

07 March | Making "Impossible" Thinking Possible

07 March 2019 | Don't Put Your Dreams on Hold

21 February | The Power of Intention

21 February | Your Confidence Tune-Up

07 February | Introducing The WEEKLY Leap

January/February | Just Get Started

January/February | Time for a Productivity Tune-Up

03 January 2019 | Life's choices aren't all easy, but they are all yours

03 January 2019 | Your intelligence makes you invaluable

03 January 2019 | Free Organisation Tip

20 December 2018 | Are you living your own life?

20 December 2018 | Your life, Your design

06 December 2018 | Taking Action to Conquer Your Goals

06 December 2018 | Pause then Press On

15 November 2018 | Creating What You Want in Life

15 November 2018  | Brilliant Persistence

01 November 2018 | 5 Keys to Effective Communication

01 November 2018 | It's All About Them

18 October 2018 | Are You a Perfectionist?

04 October 2018 | Overwhelm-Busting Strategies

20 September 2018 | How Well Do You Manage Stress?

06 September 2018 | Playing the Inner Game to Win

20 November 2017 | Meet Alika

01 November 2017 | Self Discovery

23 October 2017 | Branding

23 October 2017 | Helping Hand

04 October 2017 | Get Business Faster

12 September 2017 | Be Relentless

06 September 2017 | Celebrate 

23 August 2017 | Meet Vered

11 August 2017 | Get Unstuck

14 July 2017 | Meet Rose

03 July 2017 | Customers to Cheerleaders

07 June 2017 | Tune Your Pitch

07 June 2017 | Meet Shruti

15 May 2017 | Saving My Soul

15 May 2017 | Meet Kate

07 May 2017 | Go Social

03 April 2017 | Meet Margarita

03 April 2017 | Investment

30 March 2017 | Vulnerability Brings Growth

24 December 2016 | Finally

22 December 2016 | The Secret

19 October 2016 | Rockin' That Power Pose

24 August 2016 | Leap of Faith