‘No failure or feeling is permanent’: Masoom Minawala

Tell us about the journey of writing this book and why you chose this title?

To be honest, the journey was filled with doubts and almost a lack of confidence about whether it would truly create any impact. Since I’m someone who thrives in discomfort, I believe that’s where the magic lies, and so, I persisted. The title, proposed by my editor, is a familiar echo that most Indian women have heard. Regardless of scale, the struggles, setbacks, rejections and feelings of resentment are omnipresent. This book isn’t about embracing those challenges, but rather about acknowledging and normalising them as an integral part of the journey.

Who is this book for and what do you hope readers take away from it?

The book is meant for every woman who has been told she can’t achieve her goals, who has dared to dream or express her aspirations, only to be met with a nonchalance like ‘ye nahi kar payegi (she won’t be able to do it)’. This isn’t just about career aspirations; it’s a sentiment that resonates across various facets of life. Even homemakers face a lack of confidence and recognition, and that’s something that needs to change. I hope readers see that there’s immense power in making your own choices, even if it means standing firm in uncomfortable situations. Saying “I love and respect you, but I will make my own decisions” requires courage and support, but it’s a pivotal step towards empowerment.

Masoom Minawala on her new book

As an influencer, what’s the one lesson you would give someone who aspires to walk in your footsteps?

One should prioritise educating oneself and becoming an expert before forming opinions. This ensures that your content adds value to someone’s life.

What has been your biggest challenge and how did you deal with that?

It was dealing with failure. It often feels like hitting a dead end, overwhelming us to the point where we struggle to see a way forward. We’re left unsure of how to even face another day, and it’s easy to give up. Looking back, I wish I had understood that failure is an inevitable part of the journey, not just professionally but also in our personal lives. There’s a common misconception that failure marks the end, but that’s a very tinted view of life. I don’t think we can move forward and grow without failure.

You are expecting your second baby. How has motherhood been?

I won’t lie, this time around, the pregnancy has been tough. Exhaustion, discomfort, nausea – all of it! It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. Motherhood, overall, has been quite a journey, one that you can never be prepared for, both, in good and the bad ways. It’s like a tidal wave crashing into your life, turning everything upside down. You simply have to learn to navigate and cope with the changes.

Masoom at Cavalli MFW 2024

Can you share two lessons of entrepreneurship in the digital age?

The first lesson would be knowing that nothing — no failure, feeling, prediction, balance sheet or profit and loss statement, however good or bad — is permanent. You have to keep at it. Second lesson would be to keep looking towards the future, look forward to the next thing.

So what’s next for you?

I am experimenting with long form content, and that’s the big “what’s next”.