An exclusive interview with Kavita Sharma, Founder of Ziyyara Edutech Pvt. Ltd, One-on-One Personalized Online Tutor Platform
Kavita Sharma is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ziyyara Edutech Pvt. Ltd, an online tuition platform that connects students with the best teachers with just one click. She holds an MBA with a focus on Human Resources and Marketing, accompanied by a diverse professional background spanning over a decade. Her journey commenced with expertise in teaching, sales, customer service, procurement, and human resources management.
Kavita has worked with renowned organizations such as St. Thomas School, Ienergizer, and MetLife. With her extensive 14 year of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her professional endeavors. She has extensive experience in different sectors like Teaching, B2B Sales, Payroll Management, and Supply Chain Management to name a few.
Before foraying into the online education sector by establishing Ziyyara, She tried her hands with 2 businesses (UK Mortgage and Pension Insurance and Merchant Navy Admissions). Kavita at present leads the development of Ziyyara’s short- and long-term strategies. Her guidance and extended support are helpful in designing several plans for the betterment of Ziyyara.
Kavita’s inspiration to start her own company, Ziyyara, arose from her personal anguish as a student and the shared hardships faced by fellow students in group classes. She observed the difficulties of lengthy travel times and the loss of valuable hours in transit. In September 2018, she made a decisive choice to translate their shared vision into action, embarking on an educational journey.
As the Co-Founder and CEO, Kavita’s leadership style is characterized by setting a compelling vision for the company’s future and inspiring the team to embrace that vision. Collaboration, teamwork, and open communication are the lifeblood of her organization, fostering unity and innovation. She is committed to creating a nurturing environment for her team, focusing on their well-being and promoting healthy relationships.
Personal growth, both professionally and personally, is a core value, and Kavita pushes her team to excel in all aspects of their lives. Providing high-quality education while upholding responsible and sustainable practices is a guiding principle for her.
Starting Ziyyara involved overcoming significant challenges, including catering to a diverse student base, managing different time zones, platform development, and creating demand for online tuition. Overcoming these obstacles required perseverance, learning from mistakes, and continuous improvement.
Under Kavita’s leadership, Ziyyara achieved milestones such as serving over 5,000 students and 1,000 teachers, facilitating over 3,05,000 hours of learning, and creating a thriving and impactful learning ecosystem.
Currently, Kavita is focused on expanding into new regions, launching services globally, and providing holistic development for students beyond academic excellence. Her vision for the company involves making quality online learning accessible to students worldwide and empowering them to reach their full potential.
In her personal life, Kavita finds joy and relaxation in reading books, engaging in regular exercise and workouts, seeking spiritual enlightenment, practicing meditation, and enjoying meaningful conversations and socializing. These hobbies and interests enrich her life and contribute to her personal growth and well-being.
Can you tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur and what inspired you to start Ziyyara?
Kavita Sharma: My entrepreneurial journey with Ziyyara began with a deep passion for teaching and a desire to address the challenges faced by students. Having identified the hurdles of long commutes and the loss of precious time during group classes, I realized the transformative potential of personalized, one-on-one online tuition.
This “eureka moment” led to the creation of Ziyyara in September 2018. Our vision is to empower students worldwide to unlock their full potential and become lifelong learners.
Personalized online tutoring is a unique concept. Could you explain how Ziyyara’s approach differs from traditional tutoring platforms and what benefits it offers to students?
Kavita Sharma: Ziyyara’s approach is unique in several ways. We offer customized one-on-one online tuition classes, ensuring that each student’s unique learning needs and style are met effectively. Our flexible curriculum support caters to students at various levels, from answering individual questions to covering entire chapters or the entire curriculum.
With flexible scheduling based on the student’s availability and preferences, we provide a more convenient and personalized learning experience. Regular parent-tutor communication and the ability to switch tutors if needed further prioritize the student’s preferences.
Our dedicated coordinator support adds an extra layer of assistance. Additionally, we offer global time zone flexibility to accommodate students from around the world.
Education technology has seen significant growth in recent years. How has Ziyyara adapted and evolved to meet the changing needs of students and educators?
Kavita Sharma: We have continuously evolved to meet the dynamic needs of students and educators. Our platform has grown from serving a handful of students to over 5,000, reflecting our adaptability and commitment to quality education.
We’ve transitioned from initial losses to profitability, with annual revenue increasing from 97 lakhs to an impressive 1.5 crores. This financial stability has allowed us to invest in enhancing our platform and expanding our reach.
What do you believe are the key challenges and opportunities in the online education space, and how is Ziyyara positioned to address these?
Kavita Sharma: In the online education space, key challenges include competition, maintaining quality, and adapting to rapidly evolving technology. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and innovation. Ziyyara is positioned to address these challenges by offering personalized, high-quality education that transcends geographical and economic barriers.
In your role as CEO, what are your key responsibilities, and how do you envision the future growth and expansion of Ziyyara?
Kavita Sharma: As CEO, my key responsibilities include strategic planning, ensuring operational excellence, fostering a culture of innovation, and expanding our global presence. In the future, we aim to diversify our product offerings, enter international markets, and continue our mission of making high-quality, personalized education accessible to students worldwide.
Gender diversity is an important topic in the business world. As a woman entrepreneur, have you faced any specific challenges or opportunities, and what advice do you have for other women looking to start their own businesses?
Kavita Sharma: Being an entrepreneur has presented me with unique opportunities to contribute to the business landscape with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. The challenges I’ve encountered have only fueled my determination to succeed and have shown me the importance of building a strong support network.
My advice to fellow women entrepreneurs is to embrace their distinctive strengths, believe in their capabilities, and persevere through any hurdles they may face.
Ziyyara serves a global audience. Can you tell us about the international reach of your platform and the challenges and benefits of operating in different markets?
Kavita Sharma: Ziyyara serves a global reach, transcending geographical boundaries. Operating in different markets has its challenges, such as adapting to diverse educational systems and regulations. However, it also brings the benefit of a broader reach and cultural diversity, enriching our platform’s offerings and experiences.
Technology is constantly evolving. What technological innovations or trends do you see shaping the future of online education, and how is Ziyyara preparing for them?
Kavita Sharma: Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, and augmented reality are playing pivotal roles. These trends are reshaping the way students learn and engage with educational content. Ziyyara is proactively positioning itself for the future by incorporating cutting-edge technology into our platform. By staying at the forefront of these innovations, we aim to continually enhance the learning experience for students and educators alike.
What are your success tips for women entrepreneurs?
Kavita Sharma: My success tips for women entrepreneurs are to believe in your vision, persist through challenges, build a strong support network, embrace your uniqueness, and never stop learning. Confidence, determination, and adaptability are keys to overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.
In the illuminating conversation with Ms. Kavita Sharma, Founder of Ziyyara Edtech, we witness the fusion of passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her commitment to creating a space where education transcends geographical boundaries and becomes a personalized, tailored experience for each student is truly inspiring.
As we conclude this interview, we recognize the profound impact Ziyyara Edtech has on the educational landscape. Ms. Sharma’s journey serves as a beacon for those seeking to transform traditional education methods.
Through her visionary leadership, Ziyyara Edtech not only educates but empowers, not only instructs but inspires, reaffirming the belief that education is indeed the cornerstone of a brighter and more equitable future.
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