Shashi Soni transformed a small Rs 10,000 venture into a Rs 4,000 crore business empire. From transport services to industrial gases and finally technology solutions, her journey is marked by resilience and innovation.
For generations, society has imposed the idea that women have boundaries to their potential. Words like "That's too difficult for them" and "They'll never make it" have been used to undermine their abilities. Yet, women have consistently risen above these constraints, proving that limits are made to be broken. Shashi Soni is one such example. She turned a small venture with just Rs 10,000 into a Rs 4,000 crore business. Let’s take a closer look at her extraordinary success story.
In 1971, Shashi Soni embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with just Rs 10,000. With this modest sum, she founded a company called "Deep Transport," offering small-scale transport services. The road to success was far from smooth. For the first few years, until 1975, she grappled with persistent financial difficulties and numerous business challenges.
Shashi faced significant struggles during the first decade of her career, but she refused to give up. Drawing from her experiences, she founded a new company, Mysore Oxygen Private Limited, in 1985. This venture entered the industrial gas supply sector and, over time, steadily paved its way towards success.
As the business landscape evolved, Shashi recognised the growing need to pivot her company into the technology sector. In 2005, she founded IZMO Limited, a company that specialises in marketing and e-retailing solutions. IZMO develops advanced technology and digital solutions for the automotive industry. Today, IZMO Limited operates in the US, Europe, and several Asian countries. The company is listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
Shashi Soni's success extends beyond the business world; she has made significant contributions to society as well. Through her organisation, "Deep Janseva Samiti," she has worked tirelessly in areas such as women's education, employment, pension schemes, and the care of differently-abled individuals. This initiative has empowered thousands of women, helping them become self-reliant and improve their quality of life.
Shashi Soni's dedication and accomplishments have been widely recognised by the Indian government. In 1990, she was honoured with the prestigious "Mahila Gaurav Puraskar." In 2024, her remarkable contributions were further acknowledged when she was awarded the Padma Shri. Beyond these accolades, Shashi has also played an active role in various industry bodies, including serving on the managing committee of the All India Industrial Gases Manufacturers' Association and the Directorate of Technical Development.
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