The Supermodel Philanthropist
Entrepreneur magazine|January - February 2020
Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova, recognised for her philanthropic and advocacy work, founded her charity organisation Naked Heart Foundation 15 years ago to tackle the stigma of disability. This year, she launched Elbi India, the country’s first philanthropic rewards-based subscription service in the form of a digital platform. In a conversation with Entrepreneur India, she spills her heart out on making philanthropy fun, rewarding and cool.
The Supermodel Philanthropist

Take us through your entrepreneurial journey.

It might sound surprising but I’ve had this entrepreneurial approach since early childhood. I knew I had to do something to support my single mother and sister with cerebral palsy and autism. I started selling fruits at the local market when I was 11 and then helped my mother set up her own fruit stall. Since my modelling journey, I have always held this approach — give back to society and to try and help as many people in need as I can through my ventures.

Most of the funding goes to all-male founder teams in the UK, as per recent reports. What, according to you, then are the struggles of female entrepreneurs?

Unfortunately, female entrepreneurs aren’t considered equal to their male counterparts in certain industries. The rise of so many female entrepreneurs all over the world, especially in India, is very encouraging.

Once more and more female-founded businesses perform well, people and investors will be encouraged to invest more money into their enterprises. We need to encourage and educate women on entrepreneurial practices across all levels. For example, Elbi is partnering with several like-minded organisations to bring about business training for women in rural areas of India as part of a fundraising project. We hope to reach a million girls with this programme.

Which start-ups have you invested in?

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January - February 2020-Ausgabe von Entrepreneur magazine.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January - February 2020-Ausgabe von Entrepreneur magazine.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINEAlle anzeigen
Chords of Success
Entrepreneur magazine

Chords of Success

For Saahil Goel, the deep-rooted passion for playing the guitar dates back to his high school days. Influenced by legends like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and the Pakistani band Strings, his musical journey mirrors his leadership style-balancing focus, discipline, and a collaborative spirit. Goel feels that playing guitar has enhanced his ability to balance focus and teamwork as a founder of an eCommerce shipping start-up.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 2024 - January 2025
IS YOUR RENT TOO DAMN HIGH?
Entrepreneur magazine

IS YOUR RENT TOO DAMN HIGH?

Many small business owners struggle with their rents. Here's what to do.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 2024 - January 2025
HOW TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A BAD REVIEW
Entrepreneur magazine

HOW TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A BAD REVIEW

A one-star review can hurt your ego - and your business. But it's possible to prevent (and remedy!) this scary scenario.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 2024 - January 2025
HOW TO HIRE FOR THE FUTURE
Entrepreneur magazine

HOW TO HIRE FOR THE FUTURE

Small businesses are struggling to find quality labor. So flip the conversation: Show workers how your business will set them up for opportunity.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 2024 - January 2025
You Can Hire Like Netflix
Entrepreneur magazine

You Can Hire Like Netflix

The streaming platform built an incredible team with a strategy called “talent density.” But you don’t need to be a tech giant to do it.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 2024 - January 2025
Speedy Growth Killed My Startup
Entrepreneur magazine

Speedy Growth Killed My Startup

We seemed to be rocking it - lots of press, major partnerships. Then we learned the harsh consequences of overlooking our customers.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 2024 - January 2025
Three Pivots to $100 Million
Entrepreneur magazine

Three Pivots to $100 Million

How do you find a working business model? Do it like Rowan-a brand that reinvented itself many times before finally piercing the ear-piercing market.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 2024 - January 2025
What Goals Actually Matter?
Entrepreneur magazine

What Goals Actually Matter?

Some benchmarks are more important than others so what should you really care about? We asked six founders for their hardest-won lessons.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 2024 - January 2025
'Only the Strongest Are Going to Survive'
Entrepreneur magazine

'Only the Strongest Are Going to Survive'

Brian Lee cofounded companies like LegalZoom and ShoeDazzle-and he believes a lot of conventional business wisdom is backward. Sure, it's harder to raise capital. But it's actually cheaper than ever to start a company.

time-read
5 Minuten  |
December 2024 - January 2025
HOW TRUST SAVED KFC
Entrepreneur magazine

HOW TRUST SAVED KFC

The former CEO of Yum! Brands explains how he turned around a struggling KFC-and the important lesson it offers for anyone in franchising.

time-read
10+ Minuten  |
December 2024 - January 2025