Rising Above Tragedy: A Single Mother’s Journey: Raising a Family and Leading the Family Software Business with Resilience and Gratitude.
Sapna Shetty’s carefree married life came to a halt when her husband unexpectedly passed away. With grit, resilience, and the support of her family and the community, she led her husband’s software company, educating herself on business and computer science so she could carry on her husband’s legacy. She shares the challenges of being a single parent, and how she is learning to live life to the fullest with her children amidst hardships. Her gratitude and strength leaves us all inspired. Read her story below!
I would describe my married life as carefree with a lot of freedom to pursue my personal passion for cosmetology. I took this opportunity to become a licenced cosmetologist, something I enjoyed tremendously. I was stable, happy and life was great until an unexpected tragedy changed my life. My husband passed away, very suddenly due to brain encephalitis. Overnight, my life was shattered. My two young kids and I were left shocked and not sure how life would continue. We were left thinking, what next? Unfortunately, there was little time to mourn his loss, because I had a family to care for, and my husband’s Software Company to manage.
In the first few months everything felt alien to me because I had no knowledge of the business he ran so successfully. That coupled with having to manage our employees, in addition to the many consultants that his company employed, it was an overwhelming task. I started by taking a few courses in computer science and business. As a beauty consultant this work was uninteresting to me, but I did not want my late husband's legacy and hard work to go to waste. I have overcome my fear, and did my best to keep the business going for my family. Thankfully my hard work and blessings paid off, and we did really well for many years to come.
These hardships in my life have taught me to live life to the fullest. When tragedy struck, for my kids and myself I had to take on more responsibility. It was hard and at times, felt almost impossible to move forward, but I learned that it’s up to oneself to be positive and learn new skills to focus on improving with the greater good of my family in the forefront. I appreciate and want to thank the friends and family who were always there to support us.
1) What was the biggest challenge when you took over your husband’s business, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge facing me when I took over my husband’s company was my lack of formal education in computer software and business. I had no other choice but to learn everything on my own. I took a few courses in CS and business management which was very helpful. I thankfully had help from my employees and consultants who were always there for me when I needed technical help. The first year was the hardest, but after some experience it became less stressful. I focused on adapting to the ups and downs in business, and in whole we were successful.
2) What were some challenges you faced as a single mother?
Being a single mother was extremely hard and due to my responsibilities, I had no time to rest.
My children’s teen years were especially trying as I had the added stress of knowing that any decision I made would affect them for the rest of their lives. My love, care, and patience was what guided me to ensure the best for them. In the early stages of their father’s passing, the grief and loss was really unbearable for the kids. I used to the help of professional counselors who helped ease their pain. I made sure that I always put my kids in the forefront of my decisions. We often traveled as a family and I developed a deeper bond with my children. Gradually this bond yielded to a wonderfully supportive attitude when I faced tough situations. When I look back on those tough years, I can see that we have come so far. My kids have risen past unimaginable pain to become strong and independent pursuers of their dreams.
3) What is your best advice to people going through similar challenges in life, especially with the loss of loved ones during this pandemic?
My advice to people in similar situations is however hard life may be, it is best to be positive and look at the life ahead of you rather than looking back and living in the past. At the beginning of my loss, looking back at my pain would only cause me anxiety and depression, but I had my kids to think about. Managing my kid’s lives, taking care of their needs, and making sure they were stable was my first concern. I gave myself some care by enriching my life. I focused on learning new skills I had never thought of before. I took up dance lessons which led to me performing on stage. I did that while continuing to pursue my passion for cosmetology by opening a beauty salon. All these endeavors helped me move forward and become not only a happier person, but a better one as well.
4) What was your biggest support system and how do you find that support system and resilience for yourself?"
I had my emotional and moral support from my immediate family, close friends, and our Bunt community. They all came together to stand with me and my kids. This is something we will never forget and are truly indebted to our community for their support. Over the years our friends, family and the Bunt community continue to always support us without pity or ever treating us differently. The emotional support I received made me very strong, helped us in our healing process and is invaluable
5) What is your next big dream in life?
I dream of building up my family’s Software business with the help of my children (only if they want to). I plan to continue my passion in Cosmetology and get into the beauty business.
I also want to give back to the community, who has always been there to support us.
Bio- Sapna Shetty, BA Psychology Housewife, Licensed Cosmotologist and Software Business owner