THE SHIFT: STORIES OF CAREER TRANSITIONS
What prompted your career transition to founding DTOCS?
Growing up in India, I ate meals on banana leaves—an everyday tradition that was simple, beautiful, and naturally eco-friendly. Years later, living in the U.S. and hosting parties of my own, I found myself staring at trash bags full of plastic plates and feeling uneasy.
With over a decade of experience in warehousing and inventory management, I kept asking myself: There has to be a better way—one that reflects who I am and what I value. That’s when the lightbulb went off.
What were the conventional beliefs or fears that made the change difficult?
I was told sustainability was “too niche,” that purpose-led businesses don’t scale, and that I should keep it as a side project. There was also the quiet fear many women carry: Who am I to do this? Especially as an immigrant woman with kids, the risk felt amplified.
“Why not create a brand that honors my culture while helping people step away from the sad world of single-use disposables?”
What helped you through the transition?
Community—hands down. Other women founders, mentors, and customers who believed in the mission before the numbers made sense. Also, giving myself permission to learn as I went instead of waiting to feel “ready.”
Are you glad you made the change? Why?
Absolutely. It hasn’t been linear or easy, but it’s been aligned. I get to build impact, create livelihoods, and show my children that values and business don’t have to live in separate lanes.