From Corporate Cage to E-Commerce Queen: Mary’s Bold Leap to Entrepreneurship

Welcome to Radhika’s Newsletter “Intent”. This is your tri-weekly guide to purposeful living, wealth-building, and personal growth.

Hello!!! Firstly, thank you for all your feedback around this new series of ‘Intent in Action: Real Life Stories’. I’m so glad it’s resonating with people. If you’re new here, this is where I share real life stories of individuals around me that continue to inspire me day after day. These are people who’ve taken intentional steps to shape their lives, actively pursuing their goals and making the most out of every lemon life hands them. Basically, it’s about making life happen, not letting it happen to you.

This is the second edition and I’m excited to feature Mary, the founder and CEO of Meia, a brand creating women's work and travel bags designed to meet the demands of our careers and daily lives. She’s made the conscious choice of quitting her corporate job to pursue a path of entrepreneurship, but the journey wasn’t easy.

Dive into her inspiring story below!

What was the turning point that inspired you to make this change or pursue this new direction?

Although I enjoyed my corporate career in brand management, I always felt a pull towards creating something more meaningful; something of my own. The turning point came while I was working and found myself frustrated by my work bag. I was juggling multiple bags and digging through a black hole. When I realized there wasn’t a bag on the market with all the features I needed as a professional, I decided to work on designing a new work bag that did. This led me to create MEIA, a brand dedicated to creating functional and sleek work and travel bags for modern women. What started as solving a problem of my own became finding a purpose in creating products that help women feel confident and organized in their careers and beyond. 

What steps did you take to approach this transition intentionally, and how did you plan for success?

I didn’t immediately dive into building MEIA full-time. Instead, I balanced my corporate career while building on the side for YEARS. This allowed me to maintain stability while working on the business. Because I knew from the beginning I wanted to go full-time into my own business eventually, I focused on creating a financial safety net and ensured I was progressing in my career so I could have a solid foundation to fall back on if needed. It wasn't until after the first bag design was finalized and validated through a successful crowdfunding campaign, and I felt comfortable with the financial and professional experience I established over the years, that made me know I took the necessary steps to set myself and my business up for success.

What challenges or doubts did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges of building your own business is the lack of stability you might take for granted in a traditional job. The highs are exhilarating, but the lows can feel crushing. Doubt creeps in constantly and mistakes are inevitable. I quickly learned that the hardest part of entrepreneurship isn’t what you don’t know; it’s having the mental resilience to keep going, even on the toughest days. I had to lean into the mindset of “everything will be okay,” and view mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Another key to overcoming challenges was surrounding myself with a supportive network. Having people to turn to can make all the difference. It’s about believing in yourself, trusting the process, and moving forward—even when the future feels uncertain.

What impact has this transition had on your life, and how has it shaped your vision for the future?

Starting my own business has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. There’s an incredible sense of purpose in creating products that people use in their daily lives, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting some truly inspiring builders. While I work more now than I did in my previous career, it’s work that excites me every single day. Running my business full-time has also given me the freedom to work from anywhere and create my own schedule. This flexibility has allowed me to spend more quality time with family and friends, and even though I often work while on “vacation,” I’ve been able to travel more over the years. It will never be easy, but I wouldn’t trade this path for anything else. 

If someone in a similar position is reading this, what advice would you give them about taking that first step?

My life motto is: better “oh well” than “what if.” There’s never going to be a perfect moment to start, and mistakes and failures will happen. But instead of letting fear hold you back, embrace the mindset that even if it doesn’t work out, the lessons you gain along the way are invaluable. So, take that first step. Make mistakes, learn from them, and keep moving forward. The small, consistent efforts add up over time. If you’re thinking about starting something of your own, commit to the long haul, and don’t give up for at least two years. If possible in the beginning, keep your full-time job. It provides financial stability, allowing you to focus on building without the added stress of funding your business and lifestyle. Just start and commit.  

How did staying true to your intentions guide you through this transition, and what role did clarity of purpose play in your journey?

When you start something of your own, it’s essential to know why you’re doing it. Your “why” has to be something you’re deeply passionate about because that’s what will carry you through the toughest moments. For me, the idea of creating thoughtfully designed products that add value to people’s lives gave me a sense of purpose. It’s what makes me excited to wake up every day. I also knew I wanted to create a life where I could live on my terms, and knowing my “why” helped me stay focused and intentional in every decision I made, both in my business and personal life. Just remember to enjoy the journey, and always make time for the people that have been there for you from the very beginning :) 

Support My Work

If you haven’t already, check out my book From Ramen Noodles to Riches to learn more about building a strong financial foundation. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take control of your money, this guide provides practical tips on budgeting, saving, and growing your wealth.

Enjoying this newsletter? If you’d like to support my work, you can buy me tea. Your support means so much! Every cup helps fuel the ideas, research, and energy I put into each newsletter.

Thank you so much for being a part of the Intent community. I rely on word-of-mouth for growth. If you enjoyed this newsletter, I’d love for you to share it with a friend.
Your commitment to living with purpose is exactly why this space exists. Can’t wait to share more in the next edition!

Until next time,
Radhika
Creating a life of purpose, wealth, and growth.

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