Richa VALECHA: Entrepreneur – Innovations and More

Tell us something about yourself, your background:

It all started when I decided to teach students after I passed 12th grade. Subconsciously, I believed in self – learning and that is why I took up teaching. I did this for two major reasons – First, so that I can make some pocket money and second because of the curious learner growing inside me.

Things started moving for me in the right direction. I started getting IELTS queries from students. Due to my Convent background, students showed their faith in me. They started training with me. Although it was challenging because it was brand new to me but the more I took up such challenges the more I manifested achievements in my life. After I completed my PG I joined international schools. So it was like- in the morning, I was an educator and by evening I was an independent IELTS trainer!

I was determined to explore this field more so I communicated with my cousins/peers who have already been abroad and that was a breakthrough for me. I started watching You-Tube videos, had communication session with trainers, mentors. I learned more and as I learned I practiced more and soon I joined a prestigious organization in Punjab as a senior IELTS trainer.

Today I can undoubtedly say that where I am today is because of my mentors, my organization and most importantly my passion for SELF-LEARNING.

These 8 years have been a fulfilling journey. I have seen myself growing from a teacher to an IELTS/PTE trainer to the “best IELTS trainer” of Chandigarh and my students are a testament to this award.

List your ventures with a brief explanation of each.

From 2014 – 2016 I worked as an educator to international schools where I organized the classroom and learning resources for students and maintained an environment of discipline as well as creativity.

From 2017 – 2020, I have worked under honorable organizations in Punjab as a senior IELTS trainer where I was in charge of one on one training the students via online classes as well as provided classroom training, counselled students for IELTS test preparations, helped them with the mock tests, created study materials.

How/Why did you start as an entrepreneur? What set you off?

2020 was many things to many people. To me, it was a stepping stone into the crazy world of Freelancing. When I lost my job in the pandemic like many people I immediately took this opportunity of freelancing and now there’s no turning back. At first, it was overwhelming, I admit it. But when I joined LinkedIn and other social media platforms and worked on my branding over there, I started getting valuable clients on a global level. They trained with me, recommended me and most importantly trusted me with the knowledge.

The cherry on the top moment for me was when a month back I came to know that I have been awarded as the “best IELTS trainer” in Chandigarh. That’s when I realized the importance of my 8 consistent years of working in a single direction.

During all these years I have trained 1000+ students and I will continue to do so because I believe education is the best way to cultivate a society of rich heritage. Many times I have been asked, “what is that driving force that gets you going through difficult times?” I recall this popular quote by Anthony J. D’Angelo – “Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow. The learning started 8 years ago and it will continue.

Where are you now?

In near future, I am planning to start a venture specifically for people who are IELTS enthusiasts. So basically it will be a classroom/online training for the students of Punjab/Chandigarh. I mentioned the word online because I want to take this on a global level.
As a freelancer, I have closely seen the impact of networking and online classes will open the gateway to that. I have full faith in this.