Nisha Koppikar
Sarika Syed was a Creative Director with UTV Telecommunications for about eight years. More than anything, Sarika loves working with children and sharing good values and creative expression with them, as well as an appreciation for everything that is natural.
Nisha Koppikar did her MBA in International Business and ran her own garment export company for eight years. After her daughter was born, she decided to quit the long stressful hours of the export industry in search of a more fulfilling vocation. She found it in her Montessori learning.
Tell us about Snowflake Montessori and Enrichment Centre
Sarika Syed
Snowflake Montessori and Enrichment Centre was set up in May 2015. It is a pure Montessori environment pre-school for the age-group 18 months to six years. We have regular pre-school from 9.30am – 1.30pm. Besides the regular school, we also teach Montessori maths and language, capoeira and art.
Why did you set up the school?
Snowflake is the dream set up for both of us – a place where children learn not just the basics of maths and language, but lays the foundation for them to become independent thinkers and joyful learners.
We started the school as we wanted to have our own place, where our philosophy of making children joyful natural learners was brought to life. In a world that’s becoming increasingly plastic, we bring children a sense of realism with natural, aesthetic materials to work with.
What has been your biggest challenge in achieving your success?
Trying to convince parents that a natural learning that is individually driven by the child is the best sort of learning. It lays the foundation for them to become independent thinkers and life-long joyful learners. Montessori education prepares children not just for school but is a preparation for life.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Still to come!
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Our very own children.
How do you balance your work life and home life?
It is a struggle but the satisfaction that comes from doing both jobs – being entrepreneurs and parents is very endearing and uplifting and it actually energises us, as both roles give us deep spiritual satisfaction.
What advice do you have for women starting out on their own?
Firstly believe in yourself. Have patience to see your vision through because everything takes time to build up. And focus on the goals, and prioritising your time and energy.
If you could ask for one thing to help propel your business what would it be?
Good word of mouth publicity.
What does the future hold for you?
Let’s just wait and see. We believe in taking each day as a blessing and living in the moment.
About Nisha Koppikar and Sarika Syed
Nisha Koppikar and Sarika Syed met when both their daughters were studying at a Montessori pre-school together. They developed a deep admiration and love for the Montessori system of learning and, guided by this passion, both completed their AMI teacher training and are now qualified primary level teachers for children aged 2 – 6 years. Setting up the school has been a dream project. It was planned to the minutest detail. It is a place that has been created and put together not just by hand but with heart.
Website: www.snowflakemontessori.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Snowflake-Montessori-Enrichment-Centre/907107409356983
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 9820453109 / 9820134943 / 9167913410
This article was provided by WeAreTheCity Mumbai Committee Member Anita Pawaskar.
