“Growing up in Warangal, I always knew I wanted to build a career on my own terms. Like many young women from smaller towns, I moved to Hyderabad after completing my graduation, carrying the hope and the belief that this city would help me discover my true potential.
My first job was at Amazon, where I spent about a year and a half. It gave me great stability and discipline, but deep down, I realized I wanted to be part of an early-stage journey where my daily efforts could directly shape a growing vision from the ground up.
That drive brought me to GlowMeSmart India, a hygiene tech startup based in Hyderabad. Led by our Founder & CEO, Pramod Gundla’s vision of ‘Let’s work together for clean cities,’ we develop completely automated kiosks like our ‘HelmetTron’ for helmet disinfection and ‘StepTron’ for shoe sterilization to deep-clean personal gear. When you’re part of an early-stage team, you don’t just stick to a designation because you treat the company like your own.
Most days, you’ll find me managing our HelmetTron kiosks. Officially, I’m a Video Editor and Front Office Assistant, but on the floor, every day is an unpredictable hustle. Since we are rapidly expanding and actively looking for dedicated people to join our sales and operations teams, everyone steps up. One hour I’m editing social media content, and the next, I’m talking to curious riders, managing the desk, and handling operations. It can be exhausting, but it has taught me more than any rigid job title ever could.
Giving up corporate comfort for startup grit wasn’t easy, and building trust for a brand new concept brings quiet struggles. But looking back, I wouldn’t have made it through these challenges without the unwavering support of my family and every single person who has guided me along the way. Their belief kept me going when things got tough.
At the end of the day, Hyderabad taught me that if you show up every morning with a purpose, your background will never limit your future. It’s a city where hard work is always met with a matching opportunity. You just have to be willing to hold your ground, trust the process, and build your own opportunities.”
- Rishitha