From Smoky Flavors to Angel Investing: A Conversation with Bhargavi Varma, Founder of Brown Girl Angels

In this episode of The Mental Balance Podcast, we sat down with Bhargavi Varma, a powerhouse solo mom, founder, and advocate for South Asian women in the world of angel investing. Bhargavi is the founder of Brown Girl Angels, a platform dedicated to mobilizing capital for South Asian female founders and creating a global community of investors and entrepreneurs. In this candid conversation, Bhargavi shares her journey, her struggles, and her triumphs, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating the complexities of life, work, and personal growth.

Who is Bhargavi Varma?

Bhargavi Varma is a trailblazer in the world of angel investing and a proud solo mom. She is the founder of Brown Girl Angels, a platform that encourages South Asian women to invest in startups led by South Asian female founders. Bhargavi’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and a deep commitment to paying it forward. From her early days as a movie publicist to her current role as a founder and investor, Bhargavi’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community.

The Birth of Brown Girl Angels

Brown Girl Angels was born out of Bhargavi’s personal journey and her desire to create a space where South Asian women could come together to invest in and support each other. Bhargavi shared that her foray into angel investing began after a life-changing event—a seven-year divorce. She wanted to pay it forward to the South Asian community, particularly women, and saw angel investing as a way to do that.

The Mission

• Empowering South Asian Women: Brown Girl Angels aims to mobilize capital from South Asian women to fund startups led by South Asian female founders.
• Building a Community: The platform also serves as a global community where founders can connect, share resources, and support each other.
• Breaking Barriers: Bhargavi is passionate about breaking down the barriers that prevent South Asian women from participating in angel investing and venture capital.

The Challenges of Angel Investing

Bhargavi highlighted several challenges that South Asian women face when it comes to angel investing, particularly the scarcity mindset that many in the community struggle with. She emphasized the importance of shifting from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance, both in terms of financial resources and opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• Scarcity vs. Abundance: Many South Asian women are socialized to hold onto resources rather than invest them. Bhargavi encourages women to see investing as a way to build wealth and create opportunities for others.
• The Power of Community: By coming together, South Asian women can create a powerful network that supports and uplifts each other.
• Normalizing Failure: Bhargavi is open about her own failures and stresses the importance of learning from them. She believes that failure is an essential part of growth and success.

The Importance of Mental Health and Self-Care

As a solo mom and founder, Bhargavi understands the importance of mental health and self-care. She shared her strategies for managing the juggle of parenting, work, and personal growth.

Bhargavi’s Tips for Balancing Life:

• Accept Imperfection: Bhargavi has learned to accept that she can’t be 100% in every area of her life at all times. She focuses on what’s most important in the moment and lets go of the rest.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Whether it’s taking a 20-minute walk or ordering takeout instead of cooking, Bhargavi emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself.
• Lean on Your Community: Bhargavi credits her support system—friends, family, and fellow founders—for helping her navigate the challenges of solo parenting and entrepreneurship.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is something that many high-achieving women struggle with, and Bhargavi is no exception. She shared her strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building confidence.

Bhargavi’s Advice:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize when imposter syndrome is creeping in and acknowledge it without judgment.
• Break It Down: Break down the feelings of self-doubt into smaller, manageable pieces. Ask yourself, “What’s really causing this fear?”
• Take Action: The best way to combat imposter syndrome is to take action. Bhargavi believes in “doing it anyway,” even when you feel unsure.

The Role of Therapy and Self-Reflection

Bhargavi is a strong advocate for therapy and self-reflection. She shared how therapy has helped her navigate the challenges of divorce, solo parenting, and entrepreneurship.

Key Insights:

• Therapy as a Tool: Bhargavi credits therapy with helping her process her emotions and gain clarity during difficult times.
• The Importance of Self-Reflection: Taking time to reflect on your experiences and learn from them is crucial for personal growth.
• Cultural Relevance: Bhargavi emphasized the importance of finding a therapist who understands your cultural background and experiences.

Bhargavi’s Journey: From India to Canada

Bhargavi’s journey began in India, where she was born, and took her to Canada, where she grew up and built her career. She shared how her experiences as an immigrant shaped her perspective and fueled her drive to succeed.

Highlights:

• Early Years: Bhargavi moved back and forth between India and Canada during her childhood, which taught her resilience and adaptability.
• Career Path: After studying chemical engineering, Bhargavi pivoted to communications and PR, eventually landing a job as a movie publicist at 20th Century Fox.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Bhargavi’s entrepreneurial journey began when she started her own businesses, learning valuable lessons along the way.

The Future of Brown Girl Angels

Bhargavi is excited about the future of Brown Girl Angels and the impact it will have on the South Asian community. She envisions a world where South Asian women are equally represented in the world of venture capital and angel investing.

Bhargavi’s Vision:

• Expanding the Network: Bhargavi hopes to grow the Brown Girl Angels community, bringing in more investors and founders from diverse backgrounds.
• Supporting Founders: She is committed to providing resources and support to South Asian female founders, helping them scale their businesses and achieve success.
• Creating a Legacy: Bhargavi wants to leave a legacy of empowerment and financial independence for future generations of South Asian women.

Final Thoughts: A Message for South Asian Women

Bhargavi’s message to South Asian women is one of empowerment and encouragement. She believes that by supporting each other and investing in their own futures, South Asian women can create a brighter, more equitable world.

Bhargavi’s Call to Action:

• Take Risks: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take risks, whether it’s in your career or personal life.
• Support Each Other: Lift each other up and create a community of support and collaboration.
• Believe in Yourself: You are capable of achieving great things. Believe in your potential and go after your dreams.

Listen to the Full Episode

Want to hear more from Bhargavi Varma? Listen to the full episode of The Mental Balance Podcast here (embed podcast player).