This Company Secretary launched her firm in the 1990s at the age of 30

• Law or CS? Why not both! Amita Desai wanted to be a Company Secretary but pursued law instead—until marriage and motherhood put things on pause.

• No excuses, just results! With a one-year-old son, she chased her CS dream and cleared it on her first attempt.

• From ambition to action! Today, she runs Amita Desai & Co. in Mumbai, advising businesses on compliance, FEMA, IBC, and more.

Starting small and starting early

1980. Having scored pretty decently in my class 10 exams, my father wanted me to take science, but I took up the commerce stream! He was still happy with my decision.

While still in college, I used to tutor high school students so I could be financially independent. That was when I first started earning.

I also helped my father manage his business, which developed my business acumen.

1985. I completed my B.Com. degree. But that was not it; I was looking to study further.

My dad stood for education—he knew how transforming and empowering education is and encouraged me to pursue a professional qualification after my B.Com.

Changing Lanes

When it was time to decide what to do next after graduation, an MBA was one option. However, I wasn’t too keen on doing an MBA. So I dropped the MBA idea.

So, what next? I wasn’t particularly inclined towards accounting or typical finance.

I stumbled across the company secretary.

At that time (and we are talking about the 1980s), there were many chartered accountants in the country, but only a handful of company secretaries.

People didn’t know what a company secretary was or did.

And I decided to enrol in the CS course…only that I didn’t!

My father suggested that I study Law as they were not sure what would I do with a CS qualification!

So, Law was it.

My first semester exams were due in May 1988. But, unexpectedly, my wedding dates got postponed to March 1988.

And I could not appear for my law exams.

Starting a Business

I got married.

My husband was very supportive and advised me to start a business instead of studying further. (At that time, this was considered a progressive mindset. So, please, don’t raise your eyebrows!)

I took a loan of $500 from my father in 1988 and started a wholesaling business of everyday items like chocolates, biscuits, etc. called “AmiDeep Agencies” (derived from Amita and Sandeep, my husband).

The business started really well. Within just six months of establishing it, my business was doing very well. (That was a big accomplishment!)

I would wake up early and get everything ready. I also used to take tuition for classes XI and XII.

Working was my passion!

Did I get tired? Yes. Was I ready to give up? Never. Hustle was the answer.

And then, life gave me a beautiful gift. My son was born in May 1989. But, suddenly, my father fell severely ill and, after a week of high fever, passed away in early August 1989.

He was my strongest support; I was inconsolable and shattered. Just after, in September 1989, I wrapped up my business too.

A new phase: Company Secretary

My father always wanted me to study further and have a professional qualification, so, after a year of his death in August 1990, I decided to study further as a tribute to him.

I registered for the Company Secretary course from the ICSI (The Institute of Company Secretaries of India).

My son had just turned one. Along with raising him, I was responsible for all household chores, entertaining guests, tutoring, and studying.

My CS exams were passed on the first try! A dream come true.

So, even though it was only 5 years, the period from 1985 to 1990 was a long and eventful one.

Starting my own Business, again!

1990. At the age of 30, with only $70 in savings and a small 15 x 15-square-foot office, I established “Amita Desai & Co.” as an independent company secretary from my home.

My husband strongly advocated “discipline” in business. So, even though my home was my office, I was in “work mode” from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

When I first started, there wasn’t much work, but I still used to sit in my office religiously, reading up on the Company Act, preparing a checklist for various corporate actions, or devouring any CS book that I could lay my hands on.

And magic happens when you DO NOT GIVE UP…One day, my mentor called me, asking if I was open to taking on work.

Of course, I was.

I took the assignment and completed it without any expectation of payment.

No, I wasn’t stupid…Learning was my payment.

And guess what? The client offered me a retainer for 4 visits a month.

The CS of that company recommended me to another group too. Word-of-mouth helped expand my practice.

I always focused on adding value to my clients.So, when they paid my fees, it would be done happily and with satisfaction.

2003. From a 15×15-sq.-ft. room in my house to an office of 500 sq. ft. with a dedicated team of 12 members.

2011. Moved to a 650 sq. ft. office and were 15 people strong.

 2015. Operating from a 1500 sq ft office located in a plush commercial building in the heart of Andheri (Mumbai).

Money came second. On some occasions, I even had to write off my fees. But a few bad experiences did not shake my faith in people.

Today, our office is equipped with the latest technology and has been upgraded to keep up with the changing times.

We have a team of young, energetic people guided by experienced professionals.