In the ever-evolving world of real estate technology, few entrepreneurs are making waves quite like Ravinna Raveenthiran. As the founder and CEO of Nesti, a tech startup that is redefining the way real estate professionals engage with the market, Raveenthiran’s path to success is a powerful blend of personal resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted desire to bring change to the industry. Her journey, far from the typical narrative of fast success, is filled with profound adversity, spiritual discovery, and unwavering determination to revolutionize real estate.
The Foundation of a Resilient Leader: Turning Pain into Purpose
Raveenthiran’s story is a testament to human strength. At just 14, she experienced the devastating loss of her father, an event that would shape her outlook on life and success. On the same date, eleven years later, she lost her grandfather, creating a parallel loss that would further influence her. Despite these tragic circumstances, Raveenthiran used this adversity to fuel her passion and purpose.
“These experiences taught me that life is fleeting, and every moment must count,” she explains. “They gave me a deep sense of purpose, a drive to create something that would honor my family’s legacy and leave a meaningful impact.”
Raveenthiran has also navigated various toxic environments, from professional challenges to societal pressures. Rather than succumb to the weight of these struggles, she channeled them into strength and perseverance.
“I turned each obstacle into a stepping stone,” she says. “By embracing challenges, I found a way to alchemize pain into power. Each piece of criticism became an opportunity for growth.”
Embarking on an Entrepreneurial Journey: Early Success and Lessons in Empowerment
Raveenthiran’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early in her life. By 19, she began investing, displaying remarkable financial foresight for someone her age. Just two years later, at 21, she launched her first business, Melano Skincare, a brand that not only focused on beauty but also on the empowerment and representation of women of color. Melano Skincare rapidly became a success, with its products featured in several spas and selling out consistently.
“The goal with Melano Skincare was more than just skincare products,” says Raveenthiran. “It was about creating a platform where women of color felt seen, valued, and empowered.”
At 24, Raveenthiran took another bold leap by purchasing her first investment property. This experience ignited her passion for real estate and set her on the path to her next, and perhaps most impactful, venture.
The Birth of Nesti: Transforming the Real Estate Landscape
Ravinna Raveenthiran
In 2021, at the age of 25, Raveenthiran founded Nesti, a tech-driven solution aimed at bridging the gap between real estate professionals and their clients. Nesti offers AI-powered tools designed to streamline the real estate process, allowing brokers, agents, and lawyers to access a one-stop-shop for their marketing, analytics, and customer engagement needs.
“I recognized a need in the market,” Raveenthiran explains. “Realtors often struggle to connect with quality clients and create effective marketing strategies. Nesti was designed to fill that gap by providing an all-in-one solution that educates and empowers both real estate professionals and their clients.”
Nesti’s vision is vast. It aims to be a multi-faceted platform that revolutionizes the way people experience real estate by utilizing cutting-edge technology. Raveenthiran’s ambitious goal is to become the “Shopify of real estate,” offering a seamless experience for all stakeholders.
“Through Nesti, we’re creating an environment of fairness and transparency,” she adds. “We want every party involved, from buyers to brokers, to feel empowered and confident in their decisions.”
A Holistic Vision: Integrating Business with Spiritual Growth
Raveenthiran’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply intertwined with her personal growth and spirituality. In her mid-20s, she underwent a profound transformation, reverting to Islam, a decision that has since influenced every facet of her life, including her business.
“My faith taught me the importance of doing the right thing, regardless of external circumstances,” she reflects. “In business, this translates to creating value that goes beyond profit—focusing on the positive ripple effects our actions can have on others.”
For Raveenthiran, success is not just about building a thriving business; it’s about leaving a legacy of empowerment, ethical leadership, and spiritual integrity.
“By being true to ourselves, we attract the right opportunities,” she says. “For me, it’s about aligning business practices with my higher self and contributing to the greater good.”
Overcoming Doubts and Setting New Standards in Real Estate
Despite her success, Raveenthiran’s journey has been filled with challenges—from navigating the complexities of family dynamics to overcoming societal expectations and self-doubt. But these hurdles only strengthened her resolve.
“I’ve learned that every critique or doubt is an invitation for growth,” she says. “We grow most when we embrace adversity and use it to fuel our evolution.”
Her resilience is the cornerstone of Nesti’s future. With a mission to scale the company to a multi-billion dollar enterprise, Raveenthiran envisions Nesti becoming a transformative force in real estate, recognized not only for its technological innovations but also for setting new standards in inclusivity and ethics.
“I’m not just building a company,” she says. “I’m building a future where real estate is accessible, transparent, and fair for everyone involved.”
The Road Ahead: Building a Legacy of Empowerment
Looking forward, Raveenthiran is clear about her goals. She aspires to have Nesti featured in major publications, including Forbes’ 30 Under 30, as a symbol of what’s possible for women of color in the tech industry. Her ambitions, however, go far beyond accolades or financial success.
“Nesti is about more than just real estate. It’s about building a movement,” she says. “I want to inspire young entrepreneurs, especially women of color, to pursue their dreams in tech and beyond.”
Raveenthiran’s ultimate goal is to reach 1,000,000 users through Nesti’s app waitlist and newsletter, proving that a vision rooted in innovation, empowerment, and compassion can transcend industry norms.
Lessons for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Raveenthiran’s journey holds valuable lessons for budding entrepreneurs and anyone facing adversity:
- Embrace challenges: Use obstacles as opportunities to grow and refine your vision.
- Stay true to your values: Success should be built on integrity and ethical practices.
- Never stop learning: Continuous self-improvement is the key to staying ahead in any industry.
- Trust your intuition: Your inner guidance is often your greatest asset.
- Empower others: True success lies in uplifting those around you and leaving a positive impact on society.
As Raveenthiran continues her upward trajectory, she stands as a beacon for what’s possible when passion, innovation, and resilience come together. Her journey with Nesti is just beginning, but the impact she’s poised to make is undeniable.
To follow Ravinna Raveenthiran’s journey and learn more about Nesti, visit her LinkedIn profile, check out the Nesti website, or follow her on Instagram @ravinnaravi.