Shreya Patel, a multifaceted individual with a passion for storytelling, is making waves in the entertainment industry. From her roots as a model to her current roles as an actress, filmmaker, producer, and writer, Shreya has embarked on a journey that is both empowering and impactful. As the founder and Co-CEO of Window Dreams Productions Inc., she has dedicated herself to bringing underrepresented voices to the forefront of the industry. Through a diverse range of projects, including TV series, documentaries, music videos, and web series, Shreya and her team are committed to creating content that resonates with audiences on a deeper level. We at EliteX are proud to introduce Shreya Patel as one of the Impactful Female Entrepreneurs to Watch, 2024.
Shreya’s entrepreneurial journey was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between her own experiences and the stories being told in the industry. With Window Dreams Productions Inc., she sought to bring authenticity and depth to the screen, sparking conversations and touching hearts along the way. Despite facing challenges as a female entrepreneur, Shreya’s unwavering dedication and belief in her vision have propelled her forward.
“I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of community; they inspire us to improve. I’ve been making more efforts to connect than before.” – Shreya Patel
For Shreya, success in business is about more than just financial achievements; it’s about changing perspectives and making a difference in the world. Through her work, she aims to share diverse stories that challenge and inspire audiences. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women of Canada, Forbes Under 30 honouree, recipient of the Women’s Achiever Award for Youth Leadership, and more. Additionally, her commitment to advancing equity in the city has earned her an honorable mention from the City of Toronto.
Additionally, from 2018 to 2023, Shreya was prominently featured in the Canadian Screen Award-winning national mental health awareness campaign “Bell Let’s Talk”, contributing significantly to raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and its support. Her dedication to mental health activism has been acknowledged by Global Affairs Canada.
Shreya’s achievements include winning her riding of University-Rosedale at the Under 35 Women’s Forum at the Assembly of Ontario. During this event, she seized the opportunity to advocate for her various social work endeavors as a mental health advocate and also shed light on the issue of Human Trafficking before a distinguished audience comprising numerous Members of Parliament.
Shreya Patel’s career has been marked by moments of innovation and resilience, none more pivotal than the creation of her first feature documentary, “Girl Up.” This project not only showcased her filmmaking prowess but also shed light on a crucial issue often overlooked in society. Despite facing challenges in its release, Shreya’s determination to share this impactful story propelled her forward, leading to partnerships with prestigious events like the Toronto International Film Festival and community screenings aimed at raising awareness and sparking conversations on combating human trafficking. For aspiring female entrepreneurs, Shreya’s advice is clear: plan, execute, and embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Taking that first daunting step is essential, as it breaks the cycle of hesitation and opens doors to growth and opportunity.
Balancing her professional and personal life has been a journey of self-discovery for Shreya. While her career demands frequent travel and commitments, she recognizes the importance of staying connected with loved ones across the globe. Engaging in activities outside of work, such as fitness, art, and travel, helps her maintain a sense of balance and well-being. Reflecting on her journey, Shreya acknowledges the role of mentorship in her success, albeit coming later in her career. She emphasizes the value of learning from others’ experiences, whether through formal mentorship or resources like YouTube. For Shreya, staying innovative and adaptable in the ever-evolving industry involves embracing new technologies and approaches, as demonstrated by her direction of projects like “Unity” and “Freedom Dance” over Zoom during the pandemic.
“Failure teaches valuable lessons, allowing you to improve. Without attempting, you’re trapped in a cycle of ‘what ifs.’ Taking the first step is the toughest, but it’s crucial to just do it.” – Shreya Patel
When asked about the essential qualities for success, particularly for women in business, Shreya Patel emphasizes focus, resilience, ambition, and a growth mindset. These qualities have been instrumental in her own journey, guiding her through challenges and driving her towards her goals. Within her company, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture is paramount for Shreya. She prioritizes the well-being and mental health of her team, recognizing that a supportive environment is essential for creativity and productivity. By valuing relationships over projects and prioritizing mental health, Shreya ensures that her team feels valued and empowered to bring their best selves to their work.
In the face of failure or setbacks, Shreya approaches challenges with a growth mindset. She sees failure as an opportunity for learning and growth, understanding that it is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. Rather than fearing failure, Shreya’s fear lies in remaining stagnant or complacent. She embraces discomfort as a catalyst for growth, pushing herself and her company to new heights.
Looking to the future, Shreya has ambitious goals for her production company. She aims to release more impactful stories that resonate with audiences while also achieving commercial success. Additionally, she plans to launch a mentorship program for young aspiring artists, empowering them to become their own producers and share their stories with the world. Shreya’s dedication to empowering others and her commitment to storytelling has garnered recognition, as she is set to be honored as “Producers to Watch” at the prestigious Series Mania conference in France. With these goals in mind, Shreya Patel and Window Dreams Productions Inc. are poised to make an even greater impact on the world stage.
As Shreya Patel continues to make her mark as a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and advocate, her journey serves as an inspiration to women everywhere, reminding them of the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose in pursuing their dreams. Shreya’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, who are looking to make their mark in the industry. By paving her own path and uplifting others along the way, she embodies the true spirit of entrepreneurship and empowerment.
“Success in business is about more than just financial achievements; it’s about changing perspectives and making a difference in the world.” – Shreya Patel
