You can check out all the interviews in this “Women Who Inspire” series HERE.
K : Think back to five years ago. Did you envision this is where you would be?
KD : No, I did not see that happening over these last 5 years. However, in a very long vision I always wanted to be a part of education and be an educator. I always told people, I would retire as a teacher, never had a starting point figured out though!
K : What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture? How did the idea for your business come about?
KD : I have twins, and I just loved being there, and as a natural mom instinct you are always educating your kids – not just book stuff, but so much from how to drink water to how to wear your clothes or be more tolerant , I mean everything ! I loved this ride as a hands-on mommy-teacher and this got me closer every day to discover a Starting Point to my life long goal to retire as a teacher, technically an educator (lol – don’t have teaching credits and don’t want to get in trouble with hard earned teachers with a teaching degree). Also, I am always haunted by creative spirits, not sure if they are white or black, but I am deeply driven to test the waters.
K : Describe your typical day.
KD : Kuhoo, as a mom.preneur, you’d know best that the one thing we don’t have defined is “a typical day”. What I can tell you is days are very long, very tiring, and sometimes very frustrating and as in any venture your biggest investment is Time!
K : How many hours do you work a day on average?
KD : My days are balancing between kids, home and work – time put in specifically toward my venture is hard to carve out, because even if I am not on my desk working, in my mind I always am! But my days are really long, most days are a 16-hour bet and that includes weekends.
K : How do you approach risk-taking?
KD : Born and raised middle class, my virtue is conservative. To grow, I need to invest my personal finances into the business, but as much as possible I take slow and calculated risks – may not be in the best interest of the business most times. I have a constant focus to ensure I bring the bare bones back home. It is overwhelming and taxing at times and it’s a daily mental juggle -“Are you sure this is going to work out, yes yes dreams are good, having a vision is good, yes maybe you do have it in you, but everything is a “IF” . “
K : What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
KD : The biggest satisfaction is just the underlying fact that I am abled and positioned to pursue this venture.
K : What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
KD : This answer is specific to my current environment and situation – and may not work as a general “for all” answer. For me the key to work is to be sincere – whether you are employed or you are starting on your own. So, the requisition is the same – employed or entrepreneur. You chose your path based on the situation, priority, interest, position and access – I was employed for all this years and just like now when I am on my own, I am all in!
Oh, one last thing, I definitely know one difference, when you are employed you are surely going to get that “fat check”, which right now in my dreams also I don’t get to see! (just kidding!)
K : Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
KD : Well I am a Class A movie-inspired person, in my fact check sessions also some movie or character is playing at the back of my head which tells me I am going to get somewhere, I mean significant somewhere in 10 or 20 years. I better! I am aiming for Mars right now, but I am thinking at least the Moon, if not just on Earth, if nothing then better tried then not… jokes apart, I have no clue, but I do practice my Oscar speech every day, just in-case!
K : In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur
KD : Passionate!
Thank you so much Kajal for taking out time for this chit chat & I loved your witty comments! It was a wonderful talk session and I wish you good health, peace, happiness & success in your venture!
