Ishini Kuruppu
Everyone is introduced to the traditional cycle of ‘getting through school, finding a suitable degree, and settling for a job.’ Many of us weren’t told or encouraged to set bigger goals beyond it. Why not work towards becoming a successful entrepreneur someday?
I became an entrepreneur in the apparel sector.
It can feel nonconformist and rebellious to go against mainstream expectations and well-tried paths. Every entrepreneur has that unmistakable combination of qualities that made them want to start an initiative of their own. It definitely takes courage to want an alternative trajectory for yourself. Because getting there isn’t easy.
An entrepreneur is not someone who simply initiates an idea of their own. What makes you an entrepreneur is not what you say or appear to be, it’s the work you do with passion, consistency and resilience. The commitment you give to your business becomes one of a different level. Because there is no end goal. You work to achieve one goal after another, not just for profits but to drive your business further and make an impact.
Entrepreneurs don’t come up with their ‘big idea’ out of the blue. They identify a problem and come up with a solution.
One of the reasons, I believe, startups have a chance of failing at an early stage is because a good solution to a clear problem was not found. It is important that entrepreneurs identify a gap to fill and look at it with their creative eye.
It is an excellent era for entrepreneurs! Many of the technological innovations of the past several years are perfectly suited to new startups, with their interactivity, accessibility and affordability.
My credits go to digital technology with much of my entrepreneurial success so far as a startup. The truth is it plays a major role in many businesses, big or small. Brands that are starting up have their stores completely dependent on social media for their existence. I consider it as the engine, after all, it’s clearly how it runs. It helps in spreading brand awareness, reaching out to customers, building networks and taking businesses to greater heights, for sure.
I think Sri Lanka, in particular, has a good environment for startups, and this encourages young people to take up the challenge of doing their own thing.
Recently, and especially in the current era when so many people are working more from home, an increasing number of workshops and seminars are arranged to push forward the young crowd. It’s truly amazing to know that we are being encouraged and supported to build something of our own.
We see that people have dreams and ideas but lack action. They have the fear of not knowing it all for them to take initiative. It could be because of our age or gender and some of us tend to think we are too young or not suitable to be taking up that challenge. I strongly disagree.
No one has to be a field expert, have reached a certain age or be of a particular gender. It simply begins with our passion and our drive to make it happen. Along the way, we will learn things. We should trust the process and get it started in the first place. The mindset of an entrepreneur, whether they’re just starting or have already gone a long way, will always be the most influential factor on the success of their initiative.
To keep progressing, it is important to invest in professional and personal development, to keep one’s thinking fresh and skillset updated and contemporary.
Many successful entrepreneurs and business people provide guidance that would help young entrepreneurs. Gaining knowledge out of their experiences and expertise, and not only out of books would definitely take us somewhere.
Although it is said that education is not essential to become an entrepreneur we shouldn’t confuse it with knowledge. I personally believe that it’s important to learn from people who have been out there and have stories to share.
Entrepreneurs are not talkers but doers. When the rest of the community feels blocked or tied to the upheavals and anxieties of politics and the economy, people running their own businesses have the best chance of prosperity and continuity.
Starting up something of your own means you’ve decided to become independent. It may be due to the need for financial freedom, family issues, or simply wanting to make something out of yourself. In our current environment, we see that it’s the frustration that motivates people. When they’re struggling in any way their solution would be to become independent. I believe that if there is something that pushes us forward to start up a business, it would always be a reason for us to keep going. There would be a lesser chance of people giving up or losing interest.
Entrepreneurs are like alchemists: they transform negatives into positives. Through failure and negativity, they rise, not fall.
Frustrations, setbacks and disappointments can act as catalysts and prompts for entrepreneurs. Every day on the journey of creating and building something that was not there before you brings radical accountability. You have high expectations of yourself because the whole enterprise depends on you. It becomes your sole responsibility to work for it every day. When it gets tough, remind yourself why you started and where you’re headed.
Working for yourself is a direct form of self-empowerment for women. It’s a risk but a risk with great rewards: no rules, but also no safety net. We are often judged as lacking courage and I highly respect every woman who’s proving this negative judgement wrong by doing amazing things.
Don’t let anyone set limits for you. Of course, there would be countless risks involved and anything could go wrong in a split second. But we must always keep our hands on the wheel through continuous struggles because success will not happen overnight so wipe out those expectations. You just have to keep working for it.
Build your own empire, ladies! Be proud to be a woman and prove your power.
