At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Darshankaur Khalsa for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Darshankaur is an entrepreneur, pet prana therapist, and co-founder of Pets of Paradise. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Darshankaur:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I began my journey in the pet industry as someone who was initially scared of dogs. This changed dramatically when I adopted Tyra, my first pet, who opened my heart to the joys of being a pet parent.
My background in ice cream making, inherited from my father’s factory, allowed me to blend my love for pets with entrepreneurship. This led to the creation of Waggy Zone, India’s first brand of dog-friendly ice creams.
My experience on Shark Tank India was a pivotal moment that not only elevated Waggy Zone’s profile but also facilitated a merger with Pets of Paradise, allowing us to expand our offerings and reach.
How did you discover your passion?
My passion for pets was ignited by my relationship with Tyra. Initially fearful, I discovered the immense joy and companionship that dogs can bring. This personal transformation inspired me to create products that enhance the lives of pets and their parents.
The realisation that I could combine my love for animals with my entrepreneurial spirit was a turning point in my life.
Could you please share with us more about your role in Pets Of Paradise?
I have been in the pet business for more than 7 years now, and with my experience and learnings as a pet prana therapist, I realised the importance of community, content, and education.
With my interactions with hundreds of pet parents, I have been observing the relationships between the pets and pet parents. And how pet parents require support from other pet parents. So I take care of the educational content, community requirements, and PR for Pets of Paradise.
Community Building: In India, 70% of abandonment of pets happens due to lack of knowledge and so through Pets of Paradise, we are committed to building a supportive community for pet parents. We have two separate communities, one Team Milo for Dog Parents and one Team Booshy for Cat Parents as both the groups have different requirements and different emotional needs.
Awards and Recognition: My work has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Nari Shakti Award in 2018 and the Young Innovators Award at the Women’s Economic Forum in 2019. These accolades not only validate my efforts but also inspire me to continue advocating for better pet care practices.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My biggest inspiration has been my Nani (my mother’s side grandmother) & my mother, who kept working towards the betterment of the community. But for business, it was my father who inspired me to run a quality business.
Additionally, I draw inspiration from leaders like Ratan Tata, who said, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone; if you want to walk far, walk together.” This philosophy resonates deeply with me as I strive to foster collaboration among pet parents and entrepreneurs.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
Several strategies have helped me grow as a person:
Continuous Learning: I invest time in learning about pet care and business management.
Community Engagement: Building a supportive network through Pets of Paradise allows for shared knowledge and experiences.
Resilience: Facing challenges head-on has taught me the importance of persistence and adaptability in both personal and professional realms.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
In my opinion, the keys to success include:
a) Passion with Practicality: Pursuing what you love is essential, but creating a road map is important, and calculating the risks is essential.
b) Collaboration: Working with others amplifies impact.
c) Innovation: Continuously seeking new ideas keeps your business relevant.
d) Empathy: Understanding the needs of pets and their owners fosters loyalty and community.
What advice would you give to our readers?
To anyone considering a path similar to mine, I advise you to check on your financials, find new ways to fulfil your goals and do not give up on failures, failure is nothing but a stepping stone. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who share your vision, and never underestimate the power of community.
Remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Your journey may be unique, but your passion can lead you to incredible places if you remain dedicated and open-minded.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
