In our latest interview, we spoke to yet another passionate womenpreneur Faizi Khan to understand more about her interesting journey as an entrepreneur so far. She is the Founder at Khayaalon ki Udaan which is her dream project that she had been working on for a few years now. Her strong belief in the ‘power of pen’ led her to create a platform primarily meant for sharing stories. Let’s find out more about her motivational journey and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with her;
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey, please;
I started my journey as a software engineer in 2012, but in my first company itself the realization struck upon me that probably I wasn’t meant for corporate culture at all. I left corporates in 2015 and started exploring myself, so I became an Event Manager for a Life Coaching Company. In that journey of three years, I got the reflection that It perhaps wasn’t the fault of corporate culture and further realised that it was the job culture that I wasn’t meant for, it took me 6 years of realization to take the courageous call to start my own venture. So in 2018 I started my own venture.
I come from a small town in North UP, where we are socially conditioned to do a job, no one guides/promotes/encourages you to start a business or become an entrepreneur. So it took me really long to finally take the plunge which I did despite all the noise, challenges and odds. “
Since childhood, I had a great interest in listening to my father’s bedtime stories and assist him in writing script for street plays and perform in the remote villages of UP. When I reflected upon my whole life, I rekindled those beautiful moments when I used to listen to my father’s stories. There are a lot of memories attached to it and its only because of my father I believed in the power of the pen. So I became a writer and started ‘Khayaalon Ki Udaan’.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
Entrepreneurship has its own struggles however all these struggles are worthwhile as it lets you grow in every direction of life. I was happy with the job when I was working, but there was a vacuum inside that asked for more. I felt in my case how cool can your job be, but there are a few moments in the whole year when you feel your employer is underestimating you in many ways and sometimes it hits your self-respect too. That’s exactly when I decided to whether or not continue doing the same old job by suppressing my desired and my passion and wait for the salary day or to take a stand for myself & start something meaningful, something that defines you and your capabilities with freedom, and not under someone who makes you feel like a machine!
The whole journey of being an entrepreneur (1.5 years) has taught me much more in life than any job could ever do. In fact I have learnt so much skills within all this time that I could ever learn being in a job.
Today, I can discover new ideas, bring it to the world and also monetize it! It’s a lovely process, every day is different.
What gets you out of bed in the morning i.e. what’s your source of motivation?
My reading and learning routine in the morning and workouts in the evening. I love meeting people with whom I can learn and grow. It really gives me meaning in life to keep learning more and keep moving forward.
What challenges/obstacles did you face in your journey so far?
There are many financial challenges that I had to face in the starting, be it story writing or storytelling. These are unconventional fields, so it takes a lot of time, hard work and research to bring a new idea or module to the world. But, as I often say every struggle is worthwhile! I am constantly learning the business dynamics and ways to monetise and create sustainable revenue streams. It is going good so far.
What comes first for you – money or emotions?
Emotions. Giving it back to the people is my goal. Rest would fall into place depending on how stubborn you are when it comes to dedication.
How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
I discuss my problems with my elder sister and close friends.
I do regular exercise and write. All of this helps.
What is one quality that you believe has helped you grow as a person?
I never give up and learn every day.
Hard work is the only quality that I am always confident and proud of.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Celebrations, Hard work, Routine, Correct choices in life & Clarity of thoughts.
What advice would you give to someone starting out particularly women?
Be clear with what you want, make a plan and execute!! And yes, never stop celebrating! Every day is worth.
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.
