Q&A with Co-Founder Faraje Kharsa on Becoming an Entrepreneur
No matter what the motivation is to be your own boss, there is no better time than now. Just do it! Don’t wait until tomorrow. There may always be something in the way, but becoming an entrepreneur is about having the mindset that possibilities are endless, so put aside your fears of risk and failure, and get ready to take the leap.
We’d like to give you a dose of inspiration through this special Q&A with our Co-Founder Faraje Kharsa on entrepreneurship. Here’s how he defines an entrepreneur:
Q: What does being an entrepreneur mean to you?
A: Being an entrepreneur means you embody the belief that anything is possible. As long as you have unwavering belief and passion in your mission that will solve a problem, help someone or empower others, doors will open up along the way, and you will know what to pursue intuitively. A lot of successful people have failed on their journey, including me, and the one thing you must always remember is you cannot fear failure. Ever. When you fall, you have to get back up and try again.
Q: What is the best advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
A: You cannot go into business simply to make money; you have to go into business to solve a problem, and sometimes that can be your biggest challenge. As long as you chase money, it will never chase you. You have to focus on giving, not on receiving. Remember, It’s about giving well and finding the best ways to give, and this applies to both your customers and employees. When you’re an entrepreneur, you have to have the courage to act on your dreams and passions that align with your core values. You will accumulate wealth and money in direct relationship to how well you give.
Q: What makes an entrepreneur successful?
A: Successful entrepreneurs understand how to actively manage their brand and reputation. They engage with their customers at an emotional level and sell their brand as the product. They have the ability to make a compelling promise to their customers and efficiently and effectively deliver on it consistently better than anyone else. This breeds customer loyalty and repeat predictable business.
Q: How do you balance your time as an entrepreneur?
A: Balance is natural when you love what you do. I have the same number of hours in the day as everyone else. Sometimes, I work more; sometimes I work less. In fact, I think true entrepreneurs are always on vacation because we love what we do so much.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: A business isn’t whole without the people behind it. A business isn’t a building, a warehouse, etc.; None of that matters without the right people. Everyday, my customers inspire me. My employees inspire me. My family inspires me. What is business without people?