What we can learn from people who’ve forged their own path in business.

At The Soko Edit we encourage people to support and shop female founders, because with just 3% of business funding going to female-owned start-ups in the US last year, it’s time to create change.

But the more we learn about the founders we work with from all over the world, the more we realise that they’ve got a lot of advice to share with everyone, no matter what their career choice. 

Here’s the round-up of our top ten:

ONE: BE OPEN TO TAKING NEW PATHS

Start-ups commonly pivot and try different things if plan A doesn’t work out. It’s a reminder to us all to be flexible and to be open to new opportunities, especially given the current state of the world.

Bonita, founder of London-based stationery brand Bonita Ivié explains: 

“I never thought I’d go into homewares. But during Covid I’ve spent more time on my drawing, and people thought my food series would be good to have on homeware products – so here we are!”

TWO: SHARE YOUR IDEAS

One of the biggest myths of entrepreneurship is that someone might ‘steal’ your ideas. It stops people from sharing their brainwaves and having the support of other voices and opinions. Entrepreneurs or not, we would all do well to ask for feedback or input from others from time to time. 

Genevieve, founder of DC-based underwear brand Underbares says:

“I ask customers what they want next in their top drawer and we go from there.”

THREE: CHOOSE WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES

As consumers, we all have tremendous power when it comes to spending (even if it might not feel like it). Choosing to support independent brands working with artisans can mean paying a premium, but it makes a big difference to the lives of the artisans, their families, and the independent small business owner.

Ruchi Zaveri, founder of Indian artisanal brassware brand NHEST explains her biggest challenge as she tries to keep the ancient craft alive:

“People are used to buying mass-produced products which are much cheaper than hand-made ones, and this can affect my sales. But this has helped me choose my target audience well and I have learnt how to sell the product in a way that people can visualise themselves using it.”

FOUR: KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS

We can’t all be good at everything. Following your strengths and seeking support in areas where you feel less confident and able can actually give you the mental space you need to succeed. Being successful (whatever you do) doesn’t mean doing it all. We appreciate Bonita’s candor when she says:

“For things that aren’t your strength or things you don’t enjoy, outsource them. It is worth it for your mental health.”

FIVE: FIND YOUR PERSONAL “CO-FOUNDER”

It’s not just entrepreneurs who need support. Whether it’s your partner, a close friend or a close family member, find someone who supports you in your ambitions day-to-day and holds you accountable. On days you feel like throwing in the towel, they remind you it’ll be worth the fight.

Vera, founder of Singapore-based Align Swim and LetsFloatSG advises:

“It is important to have a strong support system who will be there for you. Do not keep your feelings in, share them! You will gain so much insight from other perspectives.”

SIX: OPINIONS ARE JUST OPINIONS

Opinions are valuable, and when people offer us their opinion, we should consider it. But the decision as to whether or not we follow their advice should remain our own, independent choice. 

Jamie, Founder of Brass Lion Gin in Singapore shares an inspiring story:

“Starting out 10 years ago in my early twenties, I was trying to open a bar in Clarke Quay. People were always telling me ‘you’re so young, what do you know? You’re going to close in six months’. But it pushed me to prove people wrong, it spurred me on.”

SEVEN: NO ONE EVER SAID IT WAS EASY

You know you’re doing the right thing, when you’re finding it challenging. A bit of hard graft is necessary, whatever your vision of success. Hayley, founder of Singapore’s Rooki Beauty explains: 

“I was having a difficult day and I complained to my partner that running Rooki was too hard. He told me ‘If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Everyone would run their own business, and be their own boss’.”

EIGHT: LISTEN TO YOUR GUT

If what you do fires you up inside, it’s worth more than 1000 opinions to the contrary. Whatever your goals, it’s up to you to have the drive and passion to see them through. Eesha, founder of Eesha Zaveri Jewellery in India, reminds us:

“Love your work such that even if you are working at 1 am, it doesn’t feel like work.”

NINE: EMBRACE MISTAKES

Entrepreneurs understand that mistakes are part of the process – but they’re also part of life. And the sooner we embrace this, the more benefits we will see in both our personal development and our relationships.

Tatiana, founder of Colombian textile collective, Zuahaza explains: 

“Every time we “fail” there is so much good that can come out of it if we are willing to listen to what the situation is trying to tell us. You will grow stronger from mistakes.”

TEN: JUST START

Start that new chapter, start learning that new skill. The only thing that’s stopping you is you. Sarah, from Sun to Sea, California, reminds us:

“The process is the inspiration. The only way to get past a blank canvas is to start doing.”

The Soko Edit’s community of entrepreneurs describe it as the most challenging yet most rewarding journey they’ve ever embarked on. What journey do you want to start? Comment below.

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