We invited Komal Phulwani for an interview with Most Popular Stories to know more about her entrepreneurial journey.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey as an Entrepreneur
Let’s begin with introducing myself. I am Komal Phulwani. I was born and brought up in Jaipur, Rajasthan in a Sindhi family. I belong to a business family. I started my journey as a Company Secretary. After completing 10+2 I had a dream to continue my further studies in London but due to some personal reasons I couldn’t pursue it. Then I completed my graduation and alongside I cleared Company secretary exams.
In the initial stage of the beginning of my career I started working with MNCs. During my employment life I multiple times realised that job isn’t my cup of tea and it always restricted my growth and exploring skill set. It was a difficult time and somehow the job never fascinated me and I was sure the type of life I want to live the job cannot provide me.
I realised even if I keep on switching from one company to another, there will be a certain hike in salary but then also even the highest paid job has a certain limit. That was the point when I realised that I want to do something else in my life and not to restrict myself to a job. I kept on hunting for an opportunity and that’s where my life took a turn where I started business and became an Entrepreneur.
2. Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
Job is something which never fascinated me. Being from a Sindhi family I always felt I am not meant for a job and it’s the business which runs in my veins.
I started my career as a Company Secretary Intern with an MNC, then I again joined an MNC in the automotive industry as a Compliance and Legal India. During my second job I used to feel that despite working so hard I am earning for someone else and making him rich. The office politics and everyone running in rat race scared me that I too will end up like them.
Even if I switch from one company to another, there will be an increment in salary but then also even the highest paid job has a certain limit and plus working in the same profile will restrict my growth. I will be improving my particular skill only and that will make me rigid. That time I felt that a job cannot help me build my dreams and I chose entrepreneurship over job.
3. What was the vision behind it?
My dreams became the vision to drive me on the path of becoming an entrepreneur from an employee. My biggest dream is to promote human welfare and to achieve that job wasn’t sufficient.
Every day and every night when I see people suffering from heat, cold and rain, I feel that I wish I could help them. Wishing never helps, and at some point you have to take a step. Creating a system and providing a better life to people is my vision.
4. Describe the services that you offer to your customers and in what
way they are unique?
I am into e-commerce business which is based on an aggregator business model. Here I have collaborations with 12+ sectors which is more than 260 companies in 160 countries. I work as a facilitator and help the companies in business development by providing B2B services such as market penetration, market research, cost optimization and developing strategies to expand and generate turnovers.
5. What difficulties which you have faced or you are facing?
Working for 3 years in corporations somewhere made that my comfort zone. A 9-5 job became very comfortable. Going to the office, working and coming back home was the daily schedule.
When I decided to pursue entrepreneurship over a job, the major difficulty I faced was to step out of my comfort zone and stretch my working hours. The sleepless nights and overcoming the fear of whether I will succeed or not.
I realised if I have to change my life the one thing I have to change is myself. To change myself internally and my thought process took me some time.
6. How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
In business, there is always the pressure of failing. Even if you are getting success, the 100% certainty is not always there. Too many times as entrepreneurs, we are so focused on success that we take a backseat.
To manage my stress, I always think about what is in my control. I focus on things which are in my hands and I work on that. Doing that helps me manage my time effectively and brings efficiency in my work. Prioritizing goals also help a lot to identify what is urgent and what can be taken later on.
7. How do you market your business?
Although this is a B2B business, it doesn’t require marketing. Sometimes the people who aren’t aware then word of mouth is the way I market my business.
8. How many hours a day do you work on average & can you
describe/outline your typical day?
During initial days, when I started business I started it along with my job and used to give 3-4 hours initially.
And now my entire time goes to my business and I enjoy that and sleep peacefully knowing the fact that I am working for myself and I am creating a system which will work for me even when I will be sleeping.
I start my day with working out in the gym, cooking and after that complete time for business.
During my working hours, I devote my time to research, strategizing and planning for market penetration and preparing plans for expansions of the companies I have collaborated with.
9. In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Hard Work, dedication, consistency in the work, changing internally and never giving up attitude are the main keys to success.
10. What advice would you give to someone starting out as an aspiring
entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship is a journey of change. Everyday you will learn something new. Work on yourself and cherish the change because this journey will make you a person whom you have not even imagined.
Yes there will be failures, not everyday will be a sunny shining day but always remember that this shall pass. Never give up thinking things aren’t working for me. Work on what is in your hands and your efforts will give you the results you wish to see.
Whenever you fail just remember that you have got one more chance to improve yourself. Learn from the failures and move ahead, the doors of success will open for you.
Fight, get up and run. You will reach your goal.
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cs-komal-phulwani-73424212b/
We also had an Interview with Swapna S an entrepreneur, learn more about her remarkable journey, vision, and plans for the future here.
Follow us on Instagram for More Popular and Inspiring Stories.