Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Navin Ramharak, Partner at In The Lab, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are the home for basketball. A media brand bringing the best of basketball content & experiences to the mainstream.
In The Lab is a global basketball brand that covers on-court, off-court, and lifestyle for basketball players and fans. Our customers range from 5 years old to 60+, it's anyone that loves the game of basketball, whether they played growing up or just love watching it.
Tell us about yourself
I've been a serial entrepreneur since I was 16, and I have been very fortunate to be a part of In The Lab for the last 6 years of my life. Building this company with Devin Williams has been nothing short of amazing and has allowed me to really grow as an entrepreneur.
I'm motivated every day to leave my mark on the next generation of "Brown Skinned" entrepreneurs and show them that there are non-traditional paths to take and be successful with. With our generation, it's all about being doctors, engineers, etc., things that are the classic 9-5 jobs, but for many of us, those aren't fulfilling, and we need more. I hope to be an example to show the next generation what following your passion and working hard can do for your life.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There have honestly been a few recently, but for 2022 it was bringing ex-NBA players such as Mario Chalmers, Ty Lawson, Jason Williams, Cuttino Mobley, Tyshawn Taylor, Gerald Green, and more into our events. We put on the biggest LIVE basketball events in the world, and recently we started to bridge the gap between YouTubers and ex-NBA players. These unique events bring both communities together to compete live in 1v1 and 2v2 matchups. Our last event had 1.2 million views.
Another major one for us has been releasing "2" signature shoes, with our 3rd coming out in 2023. We've sold over 15,000 pairs of shoes to date.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's the constant challenge we face every day and what we are doing to scale the brand globally and continue to grow. Even right now, there are major economic issues, global supply chain problems, constant changes in social media platforms, etc. There is always a new challenge to face, and it forces us to be nimble and quick thinkers on how to pivot and what our next move needs to be in order to keep growing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Step outside your comfort zone every day; this is where you will find the most growth.
- Don't be afraid to take RISKS; this is what will push your creativity and separate you from the rest.
- Build a team and empower them. As an individual, you can only do so much; look to grow your team and give them power, constant feedback, and a sense of belonging to grow your "family." You need a strong family to take your brand to new heights.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://inthelab.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ten000hours
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthelab/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DevInTheLab
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navin-ramharak/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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