Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nirupa Netram, Founder and CEO of Lotus Solutions LLC., located in Cape Coral, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lotus Solutions LLC, a woman, and minority-owned certified business help all types of businesses create diversity and inclusion to ensure a fair and just work through consulting, customized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, and keynote speeches.
Tell us about yourself
I was born in Guyana. My Indian English-speaking parents and I moved from Guyana to the neighboring country of Suriname, a Dutch-speaking country. There, I started kindergarten and self-taught myself this new language. My family immigrated to Florida when I was nine. I finished schooling, including college and law school, in Florida. I was the first in my family to go to college. On my 25th birthday, I learned I passed The Florida Bar exam on my first attempt. I have spent two decades plus as an attorney and executive working in government (in the areas of justice and operations), corporate, and nonprofit sectors. I have served in non-attorney executive roles as chief, senior director, and director. I have always been passionate about DEI and embedded them in each of my roles, so I started a company focused on DEI.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is doing DEI consulting work in 11 countries to date. Through that work, I learned that everyone wants to feel a sense of value and belonging in their work environment, though the specific issues facing employees may differ based on their country and region.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is the fact that I run a company focused on DEI, and there is a growing politicization of DEI. However, DEI has nothing to do with politics. DEI is about trying to change behavior to build a better, sustainable future for everyone.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Lose self-doubt. You may likely encounter people who question your ability to succeed in your business. Ignore them, and don’t be them!
- Know your worth. Be reasonable and fair in your pricing, and ensure your pricing accounts for your unique background, skills, experiences, and area(s) of expertise.
- Do not ever compromise your values, morals, and ethics.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lotussolutions.biz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LotusSLLC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirupanetram/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
