Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Usha Pillai, Founder of New Sky, located in North Reading, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We provide sustainability consulting to organizations. Our main focus is on climate action, so we help businesses conduct an inventory of their greenhouse gas emissions, gather data for disclosures, and set emissions reduction targets. Our customers are small and medium-sized businesses and anyone that's looking to implement sustainability.
Tell us about yourself
I am an engineer by training, and I founded a few tech startups before this. When the pandemic happened, I thought deeply about what I truly wanted to do, and so I made the shift toward sustainability. I learned about the science behind climate change and about the formal sustainability frameworks that businesses can adopt. It's actually not far from my engineering work, and I truly enjoy doing it because my heart and soul are in this work, unlike before. Also, I am a single mother, and I want to leave a better world for my kids to live in. That's what motivates me!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
At first, I worked with business partners, but it just didn't work out for me, so I have now set out on my own, and I really enjoy the freedom to make my own decisions. I have gained the confidence that I can do this by myself.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The endless struggles and challenges. Not having a steady revenue stream. Those have been the hardest for me. But you know what? At some point, you have no way to go except up, so that's what you do. You just find the little nooks and crannies to inch your way up!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate about what you want to do. This is not a cliche. I just know that I have finally arrived at my entrepreneurial destination because sustainability is my true passion!
- Make sure there's a market for your product or service. Even some cursory internet searches can give you an idea of the demand.
- Network! Start talking to people who are running businesses of their own, and get tips from them. It will also open up a few opportunities along the way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://newskyghg.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089971961999
Twitter: https://twitter.com/newskyghg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newskyghg/
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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