Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anjali Nair, Founder of The Immigrant Academy, located in Tampa, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Imagine moving to a new country as a young adult for the first time without the backing of any family or friends and starting life all over again without a blueprint. Over 1 million immigrants arrive in the United States every year, and it takes them several years to feel "settled" and acclimated to the people, processes, and culture.

The Immigrant Academy was born out of necessity as a mentoring and skill development platform for immigrants in North America. Our mission is to connect skilled immigrants with career mentors, professional experts, and learning modules that make it possible for them to achieve their #AmericanDream.

Tell us about yourself

I’m Anjali Nair, founder of The Immigrant Academy. When I moved to the United States in 2017 as a new bride, I knew no one except my husband. The first 18 months were the toughest, trying to figure out basic things like how to get a driver's license to more complex issues like how do I restart my career in Marketing! Combine this with the anxiety of interacting with multinational locals, being completely dependent on the spouse, and loss of identity in a new country with new processes, systems, and culture.

I started TIA so that no other immigrant or newcomer feels alone in this journey. We are the first and only platform that can holistically educate, inform and connect Immigrants in the USA.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Within the first 2 years of launching, TIA has supported over 1000 immigrants to restart their careers, communicate with locals, and acclimatize with American culture. We did this organically by creating educational content, courses, and mentoring programs.

Our biggest win is building an Immigrant community of over 17k people and getting messages like "I wish the TIA platform existed when I newly moved to the States." It’s reassuring to hear we’re positively impacting our Immigrant community.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest and life’s fastest ways to work in all departments of a company is being the CEO, CMO, HR, Sales, and Design head all at once at your own business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Read and learn the fundamentals of starting and owning a business before you do anything.
  2. Test your MVP with your ideal customer and see if they’ll pay for it before you invest any capital of your own.
  3. Find yourself a reliable and relevant business coach or mentor. It will save you time and money!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you're an Immigrant or know one, please help them get started by connecting with The Immigrant Academy. :)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.theimmigrantacademy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theimmigrantacademy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimmigrantacademy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-immigrant-academy/

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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