Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karishma Motiram, Founder of The Thought Box, located in Harrow, Middlesex, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is dedicated to helping new mums return to work following maternity leave so they can both own and enjoy their transition back into the workplace. My mission is to help them master a work-life balance that gives them the freedom to enjoy their family while showing up powerfully at work.
Tell us about yourself
While the push for me to start my business is not ideal… the impact of it IS.
I coach new mothers back to work because after suffering during my own return to work and watching the impact of it on my family, I made a commitment to help as many women as possible to have better control over their return to work, so they didn’t have to go through what I did.
Kindness and consideration are two of my top values, so this is something I carry with me through all the work I do and why I work so hard to help people be kinder and more considerate to themselves, as well as others.
I see the women that work tirelessly around the clock, losing themselves in the processes. I see the children who wish their parents would do more with them, other than their ‘to do’ list. I see the partners who barely speak to each other because they are buried under their workloads and don’t know how to make the time. I see the businesses that suffer because they have employees who are burnt out or no longer committed but staying in a role because of the fear of looking bad for leaving.
I see countless parents lost in their thoughts. I also see the potential they have when they manage those thoughts. I see a world where we lead better lives, families are happier and businesses prosper because of one simple change. Thought management.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business leader is knowing that the work I do doesn’t only impact the woman I work with but also her family and friends, along with the businesses they work with.
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was when I decided to be a business owner. Making this decision took courage I didn’t know I had in me and taught me the power of managing my mind. This learning is the foundation of the work I do. Whenever I am allowed to support someone in managing their mind, it makes my initial accomplishment of starting my business even more significant.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner who works remotely is staying motivated during challenging times. It is far too easy to distract yourself when there is no other person to answer to, so self-discipline and motivation can be incredibly challenging as a small business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Discipline is your friend—I used to think it limited my day, but I found how much more time it creates in my day.
- Do something you enjoy every day, even if it’s not work-related. I try to make one phone call to family or friends daily, as it keeps my spirits up and helps me feel less isolated when working from home.
- It’s all about your thoughts. Managing your ideas so they create positive emotions can completely change the trajectory of your business. While we cannot change our circumstances, we can always work on our thoughts. Don’t be afraid to take back control of your mind. It will be worth it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thethoughtbox.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karishma-motiram/
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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