By Chef Zahra Khan is a mother, chef, and businesswoman who has opened three cafes in the past 2 years in central London. She founded Feya Cafes and DYCE while juggling with being a newfound mother of 2 that was also struggling with postpartum depression. She has redefined stereotypical perceptions by becoming a successful entrepreneurial chef in a male dominated industry and it is this success that encouraged her to introduce a range of retail products under her brand Feya – the profits of which are used to help empower women.
Zahra has also been shortlisted for the NatWest Bank everywoman ‘Most Inspirational Women 2020’ award in the UK, and is a finalist for the Businesswomen Of The Year by National Business Awards 2020. However, accomplishing all of these did not come without challenges, which is why today Zahra Khan is sharing with Mashion some of her tips to tackle business challenges successfully:
Balancing Responsibilities Like A Pro
Although times are changing, women are still expected to fulfil a number of roles: be caring mothers, loving wives, thoughtful daughters, and build their career simultaneously. Not all days however you’ll be able to feel like you can do it all. it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at certain instances, but Zahra reminds us that while being a thoughtful partner to your husband, a genuine mother to your children and an inspiring leader of your team, you also need to be kind to yourself. She says, ‘Doing all this requires a lot of planning and multitasking. Your planner is your best ally! Thanks to technology, you can sync all your calendars, set reminders, colour co-ordinate things and more. This will ensure you never forget an important meeting or recital.’
In order to effectively balance your life, Zahra says you need to learn to say no without the fear of disappointing your team or loved ones. Explain to them why sometimes you can’t come or have to give priority to something/someone else. They may be upset at first, but it would be worse if you commit to something and can’t show on the actual date.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Failure
According to Zahra, your mindset plays a huge role in the way you manage your career and handle life challenges. Knowing how to make tough decisions without letting your fear of failure interfering, is one of the biggest lessons to learn as an entrepreneur. Make your decision with confidence within yourself and your team, instead of second guessing yourself. ‘Honestly, there will be a time when you will make the wrong decision, but that’s okay because it will be a learning experience to do better later. Failures are the best way to learn and improve your service. Don’t fear them, embrace your failures.’
The Digital Space Is The Best Platform To Learn And Grow Personally And Professionally
Given the amount of content created and shared on the Internet, having limited knowledge is due to lack of access to the internet than actually lacking in “knowledge.” From free academic courses, baking classes, make-up tutorials – valuable content is easily accessible. The problem is that not everyone has access to the Internet these days. The Internet is actually another aspect of gender inequalities as worldwide, fewer women have access to smartphones than men. That being said, if you do have access to a smartphone and internet connection, Zahra encourages you to use it to your advantage. A brand/company can reach a lot more people by using the digital space, so don’t take it for granted!
Find Your Tribe Who Will Lift You Up
No one could get through life challenges without support, and this is also true for business. Whether it’s your partner, friend, family, or a network of women – find the people who lift you up and support you when things go south.
Believe That You’re Worth it And Go Get The Funds You Need
Depending on the type of business one is launching, the funding costs vary. However, statistics show that women received less funding than men: women-owned startups received 23% less funding than men. However, many more women-centered venture capitals have been created, such as Female Founders Fund or iFundWomen. 37Angels is another platform offering resources specifically for female founders, including funding, courses and coaching. These platforms are also a great way to connect with other entrepreneurs, receive and provide support, and simply build meaningful relationships with like-minded women, which is why Zahra reccommends exploring them when starting a business.
Gender Inequality Is Not Something You Can’t Overcome
Gender inequality is an issue many have to deal with during various phases of starting a business as a woman, but while overcoming it is a challenge, it’s not impossible, says Zahra. By speaking up about it and engaging in conversations, you will make your peers think about the gender gaps present within society.
In a couple of decades, women have gained the rights to divorce, work, or proprietorship. These are major advancements and more will come for women in business. Zahra reminds us that without having as many rights as most women do today, Eleanor Roosevelt said: “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
If there’s something you truly want to do, you can achieve it. All it takes is determination and trust in yourself!
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