“It may not be rocket science, but we certainly treat it like it is.”
In the beginning of 2012 I entered into a partnership with a close friend to start our first business. Our company named Smoked Out Shisha specialized in Shisha (or more commonly known as Hookah in North America) and took up residence in one of Kuala Lumpur’s most renowned restaurants, Souled Out. Shisha’s meteoric rise in Malaysia can be attributed to the influx of middle eastern culture and this opportunity was ripe for the taking.
Approaching two of the most high profile entrepreneurs in the Food and Beverage business in Malaysia was daunting to say the least. Souled Out’s policy was to have tenders to select their partners. And we were up against experienced Shisha vendors with more capital to fund their operations. However, what we offered was a commitment to quality and the hunger to succeed.
Obtaining the partnership was the first step, but it was not the last challenge. Having no prior experience to running a business there were many operational issues that we faced. This included staffing and obtaining reliable suppliers. On top of running a business I was working full time as a Brand Manager at DiGi Telecommunications and over this period I learned a great deal about time management.
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Within a year, our business was booming and customers at Souled Out were loving our product. We expanded into another of Souled Out’s branches and continued to deliver delicious flavours with great service to our customers.
Now that I am pursuing my MBA at the Sauder School of Business, Smoked Out Shisha has been absorbed by Souled Out and has closed down. This experience combined with my professional career has readied me for an MBA. My time with CIMB has taught me how to manage deadlines and stress. At DiGi I have improved my presentation skills and am practiced in facilitating discussions. As an entrepreneur I have learnt time management practices that have helped me to succeed in a demanding job while running a business.
I trust that my experiences, proactive attitude combined with a Sauder MBA will help me to succeed in future professional endeavours.