Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ami Thakkar, Host and Producer of Tuckered Out with Ami Thakkar, located in Dallas, TX, USA.

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

I currently host and produce a podcast called Tuckered Out with Ami Thakkar, where I feature South Asian trailblazers, prominent voices, and experts from around the world (previous guests include Kal Penn, Lisa Ray, Maneet Chauhan, Malini Agarwal, Suketu Mehta, Rabia Chaudry, Sujata Day, Rishi Malhotra and episode topics have ranged from the farmers protest in Punjab to the Pfizer vaccine rollout here in the U.S.) We reflect on the messiness of growing up South Asian, have honest conversations about personal and professional journeys, and discuss how/if being South Asian shaped certain experiences and projects that currently fulfill our souls. We also throw in a few uncle jokes in between.

Tell us about yourself

I am a lawyer by trade, a freelance writer by trial, a podcaster by passion, and a D.J. when asked. After graduating as a Longhorn, I started off my career as an analyst at Enron. While applying to graduate schools, I worked on movie sets in Texas and then moved to Bombay to work in radio and media. A few years later, I graduated with a J.D. from DePaul University School of Law in Chicago and began my law career in New York City. Since then, I have moved back to India, lived in Dubai, Dallas, Bentonville, CT, and am currently back in Dallas. Between all the moves, I have worked as a writer for magazines (such as Vogue India, CN Traveler, OK! Middle East, and D Magazine), an executive for non-profits (Walton Foundation) and start-ups (Exclusively.in), and a backup Bollywood dancer for Indian pop stars. Because, why not.

I started this podcast because, frankly, I was tuckered out from all the big moves due to my husband's job, from being a mom of two, but mainly from determining what my true calling was. So as a first-generation South Asian born in the U.S., I decided to interview the diaspora of South Asian trailblazers around the world to hear how they figured it all out, to share the South Asian story, to highlight all the fantastic contributions the community is making in various industries, and to laugh. As much as possible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We just published our 100th episode! As an independent podcaster, the journey can sometimes be lonely and arduous. The podcast industry is still considered the wild wild west, and, a lot of times, the process of growing and understanding the market can be frustrating. I'm proud that we kept going and reached our first goal!

I'm also very excited to be on the Board of Governors for The Podcast Academy, the experience has been fantastic, and I've already learned so much from other members of TPA.

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

I think one of the hardest things when you're building your own brand and platform, is fighting that self-doubt that creeps in every once in awhile. Have faith in your vision and mission, and be true to who you are.

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

  1. Don't quit, and stay consistent! Everyone has imposter syndrome, and there have been days that I've wanted to just bury my head in the sand. During those times, it's healthy to take a pause and step back for a bit to remember why you started this journey in the first place.
  2. Ask for help! No one can build a business alone, don't be afraid to reach out to those who have done it before; you'll be surprised by how many people want to support you.
  3. Embrace change! The journey to building your business, brand, and platform will be a crazy and messy one. Accept that there will be times when you have to pivot your initial plans, ideas, etc. This is all a part of growing and a natural part of the journey.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.tuckeredoutwithami.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuckeredoutpodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athakkarraval/

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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