Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kuljit Rakhra, Co-founder of Takasa Lifestyle Company Inc., located in Vancouver, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Takasa is a socially and environmentally responsible homewares brand, providing mindful, sustainable products without compromising quality or comfort. Our products are organic, ethically sourced, free from harmful chemicals, and manufactured using environmentally safe methods. Our customers are those who care about making the world a better place. They are conscious about what their families consume and the impact on the current and future environment. Essentially, they are living or aspiring to live a “green” lifestyle.
Tell us about yourself
Our Takasa journey started with becoming parents and consciously making eco-lifestyle changes. As we looked deeper, it became increasingly clear that industries such as textiles are in the midst of a deep moral and ethical crisis. We thought about cheap overseas labor that is continuously exploited under abysmal working conditions.
We also read that the traditional methods of manufacturing cotton consist of harmful insecticides and pesticides. So we made it our mission to make positive changes. Our vision was to create a brand that promotes environmental responsibility and delivers goods and services that add value to people’s lives. Takasa has had a great response in terms of being accepted as a new brand in the marketplace. Our customers continuously tell us how much they value our product offering and the lengths we have gone to bring these items to life. Such feedback only reinforces that we are on the right path and will continue to push forward in doing our part for people and the planet alike.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Takasa's biggest accomplishment has been launching, albeit in line with COVID-19. Who knew a pandemic would cast an extra shadow in navigating being a newcomer in the marketplace? Launching is such a significant accomplishment in and of itself. There are so many hurdles for many would-be entrepreneurs, both self-imposed and by others, that just getting to the starting line is a huge step.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are so many challenges when managing a new business - a different challenge comes along each day. However, the hardest may be practicing patience. You must not get ahead of yourself. There will be times when things are slow - this does not mean you should tinker and re-tool. Stick to your plan and continue executing it. Just continue working through your original plan, and things will happen.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start - make a plan, do your research, but start.
- Do not underestimate yourself. Do as much as you can yourself, and hire for things you absolutely cannot do. Doing what you can save you money during the start-up phase, leaving your funds to deploy on other things and in the future.
- Get to know your suppliers and partners well - build solid relationships from the outset.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
With a passion for exceptionally high-quality materials and socially conscious manufacturing processes, Takasa is focused on combining thoughtfully designed premium products for those who value beauty, durability, and sustainability.
"Takasa - where comfort and luxury, meets ethical sustainability."
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.takasa.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Takasa.Co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakasaLife/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/takasa/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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