Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kahkasan Akhi, Founder of Intense Pursuits, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a small business owner, and I create art inspired by my Bangladeshi origins. My customer is anyone and everyone interested in arts and culture. Besides creating art, I am also a co-owner of an Interior Design studio, KAFF Designs.
Tell us about yourself
Having been introduced to Etsy more than a decade ago through a close friend, I started selling small restored furniture and vintage accessories. I also blogged about each of these projects on the side.
Eventually, I started adding some of my original art and paintings into the mix while maintaining a full-time architect profession. Up until recently, I published my coloring books featuring the Bangla and the Arabic alphabet. And following up on that, I have been doing several types of illustration projects. I get to do a variety of work, and that is what keeps me motivated.
My passion for good design comes from my architectural background, and I have found that the same principles in building design can be applied to every type of project.
Lastly, I want to add that my work is a showcase of my culture, and my hope is that my children and all the children of the diaspora will keep this spirit alive.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments was seeing my name under the credits of the HBOmax show "Take out with Lisa Ling," for which I created the calligraphy of the episode on Bangladeshi food in New York City.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a small business owner, it is very hard to spend a lot on marketing as well as keeping up with the social media trends to make myself visible out there. And this is why I am so very grateful to be featured in Subkit!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your niche.
- Research, research, research.
- Ask for help.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.intensepursuits.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntensePursuits
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intensepursuits/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/intensepursuits
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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