For most of you, it’s been about two months at college.Well, now that you’ve adjusted to your schedule, there are students in your very own classes that are multitasking A LOT. They have a job, they’re starting a business AND they’re attending classes all at the same time. These people are young entrepreneurs looking for independence and a challenge. You could be one of them too. If you need a little inspo, here are two amazing, young women who show us how it’s done.
Eisha: Hi, my name is Eisha Jilani. I’m a fourth year computer science student and I’m the co-founder of an e-commerce business called Zere Souq with my mom. Honestly, we started this 5 years ago on Facebook when we were bored and decided to do something about our love for fashion. That’s how it started.
Pearl: “You can not only change the world by helping one person at a time, but it’s probably the only way to change the world.” Over my last few teenage years, this has been my greatest lesson. My name is Pearl Lobo, I’m 21, a marketing graduate and the “hopeful” co-founder of Abstract – an apparel brand that would release limited editions of clothing with customised and meaningful print designs. At the same time, Abstract would release written and video content addressing day-to-day challenges that teenagers and the youth face.
1. What was a typical day in your life while working, studying and starting your business?
Eisha: So I go to university, I have my own business and I have a full time job as well. Now, since I am in my last year, I don’t have too many classes to attend. So, a typical schedule would be going to college every Wednesday, I also work 5 days a week at my job. When it comes to Zere Souq, I work every evening on it. But before I got my full time job it was even more hectic because I used to work on Zere Souq in the morning, go to college, come back and work again constantly. Now I have a proper schedule in place to keep myself organized.
Pearl: The idea for Abstract was born when I was in my final year of university. I had heard somewhere that dressing a certain way can determine the energy and attitude of a person. I would spend the hours I had in between classes at coffee shops just observing people, how they behaved, their energy and most importantly, what they wore. With all the marketing material I had studied, I had learned the impact certain colors would have on the human mind. And I soon realized that to be significantly true. My ‘research’ had begun but there was no solid idea yet. When I started my internship months later, I would take time after work hours or on weekends to visit shops and just feel different clothing materials. This went on for about 3 months. Now I study part time event management while doing a full-time job as a content writer and working on events during weekends. My typical day would begin by getting to work at 10am, attending classes at 6:30pm and finally heading home by 9pm. The few hours I get at the end of each day, I try and spend brainstorming and researching about creative ideas, content and designs for the brand.
2. What were the challenges you faced working and studying at the same time? What was the toughest part?
Eisha: I think the toughest part was during my exams and when we didn’t have too many employees working at Zere Souq. So, I used to handle the logistics for the company from packing, shipping and inventory checks all while studying at the same time. It was tough at the beginning but then I worked it out and set aside time for my studies and my job.
Pearl: The biggest challenge of working and studying at the same time is being able to take care of myself through the day. I can get so caught up doing so much that sometimes I even forget to eat! Being able to focus equally on work and studies can be tough because one can overpower the other. But my passion for both helps me strive to perform & deliver the best every time. There are many other challenges like not having a social life, missing out on family time, losing track of days, getting overworked easily and much more. But these things can be worked around if we’ve got the right mindset, passion & purpose to do what we’re doing.
3. What were the skills/benefits you gained from multitasking so much?
Eisha: I’m very good at time management so that helped me a lot. I know how much time a task requires (I’m realistic about it) and that’s how much time I give it. I’m always able to finish my work in that allotted time so it’s the biggest benefit of being able to multitask as well.
Pearl: Multitasking can easily take a toll on you if you’re not goal oriented. Time management, problem solving, and creativity are top on the list of the skills I have acquired through multitasking. It has helped me learn so much, save costs and be efficient.
4. Why did you want to work, study and build a business all at the same time?
Eisha: So basically, when I started my degree in computer science, I knew it was not my calling…it was not what I wanted to do with my life. But, I was also kind of clueless as to what I really wanted to do. But, I did know that I loved clothes! Even at that point, I didn’t want to start a business or anything. It was a very spontaneous move and my mom came up with the idea and I said to myself “you know what, let’s just try this out.” And it actually took off so well so there was no time for me to even think of whether to stick to college or focus on the business. I honestly just went with the flow, I enjoyed the experience a lot and it taught me to multi-task. Also, I had to shift my university to change my degree so I was a year behind already when I shifted compared to my friends so I felt like doing something to take that extra step forward and Zere Souq was the answer.
Pearl: When you see someone who needs help, do you rush to them immediately? Or do you wait till you’re ready?
The world is changing with each second. Today is all I’ve got to make it happen.
The reason I wanted to build on this idea is to help young people. Help them feel more energetic and positive, to encourage conversations and cultivate liberating perspectives. And it’s almost impossible to keep an idea of such intensity hidden until “I’m ready.” Because we’re never ready; as we grow we get busy acting on one thing after the other and before you know it, your motivation to start something just disappears.
5. What is the most fulfilling experience you had during this time?
Eisha: I think the most fulfilling experience was when we were able to take the company from Facebook to hosting our own website. That’s when I knew that the business was on a good path and also when people started to recognize me as the girl who started Zere Souq in college and outside.
Pearl: If I have to be honest, each moment is extremely fulfilling. I learn something new every day and it keeps me in awe of the world, of life and of possibilities. Seeing a thought transform into substance is breathtaking in itself and so, every little thing from the research to the creative process to building one element at a time is purpose driven.
6. What advice would you give young men and women who want to juggle their work, studies and pursue their dream business venture?
Eisha: My biggest piece of advice is to just go for it! Don’t think too much about it or too much INTO it. Go with your instincts and if you want something and can see it, go out and make it happen.
Pearl: There are 3 C’s: Consistency, Confidence, and Commitment. These can make or break you. Period
Especially for us young people, it’s important to prove ourselves responsible before we can take on any additional projects. The only way to prove that is to be consistent. Keep little goals through the day or through the week that you can achieve and move forward. The effort you put in everyday will show if you keep at it. These small steps will go a long, long way.
Confidence is a super power that can give you a head start to almost anything. It’s amazing that you believe in your dream but you should be able to communicate that to the world (even your family) without doubting yourself. Start by interviewing yourself and answer those questions like you were actually being interviewed. What is your dream? Why is it important that you achieve it? How are you planning to achieve it? Don’t be afraid of being different, be who you are without fear.
Commitment is your action plan. To commit means that you won’t give up your dream and your goals in any, ANY situation. No excuses, no complaints. This can be really hard when you’ve got to juggle with your studies and work while starting something of your own and so learning to manage time is crucial. Even if you’re taking baby steps, it’s okay. It’s your dream and you decide how to achieve it (I spent 3 whole months only touching different fabrics to find one material that suited my idea) Start speaking to your peers or family members about your dream venture – the motivation and support you will receive is incredibly helpful for us youngsters.
Eisha and Pearl are inspiring because they do it all without complaining and just get stuff done. I hope their journeys so far might push you to think of doing something you’ve been putting aside. Don’t find an excuse, go for it!