AMIRA GENEIDZAHARA CEO

People are scared to venture into a start-up because they crave structure.

The truth is, you can create your own structure.”

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I’LL HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVINGMARCH 14TH, TUESDAY | 7 - 9 PM

A SNEAK PEEK

What inspired you?

I’ve always been interested in entrepreneurship ever since my NUS days and upon graduation, I decided to head to Silicon Valley where it all starts. The Zahara idea was birth from both my own personal journey and when I saw a need for Halal cosmetics.

Within 3 months, I fell in love with the idea, so I thought why not give it a go? It can be daunting and the fear of failure is real, but I just stuck to my beliefs. After launching in just 1.5 years, we broke even in 2014! The entire business process had many variables to it, and a lot of it was trial and error (happy to go into it).

At our current stage, it’s about taking the company to the next level.

What challenges have you faced in your industry as a woman?

I am passionate about investing in technology and empowering women in the community.

Most have no confidence that they can start their own company, but I want to let them know that they can do the same too - whether you’re a single mum, or teaching yoga, or baking brownies at home, or an actress. These world-changers aren’t out of your reach – they are your friends; they are your neighbours.

Women need to have more open conversation, enabling them to transition to entrepreneurship in their easiest way possible through education, confidence-building and funding.

Another thing I’m passionate about in our Zahara programme is showing the diverse faces of a Muslim woman. When most people see me, they think, you can’t be Muslim woman. Aren’t they suppressed and disempowered?

It’s all about the back and forth processes. It takes time to find out these things but at least you start somewhere.

It’s about finding a need in the world and meeting it. Just go and do it!”

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FOR MORE DETAILS GO TO: bit.ly/unicorn14mar

For those who don’t think they have what it takes, don’t think too far ahead - just write out your concerns one-by-one and adjust them. Not enough money? Then take time to write out you financial model or find out if there are any new one.

What advice do you have for potential entrepreneurs?