Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.
We’ve all been there, or at least come across the world of “#businesstiktok” this pandemic. (Unless of course, you are the most self-disciplined person who doesn’t like to partake in what the kids do these days.) From lip gloss to scrunchie businesses, tons of people, young and mature, were left with too much free time on their hands in 2020, and decided to create their own business to make a quick buck or truly follow their passion, happily displaying their journey on TikTok for users to learn from.
Sure, we’ve saved these tips, but like how do we actually start?
Starting is the hardest part in any project, especially if you tend to self-doubt, then affecting your idea and its probable success. But it doesn’t have to be like this! I had the chance to interview 123 Baby Box’s founder and alumna of the UCI Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, Zarina Bahadur, about her business experience. She built her AI-powered subscription box startup while still in school and won the grand prize for the 2020 UCI New Venture Competition for her idea, placing her first out of 114 other entries that year.
SO, who better than Zarina to talk to us about starting a business! Here’s what she had to say:
ME: Could you briefly describe what your business is about to our readers? And what is your mission?
ZARINA: “123 Baby Box is a monthly subscription box for babies aged one to three. Each box comes with products tailored to the baby’s age and developmental stage. I founded 123 Baby Box with a mission to help working moms – 1,400 hours per year is the average time new moms spend researching products for their baby. 123 Baby Box aims to bring everything their baby needs conveniently to them, saving their time and money. A portion of sales is also donated to orphanages to help provide babies with the proper supplies they need.”
ME: What inspired your business idea?
ZARINA: “One night I was at the grocery store. I saw this mom in her work clothes with a toddler in one hand and a crying baby in the other and her cart was filled with baby products. I thought to myself, ‘We are living in the 21st century. Why couldn’t these things just come to her conveniently packed right when her baby needs them?’ And that really sparked the idea for 123 Baby Box. Just the urgent need to make working moms’ lives easier so she doesn’t have to waste her time researching products or wasting her money on products that aren’t the right fit for her baby.”
ME: To our future entrepreneurs, do you have any advice on how to actualize a business idea? What steps did you take to get started?
ZARINA: “Yes, I would definitely say to utilize the resources around you. We are often told, ‘we have the world at our fingertips’ because of our phones. And this is often true, so I highly recommend whatever industry you’re going into or interested in, to first research that. I think with any new product knowing your industry, competitors and identifying your target customer and their main pain points is key. After market research and customer segmentation, putting together an initial proof of concept would be the next step. Then maybe doing a small launch just to get feedback and then reiterating the product or service to then do a bigger launch. For me, constructive criticism is gold because I always want to refine and perfect the product so it’s constantly meeting the needs of my customer.”
ME: In your experience, what has been the most important thing to the success of your business?
ZARINA: “There have been many components to the success of my business. But one of the most important factors was the environment that I was in. I was lucky enough to go to UCI for both my bachelors and masters degree. And during my time, I was able to utilize all the resources and network to build something greater than I’ve ever imagined. UCI is cultivating a climate for innovators and entrepreneurs and I am grateful to attend a university that supports my goals and ambitions. From the vibrant classes and professors, to the amazing network and funding, UCI has provided me with such a supportive community that has instrumentally shaped my future.”
ME: Any other advice or words of encouragement for future entrepreneurs?
ZARINA: “Just start! I think one of the most common reasons entrepreneurs delay starting their business (aside from adequate funding) is the fear of failure. But I’ll go ahead and tell you right now that you’re going to fail … a lot! But you just can’t stop, you have to continue to push forward because failure is a part of the process. Don’t let failure stop you from moving on, instead let it be a learning experience to teach you how to take that next step. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community of advisors and mentors is also something I highly recommend as they could guide you in your journey as well.”
If I learned anything from our interview, “just do it” rings in my mind. Fear of failure is the number one obstacle that stops you from achieving your goals. On that note, I hope that Zarina’s business experiences and nuggets of wisdom were able to inspire one of you to actualize that business idea you’ve been mulling over fearlessly.
Curious about 123 Baby Box or want to continue following Zarina’s entrepreneurial journey? Support her by checking out her business socials and website!
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Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/LinkedIn: @123babybox