I am Shifa Shaikh age 21, tech businesswoman. Currently pursuing Last year of Business management degree. Residing in Mumbai, India. CEO and Founder of Burn App which is launching worldwide.
1.) Tell us about how you started and when you decided to create your own business.
The idea of this social media app popped into my head out of nowhere while I was coming back home from a long day of work. I thought about it a lot and came up with a few new features that was unique in comparison to the existing apps of same category. When I did a bit of survey and discussed about it to a bunch of people, I came to know that people are excited and wishing to have such an app. At that moment I decided that some action should be applied on this idea, and I proceeded with further process.
2.) Can you explain what your organization does?
I am the CEO and Founder of Burn App which is a social media app which is under development process. It is launching with unique and new user friendly features which will be fun to use for both teenagers and young adults. Hired team from different cities in India and is to be registered as an OPC as the owner is the sole investor of this company.
3.) What is the most discouraging moment you experienced while putting this company together?
Firstly it was very difficult to find the perfect developers for making the app perfectly. After a long struggle to meet the requirements I found the perfect team in a different city. Travelling for long hours was hard but at least the work was good.
Secondly I am currently in the last year of my graduate degree and it is difficult to manage both studies and business altogether but not impossible. I believe hard work always pays off!
Moreover I had to leave my internship to completely focus on my tech business and dedicate time to it completely.
The last and hardest part was the horrors of financial risk and competitors but I managed to stay motivated.
4.) What do you know now that you didn’t know three years ago?
I didn’t know how much hard work and dedication it takes to put a business together. I wasn’t aware of the competition in the tech market and the input people put to thrive and be the best.
5.) What advice would you give to a youngster?
The advice I will try to give is never be demotivated. There are huge risks and challenges you will face when you will want to do something big but if you don’t try at all there are 0% chances of you to succeed and fulfill your dreams. Bring some action on, work hard , be kind and do the right thing.
6.) What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Whenever any big tasks get completed I consider it as a reward! I still have a long way to go now.
More rewards coming up.
7.) What do you want your audience to know?
I want the teens and young adults to know a perfect social platform for them is on the way now! I know exactly what they need and wish for as I myself fall into that category.
8.) What is greatest success so far?
Getting to know the market and coming to know that I am launching exactly what people need is the greatest success I feel.
9.) What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur?
Hard work, dedication, a good team and courage is all it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
10.) Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself as the inspiration for the young generation who are the future of this world.
11.) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My mother is my biggest inspiration. She has this unique superpower of being optimistic. She never stopped believing in me and always motivated me to move forward despite my hardships. I have always wanted that optimistic attitude from her.
