This week’s Woman in Business interview is with Nijary Desai, President of KisCubedEvents.com
Tell us about your business.
KIS (cubed) Events is a full service event planning company that offers a planning division, catering services and beauty services that include hair styling and make-up artistry.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
It kind of just happened! I never thought that I would end up here, as I was on the path to become a doctor. But after spending time stuck in a lab, I quickly changed my path to business. I received my undergraduate degree in International Business & Hospitality with a Minor in Spanish. Upon completion I moved to London to pursue my MBA in International Marketing & Brand Management. While I was there, I trained under Ash Kumar, who holds the Guinness Book of World Records for fastest henna artist in the world. I also worked in production for Saachi & Saachi. Both experiences sparked my creative juices!
After completing my MBA in London I moved back to the US and landed a job in Atlanta working for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. At this time, all of my close girlfriends were getting married and asking me for help, since I had experience planning events through different organizations I was associated with. From there, word of my successful services spread and my company was born!
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My parents are a huge part of my business path and success. Ever since I was tall enough to look over a counter top, my dad handed me keys to his business and said ‘you are responsible for a particular check-list’. This taught me drive, dedication, passion, value of money, time management, how to hand employees and more…
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
I think the whole journey is an accomplishment. It is hard to pin-point one thing as each part of the journey adds to the continued growth and accomplishment of business ownership.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Take Risks: If you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise. My suggestion to all entrepreneurs is to have a plan, be persistent, and be passionate about what you do! Never chase the money as that will come to you, chase the dream.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
Viral marketing is huge for us, but also developing what I call “Look who is Getting KIS(sed)”, where we feature clients who hire us and we tag them to boost awareness and social media to their network if they are already not a fan or following us.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Patience, Patience, Patience!
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
I do a lot of late night research on what’s new and trendy in business. I also make sure I read publications and go to networking events geared towards my industry, so I know how to maintain a competitive advantage.
Do you have any new projects coming up (or have you just completed a big project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)?
Yes we are working on Licensing and Franchising out our brands to other professionals who want to be their own boss within a creative field.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I love to travel, go to the spa and yoga.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
LOL, this is tough because every entrepreneur has too many goals that they want to accomplish over night.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Continue to dream and be passionate about anything you put your mind to and make it come true. Only you are responsible for your success and your dreams to become reality. You can’t expect others to help you get there if you are not willing to help yourself get there first!
What’s the best way for the readers of WE Magazine for Women to connect with you?
https://www.facebook.com/kiscubed
https://www.instagram.com/kis_cubed_events/