To what do you attribute your greatest sense of pride?
Among the many highlights of my professional life is being welcomed to the White House by President Barack Obama in recognition of my work to improve Americans’ health. I knew I was making a difference in people’s lives and helping improve the health of the nation as a whole when I got that phone call.
To what extent can you attribute the success of your company to a single, well-executed strategy?
Making a long-term strategic plan for my company and brand was the single most important thing I accomplished. Instead of focusing on short-term goals for my brand, like the next year or two, I’ve been thinking about the long-term goals I have for my brand in the next five, ten, and twenty years.
Tell me the one thing you really wish you had done differently.
Before, my company only hosted retreats for Muslim women a few times a year. I had no idea how much money I could make off of my brand until I started doing online marketing and started getting followers. I now regret not capitalising on my name brand sooner and more aggressively. My failure to properly plan for the future contributed to this error.
So, if you could only give one piece of advise to other business owners, what would it be?
Follow your wildest imagination to the unfathomable depths of your dreams. Put in the time and effort necessary each day to realise your goal. When you’re your own boss, there’s no such thing as a 4-hour work day or a day off on the weekend. If your business isn’t occupying some sliver of your mind even when you’re not working, you’re probably not fulfilling your life’s calling.