Tell us about where you work and what you do there.
I am the founder and CEO at Moment, a natural botanical beverage that reduces stress and replicates the same effect as meditation. As the CEO of a fast-growing start-up, my day is spent across multiple different functions and priorities, from fundraising to development of our exciting new flavors. I love that I am constantly faced with new challenges, constantly learning and working across different functions constantly.
How would you describe yourself?
I am someone who loves to throw myself into a passion, building a company (Moment) from scratch being the biggest of them all. I am very persistent, and challenges make me even more determined to strive harder. I am a big health fundie and other than meditating, I love experimenting with new diets/foods/drinks to see the impact it has on me — the great part is that it’s a part of my job now. I have lived on five different continents and I love traveling. Just before covid, I drove a car from the UK to Gambia and got to experience multiple new countries and cultures.
What drew you to entrepreneurship?
I have always been inspired by my dad who was a small entrepreneur in Pakistan. I truly realized the impact his work had on people only after he passed away a few years back. I am also a strong believer of the connection between mind and body, and when I saw the positive impact adaptogens and mindfulness were having on my overall life, I decided it was time to take it to the rest of the world.
What do you think has been your biggest professional success so far?
Starting a company from scratch and taking it to $2M in revenue. I had been to business school and worked at Mckinsey as a consultant helping big businesses, but nothing prepares you for starting your own company. I had to unlearn everything I knew from the past, build a really thick skin and continue pushing and challenging myself. There have been a lot of hurdles, and challenges that have eventually also created the path for me to be here but it has also been the most thrilling journey of my life.
What goals do you have for 2022?
I want to build a company that will last for the next 100 years which means taking our message to thousands of new people, adding the right people to our team and building new processes. Lots of fun work ahead.
What do you think is the next big trend in eCommerce?
The big trend will be personalization and integrated experiences. So much of what we wear and use defines our identity, and consumers will connect more with brands that can offer them something that tailors specifically to them and integrates into their broader meaning in life.
Name an eCommerce brand you admire and why.
Tenzo Tea — so clean, and so simple
What do you geek out over?
Books, with philosophical fiction being my favorite. Currently I am reading Simone De Beavoir.