In today’s interview, Sharon Kaur, founder & owner of Inspired Marketing will talk about sales, what inspires Sharon, and the many things that it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. Sharon teaches us some great lessons on how she can grow her audience, and what to do when she is faced with challenges. Read on New York Entrepreneur Sharon Kaur Generates a Multi-Million Dollar Business.
New York Entrepreneur Sharon Kaur Generates a Multi-Million Dollar Business
Tell us in your own words about yourself:
I am a New York Female Entrepreneur professional with over nine years of experience in sales, marketing, and non-profit work. I consider myself a seasoned relationship builder experienced in recruitment and retention, skill training, and mentoring fundraisers for non-profit solicitations and salesforce for corporate products. I have generated multi-million dollars as an outcome of these activities. I am known for being a strategic thinker, problem-solver, and high-achiever. I have a strong interest in both global philanthropy and the development of entrepreneurs having completed my Masters in Non-Profit Management at Columbia University. I have worked and volunteered in many roles that put me in a mentor, teacher role. I have thrived in an environment where no two workdays are the same. However, I am also a multitude of other roles including but not limited to being a mother, daughter, and sister.
Can you give us an idea of who your clients are?
The clients I represent range from non-profits one of which has even won the Nobel peace prize. I have worked on behalf of billion-dollar telecommunication companies. Some of the largest energy companies in the world. Along with office supply companies, a few call-center contracts, and pharmaceutical companies. As time goes on I hope to add more to the list.
What is the common mistake people make when they are selling a product or service?
People tend to make assumptions. There have been so many times when I have had sales agents say, “this client won’t be interested in this product line, or misjudging a target demographic feeling that they look as though they would not be interested.” These assumptions are dangerous and can be from misinterpretation. One should never assume and remember to be an open-minded person. Often what you are selling is yourself.
What has been the most effective sales skill you have seen?
To me, the most effective sales skill I have seen is direct sales and marketing. Direct sales are more personal as well as measurable. Since direct sales are seen by face-to-face communication. Face-to-face communication can’t be replaced because it involves engaging with potential clients and while doing this you have the opportunity to create a personal relationship. Also when you are face-to-face with individuals it is easier to read body language, silence, and overall take control of situations.
Do you think anyone can be a skilled seller? Why yes or why not.
I think sales is something anyone can master, not just become skilled at. As long as someone is willing to take on a student mentality, maintain a great attitude, and work hard. Sales are typically people’s favorite job or least favorite depending on how you approach it. With sales, I focus on being as systematic as possible to me it is a matter of probability and logic. Two things anyone can implement which is why I think anyone can do it.
What makes a great sales manager?
Great sales managers have great leadership skills. Leadership is not about being the best but instead making others better. However, there are four things you can’t go wrong by having and I have an acronym for what I “WISH” people have. Work Ethic, Integrity, Social Intelligence, and Honesty. I know that the concept of “sleazy salesman” exists because there are people out there being them. I acknowledge they exist but the best way to combat that is developing more people that encompass “WISH”. I pride myself on choosing to work with people that I would be proud to have my family and friends see me around.
What is the biggest challenge faced by entrepreneurs?
Every entrepreneur I have met in my life so far; I know without a doubt could have been successful in something else. I think that paired with the fact that doubt is a reality for everyone is the biggest challenge we face as entrepreneurs. We know we can be successful at other things so it becomes a matter of “Why this?”, “Can I do it?”, “Wouldn’t XYZ be easier, I mean I know I can do that?.” The phrase “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever” is something many of us have heard, and I completely agree with but doubt can be removed by action. It is a matter of just going for your goals.
How do you balance work and life?
I let them intermix at times. My employees know who my daughter is because I bring her into the office typically once a week. I cultivate a relationship where I know their goals and what matters most to them. The relationship goes both ways so the people that work with me as time goes on get to know my goals and the people that matter most to me. My closest friends and friends have come to company events on occasion. Yet at other times I carve time out for the separate parts of my life. Whether it be time for dinner with family or taking time to go to a conference. A big part of doing that successfully is keeping a planner and maintaining an updated calendar of what needs to get done or made time for. At the end of the day, everyone only gets 24 hours and you will make time for what matters to you.
What is your secret to being an effective CEO in terms of building the company culture and values you need to make the company successful?
A good salesperson knows how to build relationships and connect with prospects one-on-one. They can quickly diffuse concerns, overcome objections and make their customers feel comfortable. My effectiveness as a CEO comes from being a good salesperson. As for the company culture and values, I think the secret is hiring the right people. I only work with people that will be able to gain something from working with me, and I would be comfortable introducing myself to my family and friends. Then I work on cultivating a relationship with them, the people that I work with I aim to see being business partners or role models to future employees of mine.
What is your current mission?
Be the type of person that no matter where I go, or am I add value to the lives around me. However, besides that my why for working as hard as I do is I aim to see 100 people make 100k after working with me. I feel like sales is a transferable skill and a skill a person is better for learning. It forces someone to develop their communications skills. Become more persuasive and exude confidence. I aim to meet and see people that work for me be developed for the better.
How do you stay motivated?
I keep my goals and mentors in mind. Growing up I was raised by my two parents that came to America from India. They made that move to allow their kids to have a better life. My dad is a role model, he has taken two days off of work (both of which were due to medical emergencies) his entire career and is now retired. My parents both worked in factories but were able to make over 100k together. I understand how many hours of overtime that meant. If that effort doesn’t equate to me being exponentially better in life, what was the point? Like seriously, I work in the industry I do because I wish my dad had an opportunity like the one I provide my employees. One in which one’s hard work levels the playing field of success.
Share some tips for women who are in doubt about leaving their secure job and starting their own businesses
Six months of hardcore focus and intent can put your years ahead in life. Don’t ever estimate the power of desire and consistency. At the end of the day, you can do whatever you put your mind to, as long as you have the patience to execute it.
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
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