We were lucky to catch up with Farabi Khaleque recently and have shared our conversation below.
Farabi, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I’ve realized my best creative ideas came after I started doing the work. If I had waited for my creativity to come, nothing would have been created. Over the years, I’ve learned that creativity is not something you’re born with, but a skill. Whether it’s with CLOUDZILLA or any other projects, I discovered the more I challenge myself to create something original, new or anything different that I haven’t done before, this skill gets stronger. Staying curious, embracing new experiences, and finding inspiration in the world around me helps me keep it alive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
During the pandemic, I found myself drawn to shows like Shark Tank and became deeply intrigued by the world of entrepreneurship. This interest led me to collaborate with companies such as Unsinkable and Bubble to name a few. However, what truly drove me was witnessing the widespread impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health and well-being.
It was a powerful motivator for me to see how many individuals were struggling and seeking hope and inspiration during such difficult times. In response, I began sharing motivational and wellness content on social media, particularly through posts on Instagram. The content seemed to resonate with individuals who were seeking hope and inspiration online.
I then realized the potential to turn this passion I had into something more meaningful and impactful. Thus, at 15 years old, I established CLOUDZILLA—a brand dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness and fostering a supportive community. Through CLOUDZILLA, I aim to continue spreading hope, positivity, and encouragement to individuals during both challenging and ordinary times.
On October 1st of 2023, we launched, CLOUDZILLA: The Official Shop. Establishing the merchandise shop stemmed from a heartfelt desire to give our community a way to tangibly express their dedication to mental health advocacy and wellness.
The merchandise shop is an integral part of our brand, serving as both an outreach tool and a testament to our commitment to promoting a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.
Soon after, we released the CLOUDZILLA newsletter. Our subscribers dive into a wealth of mental health insights, exploring various struggles alongside practical coping strategies. But it’s more than just informative content – our newsletter is packed with exclusive offers and discounts, inviting readers to treat themselves to self-care essentials and beyond.
We recently launched the “Inspiring Stories from the CLOUDZILLA Community” series. This exciting project is designed to showcase the incredible journeys and experiences of individuals within our community who have overcome challenges and achieved remarkable feats.
Through this series, we aim to shine a spotlight on the resilience, courage, and determination of our members, highlighting their stories of triumph and personal growth. Whether it’s overcoming mental health struggles, pursuing passion projects, or making a positive impact in their communities, each story serves as a source of inspiration for others on their own journeys.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I can’t help but emphasize the profound impact of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. While being resilient, I’m able to actively bounce back from setbacks, maintain a positive mindset in the face of adversity, and have the courage to persevere even when the odds seem stacked against me. It’s about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than letting them derail the progress i’ve made.
Adaptability, on the other hand, has been crucial in navigating the changing landscape of entrepreneurship. It taught me to be flexible and agile, ready to pivot strategies or embrace new opportunities at a moment’s notice. Over the years, i’ve learned that businesses need to constantly evolve to stay relevant, and adaptability allowed me to stay ahead of the curve, seize emerging trends, and navigate unexpected challenges with ease. And then there’s continuous learning. A mindset that has been fundamental in my personal and professional growth. It’s recognizing that there’s always room for improvement. I’m always actively seeking out opportunities to expand my knowledge, skills, and expertise. Whether it’s through formal education, networking, mentorship, or simply learning from experience, continuous learning keeps me well-equipped to tackle whatever challenges that may be coming my way.
When you’re just starting on your entrepreneurial journey, it’s crucial to keep a few key things in mind. Firstly, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Every setback you encounter is a chance to learn and improve, so don’t be afraid to face them head-on. Secondly, stay flexible and open-minded. The business landscape is constantly evolving, so be prepared to pivot your plans or embrace new opportunities. Lastly, never stop seeking knowledge and any self-improvement opportunities. The more you invest in yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle any challenges that may come your way. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! CLOUDZILLA is open to collaboration and partnerships that align with our mission. We’re passionate about working with individuals or organizations who share our commitment to mental health advocacy and wellness. Whether it’s teaming up for content creation, organizing events, or brainstorming new initiatives, we’re all about expanding our impact and connecting with new communities. So, if you’re out there and you’re just as enthusiastic about advocacy as we are, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us through our website (www.wearecloudzilla.com) or shoot us a message on social media (@wearecloudzilla) – let’s join forces and make a real difference together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wearecloudzilla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearecloudzilla
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farabikhaleque
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearecloudzilla
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/farabikhaleque
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.