We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paola Shah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Paola, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As I reflect on my journey of being the only one in the room, I’ve come to realize the keys to my effectiveness and success in such situations. Since leaving my home country, Colombia, I’ve encountered various instances where I stood out, whether due to language, nationality, professional choices or simply being a woman. However, many of these experiences were a result of my own choices, such as my life partner, adventure companions, and professional network.
When it comes to thriving in these unique environments, two crucial factors come to mind: active listening and inquisitiveness. Upon entering a new space, I adopt an observant approach, carefully listening to grasp the dynamics, interpreting body language, and seizing opportunities to ask thoughtful questions that deepen my understanding of individuals and topics at hand.
Equally essential is the mindset I cultivate. I enter each room without fixating on our differences, but rather with the conviction that we are all equals. We are fundamentally human beings, driven by shared aspirations and desires.
Throughout my journey, these approaches have enabled me to navigate diverse settings and forge meaningful connections. Embracing the power of listening, curiosity, and a unifying perspective has been instrumental in my ability to excel as the only one in the room.
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 my personal journey to discover a way to maintain the barefoot sensation during workouts that required grip socks, it became evident that there was a need for anti-slip socks that offered both freedom and engagement for the feet, while accommodating all shapes and sizes of toes. After discussing this idea with fellow practitioners, instructors, and podiatrists, it became clear that existing sock options for barefoot activities were lacking. I also strongly believed that our hardworking feet deserved not only comfort but also style, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors of my home country.
As the company progressed, my curiosity deepened, leading me to explore the science behind feet, their impact on the body, and the intricate connection between feet and the brain. During the challenging times of the Covid shutdown, I engaged in extensive research and collaborated with experts in the field of foot care. This resulted in the recent creation of a luxurious gift set comprising four products essential for maintaining the health and happiness of our feet. Our sumptuous botanical formulas exfoliate, detoxify, soothe, and moisturize, providing a complete foot care ritual. To further enhance the experience, we included a perfectly-sized Massage Ball, offering tension release and improved circulation, as well as Toe Separators to restore the natural shape of toes and safeguard against bunions and hammer toes. Check it out on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5FPCKDQ?ref=myi_title_dp
Taking care of your feet is as important as caring for your face. By prioritizing their well-being, your feet will reciprocate and take care of you too, way more than you imagined!
Creating sustainable products and finding the balance between people, profit and the planet has been my mission right from the start. Tucketts is a certified women-owned business. I strongly believe in the importance of diversifying the manufacturing industry and allowing consumers to have a positive impact on their purchases. Recently, my commitment extended to supporting the education of over 30 girls from the Maasai community in Tanzania, following my successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.
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?
The number one is having a not knowing mindset, as venturing into the unknown is an integral part of the game as an entrepreneur. This approach allows for an open mind, a thirst for knowledge, and the resilience to embrace failures while persisting through the inevitable ups and downs.A not knowing mindset has enable me to remain open, curious, humble, and growth-oriented. By embracing this mindset, entrepreneurs can stay agile, learn from diverse sources, leverage the expertise of others, and ultimately increase their chances of long-term success in a dynamic and ever-changing business landscape.
As Barack Obama said once “I don’t know anyone that has being successful on their own”, this brings me two my number two: build your network. A robust network provides access to a wide range of resources, opportunities, and support. These relationships can open doors to partnerships, collaborations, mentorship, and even potential investors or clients, all of which can significantly contribute to your personal and professional growth. Having a network of like-minded individuals who understand these experiences have offered me valuable emotional support and guidance in the most challenging times. Engaging with diverse individuals allows you to broaden your perspectives, challenge your assumptions, and gain insights from different industries and backgrounds.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, embracing automation and technology has become a vital key to unlock personal and professional success. By harnessing the power of automation, we can reclaim precious time and direct our energy towards meaningful endeavors, significantly enhancing our efficiency. Moreover, integrating technology into our lives ensures precision and consistency, empowering us to make informed decisions. However, it is essential to strike a balance and set clear boundaries to prevent excessive reliance on technology and maintain a harmonious work-life balance that allows for leisure, hobbies, and quality time with loved ones. It is crucial to maintain an open-minded approach and be receptive to embrace the technological advancements available to us that will save us time, money and get us closer to our goals.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
When reflecting on the individuals who have been instrumental in my journey, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single person. Rather, it has been a diverse network of individuals who have provided invaluable support in various circumstances. As I mentioned earlier, building such a network is of utmost importance. Let me illustrate this with an example. When the idea for Tucketts was well-developed, even before incorporating the company, I reached out to a volunteer at a small business government office. He shared one of the most impactful pieces of advice I’ve ever received: “You are ready, just launch. Work on your business plan later. Good enough is more than enough to get started. Perfection can hinder your dreams.” Taking his words to heart, I launched the business and continued learning along the way, guided by the wisdom of numerous mentors and programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, which helped me refine my growth plan.
Moreover, I have found great inspiration from individuals whom I deeply admire, even though I have never met them or had direct interactions. I actively follow them, delving into their knowledge and absorbing their insights to elevate both my company and personal life. Their values align with mine, and they serve as constant sources of motivation, propelling me towards becoming the best version of myself.
It is the collective support and guidance from a diverse network of individuals that has been instrumental in my journey. From the early advice of the small business volunteer to the mentors and programs that have shaped my growth, and the inspiring figures I look up to, each person has played a significant role in my progress. Building such a network and seeking wisdom from various sources is a key factor in achieving success and realizing our fullest potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tucketts.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovetucketts
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/lovetucketts
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-r-shah/
