Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sidra Ashraf. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sidra, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
By definition imposter syndrome can be characterized by a looming feeling of self-doubt. Starting the business, we experienced many intrusive thoughts and after some ruminating we found shifting perspective was the solution.
Trust me I know how cliché it sounds but these three things really helped.
- Begin to acknowledge the achievements, we get so invested in the end goal we forget to appreciate the journey
- Step back to pause & admire the hard work, really taking a moment to be present and
- Celebrate the wins along with our areas of improvement, knowing your blind spots only help to sharpen skills.
As we refined our talents we started hearing of our posts showing up on city feeds and local vendors began reaching out for collaboration. This quickly silenced the self-doubt and reinstated our confidence in our brand!
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?
Sure, thanks for asking!
I have always enjoyed hosting. When I was younger I would make tea in the afternoon for my parents and my favorite part was making the treats, they were literally Ritz crackers with grape jelly sandwiched in-between and every time I was happy to see them eating those crackers!
After college I really wanted to connect with my community. While researching current trends with meat & cheese boards I realized there is a huge lack in representation for halal offerings in the charcuterie space. Naturally I leaned into my talents, I’ve been an artist my whole life – inclusivity is my muse and cheese is the medium.
Our brand focuses on locally sourced halal meat and high quality artisan cheese varieties. The Olive Boards create an engaging environment to foster connections. What has made this journey truly exciting is the community response.
The heart of our brand is dedicated to leadership with a purpose. Believing our culinary artistry creates opportunities for conversation and encourages inclusivity. So, keep an eye out for our upcoming events and offerings as we continue to grow and inspire positive change.
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?
Yes, it can get quite confusing!
We often think about how to maintain our competitive edge in the ever changing food and beverage landscape, a few ways we do this is by staying current around regulations within the areas we serve. Constantly researching products to maintain quality and having an open dialogue with our vendors and lastly, we welcome feedback – it’s very simple but allowing your audience to actively participate in your experiences is so important. We’re happy to hear suggestions from clients, in fact we recently had a follower reach out about company events for her coworkers and we’re so excited to see this new extension of the business grow.
For those early in their careers, my advice is to remember your journey is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success because there is only one you and the way you do things is so different from those in your circle. Stay true to your vision, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to seek support where you need it.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents immigrated to Texas from Pakistan in the 70’s. With many challenges they persisted and maintained their kind nature. My dad is a retired Air commodore turned technology wiz, you can talk to him about anything! He’s the most intelligent man I know.
After moving to the states my mom built her skill set and climbed the corporate ladder to an AVP at one of the top financial institutions in the world. After 2008, my mom retired and started her own wedding business in the Wedding Events industry. She hosts exhibitions and creates stunning event backdrops along with floral arrangement & tablescapes. They are truly the embodiment of the American dream.
As a first generation Pakistani-American it’s impossible to sum up the most impactful moment down to one. I have to say watching my parents grow and adapt shaped their impact on me, the sheer fact that I am their child. I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and support I receive from both my parents and this certainly impacts my success.
My parents have shaped the foundation for me to believe in myself and only fear the most merciful, the most kind. My parents themselves are my guiding light ensuring I had access to opportunities for growth. Their support gave me confidence to pursue my hobbies and create my own success.
Their actions have not only paved the way for my success but have also shown me the importance of determination, and the limitless potential that comes from hard work & some good luck.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theoliveboards?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidraashraf
Image Credits
Photos by The Olive Boards. All rights reserved.
