We were lucky to catch up with Taniya Ahmed recently and have shared our conversation below.
Taniya, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My motto, ‘fall seven times, get up eight,’ has guided me through setbacks and challenges.
When I started my business, I faced numerous rejections for loan capital from at least half a dozen loan officers from many companies. Instead of accepting the first ‘no,’ I pushed my way through several no’s. If I accepted the first rejection, I wouldn’t be here at the #6 Top Places to Eat in the Nation. This resilience has led to success with so many accolades and accomplishments for Sunbliss Cafe.
I can say that a key factor in building my confidence is surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who share similar goals and drive. Having a support system of people who genuinely uplift and match my positive energy has been crucial.
The phrase “you are who your friends are” is a phrase my dad instilled in my teenage years. It is true you become who your friends are, emphasizing the importance of a positive circle. That statement couldn’t be more true.
Lastly, I’ve learned to focus on my strengths. Doing what I’m good at, leveraging my abilities, and seeking help in areas of weakness have been instrumental in my overall journey.
My journey to confidence and self-esteem has been a continuous learning experience, and I’m excited to continue growing and inspiring others along the way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
How I ended up as a restauranteur started back when I worked for a large beverage company, learning the ropes from successful multi-unit restaurants.
The experience inspired me to create my own cafe gem – Sunbliss Cafe. This is my heart and soul. I wanted to bring my passion for food and flavors to life and sprinkle in honorary recipes and memories from my past with a dash of experience from traveling.
Most of my day-to-day involve marketing. My love for marketing, storytelling, and understanding customer behavior fuels my passion for connecting the brand with the community.
We’re here to serve our community and spread a little bit of happiness, sharing smiles and great flavors.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Being an entrepreneur feels like jumping off a cliff and building an airplane on the way down.
You have to have passion, perseverance and resilience. These qualities drive entrepreneurs through tough times and keep them moving forward when others might give up.
I always say that being an entrepreneur is like being a firefighter—you always have some type of fire to put out. You face your own set of fires every day, and you can’t let yourself feel defeated. It’s up to you to find a way to pivot and solve the problem.
You must also act like a magician, making things happen even when it seems impossible. You need to be solution-oriented and quick on your feet, always thinking of ways to overcome obstacles, and ways to achieve your goals, and ready to adapt to any change that comes your way.
Being an entrepreneur is tough and a demanding job that requires long hours, hard work, and a willingness to take risks. But for those who are up for the challenge, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. You can definitely achieve anything you set your mind to.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Two books have significantly influenced my development. They taught me key lessons that have shaped my approach to business.
Firstly, ‘Winning’ by Jack Welsh emphasizes embracing change as a constant in the business world. He stresses that entrepreneurs and businesses must continuously adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the competition. This message has resonated with me, as I’ve witnessed firsthand how businesses that resist change often struggle to thrive in the ever-changing market.
I learned that people are the most important asset of an organization and are the key to any business’s success. Because of this book, we’ve always focused on hiring the best people, focusing on their talents, and creating a culture of empowerment.
Another book that has influenced me is ‘Good to Great’ by James C. Collins. It talks about how discipline is a very important characteristic that one should have, and I have learned that entrepreneurship takes a lot of self-discipline. This message has taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to my work.
Both of these books have given me valuable lessons that continue to guide & shape my approach to business. They have taught me the importance of change, the power of people, and the significance of discipline in achieving business success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunblisscafe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunblisscafe/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunbliss-cafe-anaheim
