We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ari Krzyzek a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ari, 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?
Being the only one in the room that looks like me has taught me the importance of resilience, confidence, and authenticity. Growing up in Bali, Indonesia, I learned to be resourceful and persistent, skills that have been invaluable in my career. Moving to the U.S., I embraced my unique perspective as a strength rather than a disadvantage. I focus on building strong relationships and networks, leveraging mentorship, and continuously advocating for diversity and inclusivity. This approach has not only helped me succeed but also inspired others to see the value in different perspectives.
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?
I’m Ari Krzyzek, co-founder and CEO of Chykalophia, a creative and web agency dedicated to empowering women-led brands. What excites me most about our work is the ability to merge strategy, design, and technology to create impactful solutions that drive growth and success for our clients. Our balanced approach ensures that every project not only looks great but also delivers exceptional user experiences and tangible results.
At Chykalophia, we are passionate about inclusivity and diversity, which is reflected in the brands we work with and the communities we support. We believe in the power of technology to bridge gaps and create opportunities, and this mission drives everything we do.
We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of a new service, Founders Web Circle (https://chykalophia.com/founders-web-circle) aimed at enhancing digital accessibility for women-led businesses. This service will include a comprehensive suite of tools and resources designed to improve user experience and reach a broader audience, furthering our mission of inclusivity and empowerment.
Additionally, I’m deeply involved in mentoring and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. As a board member for the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center at DePaul University and through Chicago Innovation, I help women in tech and design break into the industry and succeed by mentoring them on personal branding, career advancement, and entrepreneurship.
Feel free to connect with us and explore how Chykalophia can help your businesses thrive through innovative branding, UX, and web strategies. Together, we can build a more inclusive and successful future.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and financial literacy.
Resilience: Facing numerous challenges, especially as an immigrant from a third-world country, resilience was crucial. It helped me navigate setbacks and persist through tough times. To develop resilience, I recommend embracing failures as learning opportunities and staying focused on long-term goals. Building a strong support network can also provide the encouragement needed to keep going.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new environments and changing circumstances was vital in my journey. Moving to the U.S. and entering the tech industry required me to quickly learn and adjust. For those early in their journey, staying curious and open to new experiences is key. Seek out diverse experiences, be willing to pivot when necessary, and continuously update your skills to remain relevant.
Financial Literacy: Initially lacking financial literacy made it challenging to secure funding and manage business finances. Educating myself in this area has been transformative. I advise aspiring entrepreneurs to invest time in understanding financial basics and seek guidance from experts when needed. Building a solid financial foundation can make a significant difference in the sustainability and growth of your business.
For those starting their journey, I recommend focusing on these areas and actively seeking opportunities to grow. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can offer support and guidance. Remember, every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, we are always looking for passionate and innovative individuals and organizations to partner and collaborate with. At Chykalophia, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive innovation and create impactful solutions. We are particularly interested in collaborating with:
Women-led Brands and Femtech Companies: We aim to empower and support businesses that share our commitment to inclusivity and innovation in the tech and web design space.
Tech Innovators and Designers: We are looking for creative minds who are passionate about developing cutting-edge technology and design solutions that enhance user experiences and drive business growth.
Educational Institutions and Mentorship Programs: We love partnering with organizations focused on education and mentorship, particularly those that support women and underrepresented groups in tech and entrepreneurship.
Non-profits and Social Impact Organizations: Collaborating with entities that work towards social good aligns with our mission to use technology and design for positive change.
If you are interested in collaborating, I would love to hear from you. You can connect with me through LinkedIn or reach out via our website at Chykalophia.com. Let’s work together to create innovative solutions and make a meaningful impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chykalophia.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/chykalophia
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/company/cklph
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDq9007wvmlBoKwRV4eSNhg
Image Credits
Credit to Chykalophia Group, LLC
