What it is really like as a startup founder (blog#2)

    Why, hello folks! Yes, I am back (been almost 1.5 years since my last blog, hats off to my consistency, right?). If you don’t know me, well hello there! My name is Arifa Kokab. Academically, well I have multiple technical/Scientific Masters degrees, I am a Neuro-research scientist AND an Applied AI Engineer (a lot right?). 

    But who am I really? I am a crazy Entrepreneur. I LOVE to create businesses. Not just any business. I love to build businesses from scratch that have a positive impact on this world and people in general. Cool right!? This way I am able to spread light, while making some money too (I’ll take it!!). 

    Anyways, I am a divorcee single Mom of a 12 year old tween boy, living in the heart of Los Angeles with my 2 cats. Did I mention both my son and I are on the Autism spectrum? Also, I used to be non-verbal when I was younger, until one day my brain allowed me to begin talking and expressing myself (a little too much!). And when I did begin talking, I would stutter incredibly, like way too much. Sometimes, I wouldn’t say certain words that had specific sounds in order to avoid embarrassing myself in front of others. People would laugh at me and make fun of me when I did that probably thinking I was just trying to be funny (I really wasn’t). It was a genuine issue, guys! Other times, I would just remain quiet, it was much easier that way, but that affected my self-esteem and confidence. Ok ok, this is not meant to be a rant about my difficult childhood. We all had issues growing up, right? (let me quickly wipe a tear). 

    Anyways, so here I am once again with an update on the latest of my businesses! Because being an entrepreneur is so cool, but the journey is anything but straight. There are no correct answers and no one to guide and tell you whether what you are doing is right or wrong! In my last blog (from 2023), I mentioned how I was trying to raise pre-seed funds for my startup. Well, with time I realized after being under-valued again and again strategically as per the VC’s will (they are sharks, be careful!), I finally chose to remain on my own. And that was the best decision I ever made!

    Why, you ask? Because now, I remain as the sole 100% owner of both my tech corporations. I decide what works and what doesn’t for the business. I am able to implement changes instantly. I believe slow and steady wins the race. Yes, my business may not be number 1, but I do know that it does impact my clients in a positive way without breaking the bank for them. And THAT warms my heart. I am disrupting industries in my own little way. 

    I am a nerd that types away at her comforting gray laptop with music on loop in the background. And I LOVE it. I would not have it any other way. So guys, keep being you, keep being silly, keep being weird! Until my next blog! (hopefully not after 1.5 years…)


Cheers!

Arifa ❤️


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