Fairygodboss of the Week: Alisha Kumar
Alisha Kumar is the definition of showing up and doing what you love. She prides herself on having taken the non-traditional route and having it turn into a business she truly loves.
"I'm a 30-year-old, single, East Indian female and two-time business owner. I decided not to take the traditional route and I'm 100% OK with it because we get to write our own stories and I hope to be an example for others to do the same," she shared.
Kumar's marketing agency allows her to flex her social media and events skills while giving her the opportunity to work with her dog, Nigel, most days. We call that a win-win.
So, how did Kumar find her passion in marketing and the motivation to go solo? How does she manage it all while also having a life? Recently, she revealed that and more.
Fairygodboss of the Week: Alisha Kumar
Founder of The Social Project and Co-Founder of Seattle Business Babes
Seattle, WA
Tell us a little about your career. How did you get to where you are now?
I have been in marketing, PR and events for a decade now and knew it was what brought out my creativity and it was something I loved doing every single day. Three years ago, I was preparing to go to law school and now I own a marketing agency and a community for female entrepreneurs. Seattle Business Babes came alive after I knew Seattle was missing a community like ours. We not only bring the education and community aspects, but also have very curated events... because we CAN have it all. I bugged Danielle, the founder of Business Babes Collective, for about six months to start a chapter in Seattle and we haven't looked back since!
What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
Doing something outside the norm of my cultural values. I'm a 30-year-old, single, East Indian female and two-time business owner. I decided not to take the traditional route and I'm 100% OK with it because we get to write our own stories and I hope to be an example for others to do the same.
What is a challenge that you've faced and overcome?
Imposter syndrome. I haven't fully overcome it; I'm human. But I learned to carry myself with more confidence in my daily doings. I am genuinely helping people out there and I shouldn't feel like I'm not enough to do so or that I don't know enough.
Who is YOUR Fairygodboss? and Why?
Danielle Wiebe. This girl always has my back. She is not only my business partner and go-to for feedback, but also has become a friend. She always makes sure I have the ability to show up, forces me to level up, encourages me to dream bigger and supports me through the ups and downs!
What do you do when you're not working?
Travel, drink wine, hang out with my dog (I try and do anything that he can be involved in) and catch up with friends. I missed out on a lot with friends the first year of my business, so I intentionally make time for people who fill up my tank.
If you could have dinner with one famous person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Mindy Kaling. I swear we were twins in a past life.
Lightning Round: What is your karaoke song?
"I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys.
Lightning Round: What is your favorite movie?
"P.S. I Love You."
Lightning Round: What book would you bring with you on a deserted island?
"Becoming" by Michelle Obama (still obsessed!).
Lightning Round: What is your shopping vice? What would you buy if you won the lottery?
Flights around the world and more dogs!
What is the No. 1 career tip you'd like to share with other women who want to have successful careers like you?
Invest in yourself. Whether it's a class, workshop or event — a form of self-care — whatever it looks like, you are your strongest tool and when you don't show up for yourself, you can't expect to show up 100% for anyone or anything else.
Why do you love where you work?
I usually work from home, so my favorite thing is that I always get to be with my dog, Nigel! But during events and workshops, or working with clients, I love to hear everyone's story for why they do what they do.
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