Anaita Sarkar : In the world of entrepreneurship, there are individuals who not only build successful businesses but also leave an indelible mark on their industries. Anaita Sarkar, the Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Packaging and Olivia&Co, is undeniably one of these remarkable figures. Her journey from marketing professional to a thriving businesswoman is nothing short of inspirational.
The Beginnings of a Visionary
Anaita Sarkar’s entrepreneurial spirit has been evident since her early days. Anaita Sarkar is never quite fit into the conventional moulds society often imposes. Her journey from school to university left her feeling disconnected from the traditional educational system and the typical 9-5 job grind. She had a hunger for something more meaningful, something that allowed her to break free from the mundane.
“I never really fit into the mould,” Anaita Sarkar recalls. “I just did it because I didn’t want to do what other people were doing.” This innate desire for uniqueness and authenticity would be the driving force behind her future endeavours.
Olivia&Co: A Personal Touch
Anaita’s entrepreneurial journey officially began during her maternity leave. Anaita Sarkar knew she didn’t want to return to the conventional workforce, and she craved the flexibility to balance work and family life. This realization led to the birth of Olivia&Co, an Australian personalized accessories online retailer.
What set Olivia&Co apart was its focus on personalization. Anaita’s desire to create something meaningful and unique resonated with her customers. She started with simple products like cardholders and phone cases but added a personal touch by allowing customers to customize them with their names. This attention to detail and individuality quickly gained traction, setting Olivia&Co on a path to success.
Hero Packaging: A Sustainable Solution
While Olivia&Co was flourishing, it wasn’t long before Anaita Sarkar faced a significant problem common to many eCommerce businesses—excessive plastic packaging. She realized that the very packaging she used to ship her products was contributing to environmental issues, and she was determined to find a solution.
Hero Packaging was born from this determination to make a positive change. Anaita and her husband, Vik, embarked on a mission to create 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. This eco-conscious approach not only addressed a pressing problem but also aligned with the growing demand for sustainability in the eCommerce industry.
Juggling Two Worlds
Managing two successful businesses—Olivia&Co and Hero Packaging—is no small feat. Anaita’s journey is a testament to her dedication and ability to balance her responsibilities. Her husband, Vik, oversees the day-to-day operations of Hero Packaging, while she leads Olivia&Co with her dedicated team.
In addition to her thriving businesses, Anaita Sarkar also serves as a guest lecturer at Macquarie University, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of entrepreneurs. Her ability to juggle these multiple roles is a testament to her organizational skills and determination.
Challenges and Learnings
Anaita Sarkar’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a bootstrapped business owner, she has had to fund growth while constantly refining her business strategies. From finding the right pricing formula to mastering marketing and advertising, each challenge has been a stepping stone to her success.
One of Anaita’s key pieces of advice is to “say yes and think about it later.” This fearless attitude towards taking risks has been a driving force behind her business growth. It’s a reminder that sometimes, to achieve greatness, one must step out of their comfort zone and embrace opportunities, even if they seem daunting at first.
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