Laurence Ruiz, Co-Founder of Orbiss, recently shared his entrepreneurial journey and advice for aspiring founders in an exclusive interview with Entrepreneur Loop. As someone with over two decades of experience in accountancy and financial analysis, Ruiz has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to launching and growing a business.

In 2020, Ruiz embarked on a new venture and co-founded Orbiss – an advisory and tax firm specializing in enabling international business expansion in the US. “It is an exciting moment when a company expands into a new region like the United States. It signals increased growth and new opportunities,” says Ruiz. However, he realized that many companies face complex regulations and policies when entering new markets. This complexity can hinder growth if not properly managed.

Orbiss was created to fill this gap. The company’s mission is to “simply scale up” operations for international businesses expanding to the US. Backed by a stellar team and leading technology, Orbiss streamlines day-to-day operations and provides guidance on following regulations properly.

When asked about advice for new founders, Ruiz emphasized “celebrating achievements, finding balance, and prioritizing personal well-being.” He states that being a successful founder involves weathering emotional highs and lows – and self-care is key to maintaining resilience.

1. Please provide a brief introduction of yourself and your professional background.

   I am a Co-Founder of Orbiss, an advisory and tax firm specialized in business growth in the United States. Before starting Orbiss, I held multiple leadership positions in international accounting firms based in Europe and the US. With more than two decades of experience, I have expertise in accountancy, financial analysis, and strategy.

2. Please tell us a bit more about your company – what does it offer, what problem does it solve, and who is your target audience?

It is an exciting moment when a company expands into a new region like the United States. It signals increased growth and new opportunities. While this is a thrilling time, there are many new rules and regulations that an internationally expanding company faces. Without the proper guidance in place to follow these policies, the company can, unfortunately, face a negative experience expanding and ultimately hinder its development.

Founded in 2020, Orbiss is a CPA firm with unique expertise in enabling international business expansion in the US. Orbiss helps businesses “simply scale up” and streamline their complex day-to-day operations. Backed by outstanding people and leading-edge technology, Orbiss is driven to provide the best services and deliver unparalleled peace of mind.

3. What inspired you to start your own business? What was the “aha” moment?

The “Aha Moment” that led to the idea for Orbiss was rooted in bringing modernity to the very traditional sector of accounting and tax. In an industry where the human element is often underutilized, we identified the crucial role of tone of voice and the absence of a comprehensive onboarding process. Our experience revealed the need for flexibility, emphasizing the importance of adapting based on individual experiences in a challenging industry that often lacks modern processes.

Having encountered consistent challenges in our previous professional experiences, where growth was frequently hindered by the struggle between team dynamics and managerial expectations, we wanted to create something better. We decided to reevaluate and reconstruct the traditional CPA firm model, prioritizing values and resembling more modern industries in terms of structure and practices.

4. What were some of the biggest initial challenges you faced in getting your business off the ground? How did you overcome them?

One particular challenge stands out vividly from the beginning of my journey. On February 14, 2020, I had just signed a new client. While this was a significant milestone, up until that point, I had struggled with securing any clients at all.

Just one month later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and I found myself confronted with the daunting reality of navigating business during a global crisis. Despite this global challenge, Orbiss saw an opportunity to differentiate itself by delivering exceptional quality work and implementing a meticulous COVID plan with stringent rules. While these measures were challenging to adhere to, they proved to be immensely beneficial as clients appreciated our dedication to safety protocols.

Despite the initial struggles, our reputation for excellence in COVID policies and client satisfaction propelled our business forward, resulting in a strong client base.

5. How do you stand out from the competition in your space? What sets your product/service apart?

First, Orbiss has developed a high-quality, distinctive product that not only distinguishes itself from competitors but also provides a more streamlined solution to industry challenges compared to more traditional, rigid platforms. As a company, we prioritize streamlining processes and keeping them organized. We want the same straight-forward procedures to occur with every client, so they have a positive experience working with Orbiss.

Second, ​Orbiss lives and stands by its values, which helps us stand out in the market. We are focused on the happiness and satisfaction of our employees. We want them to be satisfied and fulfilled in an industry where these types of values are traditionally absent and employees are typically under-recognized.

Our values that represent our company are the following: “Kindness,” “Commercial Honesty,” “Respectful Relationships,” “Partner Selection,” and “Professional Integrity.” These guide our daily operations and how we treat both our customers and our internal teams.

6. What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out?

Earlier in my career, many of the companies I worked for had a culture in which employees were treated like they couldn’t be trusted. Some of the former leaders I worked for would constantly monitor employees’ whereabouts, and enforce specific office hours from 9 am to 6 pm. The leadership also advocated that it was better to be physically present in the office for better productivity and oversight.

However, I came to realize the fallacy in this approach. Contrary to this belief, I learned that placing undue emphasis on physical presence and micromanagement stifled creativity and productivity. Instead, embracing remote work and allowing flexibility in working hours not only fostered a more positive work environment but also improved overall team performance. Ultimately, the advice to trust the team, regardless of their location, proved to be far more beneficial.

7. What are the most important skills someone needs to be a successful founder, in your opinion?

Kindness, quality, and maintaining a strong work ethic have all been instrumental to my success as a business owner. Embracing kindness has not only shaped positive relationships within our team but has also fostered a collaborative and supportive work environment. Prioritizing quality in all aspects of our work has been a key driver in achieving excellence and building a reputation for delivering high standards. Finally, being a hard worker and demonstrating determination have been crucial in overcoming challenges and driving the company forward.

8. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own company?

To weather the highs and lows of starting a new business you have to celebrate achievements, find balance, and prioritize personal well-being. Another benefit to recharging and practicing self-care is that by stepping away from your usual environment, you often come back to work with new ideas and solutions to problems. I cannot overstate the importance of engaging in self-care and physical activities. For example, I am an avid runner and find that this helps me to step away from work and disconnect.

The post Guiding Businesses to Growth: A Conversation with Orbiss Co-Founder Laurence Ruiz appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.

CosmoGlo began with a simple napkin sketch, a vision born out of frustration and necessity. As an eyelash extension spa owner in bustling Los Angeles, I experienced firsthand the struggles of inadequate lighting in treatment rooms. Precision determined the quality of our work, yet all existing lighting options fell short. My staff and I were tired of dealing with multiple lights casting shadows, heating up the room, being top-heavy, unstable, and hindering our ability to perform with accuracy and efficiency.

I knew there had to be a better way. The beauty industry is huge, and it’s only growing from here. How has no one ever created the perfect lighting for beauty professionals to work under? The idea took shape on a napkin, a half-circle design with a rotatable top halo, delivering full-coverage, shadowless light. It wasn’t just about brightness; stability and adjustability were key. I wanted it to have a flat base, I was done tripping over tripods.

From a napkin sketch to reality, CosmoGlo was born. I worked with engineers and manufacturers to perfect the design. With the very first prototype – we knew that we had something that would change how beauty providers delivered their services. The bar was raised, and a new standard was created.

The early prototypes showed us there was room for improvement. I redesigned and improved the features it offered. We added adjustable and customizable options to fit every service provider and reach more industries. When I got to the third prototype, I knew we had a winner. Although we have made one hundred tiny adjustments to the current design, that third design is the one we still produce today.

As we all remember the pandemic in 2020, my salon was no different. We were forced to close temporarily as we were classified as a personal care service. As I was sweeping up and cleaning for the last time in who knew how long – I looked at the light and thought to myself, ‘I always say if I ever get the time, I would launch it as a product, but when will I ever get the time when I’m so busy running a salon?’ I realized I was just gifted the time. Just like that, I switched gears completely and went into product launch mode for CosmoGlo. I placed my PO for my first CosmoGlo Lights set and opened the website for pre-sales. We got sales that first day, and I sold out of that first batch before it shipped.

The decision to focus on CosmoGlo paid off. I chose to manufacture in the USA because anything overseas was shaky with the pandemic. I am now so thankful I manufacture in the USA and consider it one of my competitive advantages. I can walk through our product plant at any time; I am very involved in every step of the production process. When lights are assembled, quality checked, and packaged, they ship to the customer that same day. This makes correcting any issue fast and with little wasted inventory, as issues are easy to isolate and correct. We do not spend time or resources with products sitting on ships, and it allows us to keep our overhead costs lower with less money spent on logistics.

Our patent paperwork was filed, production was in full swing, and CosmoGlo quickly gained traction. We were able to launch in very unusual circumstances, and that became a springboard for the company.

We could finally reopen my salon months later, and CosmoGlo was in full swing. I knew the potential to be the global leader of lighting for treatment rooms would be far greater than that of a neighborhood salon, so I sold the salon to focus solely on CosmoGlo.

With each milestone achieved, from securing design patents to expanding our product line, CosmoGlo’s ascent has been nothing short of magical. Our team’s dedication and our customers’ support propelled us forward, driving exponential growth and solidifying our position as an industry leader.

Today, as we are available in 81 countries, we have patents all over the world, and we are dedicated to becoming the global industry leader for multiple industries. The journey of CosmoGlo serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation, as well as taking advantage of timing opportunities that present themselves.

What began as a simple sketch on a napkin has blossomed into an innovative solution, illuminating treatment rooms and empowering service providers worldwide. And as we look ahead, the future shines bright. Possibilities are fueled by our commitment to excellence and a strong vision to light the way.

The post CosmoGlo: Illuminating Innovation in the Beauty Industry appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.

At just 15, Claudia Belchior-Martins’ life took an unexpected turn: she found herself pregnant. Faced with daunting challenges and societal pressures, Claudia’s story could have followed a predictable path. Instead, it became a testament to resilience and determination, an inspiring narrative of a young mother who defied the odds to become a successful entrepreneur.

Claudia’s journey, marked by an unwavering commitment to her education and personal growth, is a striking example of perseverance. Despite being advised to abandon her dreams for immediate financial stability, she enrolled in a professional tourism course during high school, an unconventional choice that laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Her pursuit of education didn’t stop there. Against all expectations, Claudia managed to balance raising her son, studying, and even earning her driver’s license. Her hard work paid off when she was accepted for night classes at a university, a significant milestone on her path to success.

Claudia graduated and worked several years in Events for Luxury Hotels, working with luxury brands such as Rolex, BMW, and Cartier, developing her passion for creating memorable and meaningful experiences for clients.
However, this also made Claudia realize the environmental impact of the merchandise that often floods in and ends up in the trash.

This refusal to accept the status quo led Claudia to her next major life chapter. In 2023, when she became 30 and during her visa process to the USA, traditional employment was closed to her. Yet, Claudia and her husband saw this as an opportunity rather than a setback. They founded House of Marbel, a company that reflects their passion for sustainable, high-quality gifts for companies and events like apparel, bag, pens and even candles and cork yoga mats. House of Marbel is not just a business; it’s a movement against the cycle of low-quality, disposable merchandise.

Collaborating with local suppliers who share a commitment to sustainability and offering a low to no MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), House of Marbel represents Claudia’s vision of innovation, responsibility, and transparency. This makes it accessible for companies of any size that wish to align their gifting and merchandise with their ethos.

Claudia’s story is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a broader message about challenging the status quo and making mindful choices that can lead to significant change. From a young mother in Portugal to a successful entrepreneur in the USA, Claudia Belchior-Martins’ journey illustrates the power of resilience and the impact of challenging conventional paths. Her life is a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with determination and a willingness to question, one can not only change their own life but also make a meaningful impact on the world.

The post Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Claudia Belchior-Martins’ Journey from Young Mother to Sustainable Entrepreneur appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.

When tech industry icon Marissa Mayer co-founded her startup Sunshine in 2018, expectations were high for the former Yahoo and Google executive to disrupt the market. However, the debut of a basic contacts management app left some wondering if their ambitions aligned with Silicon Valley’s fast-paced standards. In a recent update, Sunshine rolled out photo sharing and event organizing functionality, further puzzling observers expecting flashier innovations.

As an experienced tech reporter given an exclusive look into the new apps, I was intrigued to learn how they enhanced the user experience. While AI elements power the backend, the front-facing functions seem comparable to existing offerings. Similarly, the events component resembles solutions from decades past.

However, Mayer may be targeting a wise strategy by embracing nostalgia. As technology rapidly changes, many gravitate towards familiarity. With older demographics controlling major spending and craving social interaction, Sunshine creates a comfortable space for sharing memories. Subtly invoking Yahoo’s purple branding also connects to Mayer’s respected leadership there.

When asked about the design choice, Mayer noted hosting photos indefinitely on secure servers and allowing easy sharing across platforms. Critically, Sunshine will never sell customer data or derive unrelated insights from uploaded content.

With numerous startups rushing to introduce revolutionary AI, Sunshine aims to apply the technology meaningfully to everyday problems. Prior to the new apps, their birthday greeting feature smoothly integrated with contacts. Mayer sees potential addressing life’s mundane yet universal moments through approachable design.

While early contacts software drew privacy concerns limiting traction, Mayer remains optimistic simple and free apps can gain popularity. With funding secured and self-financed operations, she teases soon rolling out video sharing and other features, staying true to a mission of enhancing routines through accessible technology. Whether capturing memories or coordinating schedules, Sunshine creates a calming online environment for users of all ages.

The post Marissa Mayer’s Sunshine Startup Focuses on Everyday Users with Photo Sharing and Event Planning Apps appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.

Japanese development agency Jica has signed a $50 million loan agreement with Global Bank to boost female entrepreneurship in Panama. The loan aims to support women-led micro, small and medium businesses which make up 97% of companies in the Central American nation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Jica Senior Vice President Katsura Miyazaki emphasized the need to address gender inequality barriers facing women entrepreneurs. “This project is vital to help level the playing field for women in business and contribute to a fairer society,” she said.

While Jica has previously invested in Panama’s public sector, this marks their first partnership with a private entity. “We were seeking the right partner to back women business owners, and Global Bank stood out for its commitment to female-led MSMEs,” Miyazaki noted.

Global Bank CEO Jorge Vallarino said the funds will directly assist women producers and entrepreneurs. “Most companies are small or medium-sized, so this loan is important for their growth,” he explained.

Miyazaki hopes the initiative spurs more Japanese investment in Latin America. “The region shows great potential but economic volatility deters some. This project proves commitments here can succeed,” she stated.

Vallarino agreed deals like this encourage further investments. “Let this be the first of many Japan- Latin America collaborations,” he concluded optimistically.

The post  Jica Loan to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Panama appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.

As the competition in business intensifies, sustaining a profitable venture requires more than just dedication – it demands strategic investments and robust structures. This was a key takeaway from United Bank for Africa’s recent networking event highlighting women in business. Titled “Investing in Your Success”, the panel discussion brought together influential female entrepreneurs to share invaluable insights on building businesses poised for long-term growth.

Leading the insightful conversation was Chioma Ikokwu, CEO of popular haircare brand Good Hair Ltd. She emphasized the importance of establishing impactful alliances to advance goals. “Start by solving problems in a meaningful way. Separate personal finances from company funds and be transparent about your offerings”, Ikokwu advised. Fellow panelist Onyeka Michael-Ugwu of Hello Perfect reinforced the importance of an engaged support system. “Surround yourself with a team committed to your vision. Treat them well and they’ll power your expansion”, she remarked.

Atilola Moronfolu, founder of skincare community African Naturalistas, highlighted the need for operational consistency. “Develop standardized processes so your business runs smoothly whether you’re present or not. Also keep business and personal accounts separate for financial autonomy”, she stated. Additionally, NOUA Skin CEO Oshuwa Tunde-Imoyo stressed self-improvement through continuous learning. “Education unlocks innovative solutions. Invest in your knowledge – it translates to savvier choices”, Tunde-Imoyo added.

Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing, noted small and medium enterprises, particularly women-led ones, are economic growth catalysts. “We support customers through education on sustainable business strategies. UBA is committed to empowering female entrepreneurs to positively impact communities”, Ladipo concluded. The panel provided takeaways for building resilient ventures through strategic foresight, dedicated support systems and operational rigor.

The post UBA Empowers Female Entrepreneurs to Build Sustainable Businesses appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.

Women entrepreneurship in India is reshaping India’s economic landscape as more women step forward every day to launch innovative businesses. A new generation of change-makers is breaking barriers and ushering in a new era of progress through their visionary leadership.

Over the past decade, India has witnessed tremendous growth in entrepreneurship. However, women have faced many challenges in this male-dominated domain. Now, that is changing rapidly. The number of female entrepreneurs is surging, with women constituting an estimated 14% of total startups.

Trailblazers like Neha Bagaria of HER KEY are helping drive this revolution. HER KEY supports women entrepreneurs through resources, mentoring and funding. Bagaria shares that women are playing a pivotal role as job creators. She emphasizes addressing biases faced by female founders to help them scale up. Without women equally contributing as both job seekers and creators, PM Modi’s $5 trillion economy vision cannot be realized.

Another powerhouse is Divya Batra of Qirksmith, featured on Shark Tank India. She maintains curiosity around new technologies and designs solutions grounded in sensitivity and care for others’ experiences. Batra sees entrepreneurs through their vision, not gender.

The government’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform equips female founders with skills and capital. Sonika Malhotra of MBD Group calls women the “backbone” of society and economy, supporting families in and out of the home. Without this, she says the economy would collapse.

Initiatives from the private sector also help level the playing field. Shivani Badgai of TriChambers highlights empowerment’s transformative social impact – opening minds, prioritizing rationale over assumptions and recognizing women’s economic contributions.

As more succeed daily, India’s future looks bright. These trailblazers inspire generations and challenge norms, redefining what leadership means in business. Female entrepreneurs are empowering change by driving India’s growth from the grassroots up.

The post Women Empowering Change: How Female Entrepreneurs Are Driving Growth in India appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.

Determination in the face of adversity is the driving force behind many successful entrepreneurs. For Amore Philip, CEO and founder of Apples & Oranges Public Relations, turning challenges into opportunities has been the key to her ongoing success. Starting her agency from scratch 15 years ago after being laid off, Philip used her savings to self-fund the startup and teach herself web development when she couldn’t afford to outsource it. With no prior connections or reputation in the industry, she spent countless hours networking to build relationships and credibility to attract early clients.

While the lack of resources and credibility presented huge obstacles, Philip’s commitment to solving problems for small businesses through consistent brand awareness kept her motivated. Through dedicated effort and perseverance, she overcame these early hurdles to steadily grow her client portfolio. Today, Apples & Oranges PR proudly partners with established brands while helping emerging companies establish their unique stories. However, Philip remains grounded, believing that continuous learning and improving skills are crucial…

1. What inspired you to start your own business? What was the “aha” moment?

I always had a passion for entrepreneurship. I wanted to create something that was not just my own but also positively impacted small businesses. After working in the corporate world, entertainment, and fashion for several years, I decided to bet on myself. It was not just starting a business; it was my way of taking a proactive role to change the trajectory of my family’s legacy.

2. What were some of the biggest initial challenges you faced in getting your business off the ground? How did you overcome them?

When I started my business, the biggest challenge was not having the resources to get started. I did not have money to pay a web designer, so I figured out how to build my website, among many other things. I didn’t even look at funding; I needed the credit or assets to secure financing, so I decided to start small using my funds and savings. Additionally, building a solid client base was another obstacle I had to overcome, as I had yet to build a reputation in the industry. Establishing credibility and gaining trust with potential customers required much effort and networking. However, with dedication and perseverance, I overcame these challenges and succeeded in my business. Fast forward 15 years later, here I am.

3. How did you identify a gap in the market or need that your business fulfills?

As I was getting started in my business, one of the things I also realized was that if I was going to be successful, I too needed to be more visible to attract my target audience, which is also when I discovered that many small businesses struggled due to the lack of consistent brand awareness.

4. What has been your approach to funding your startup? Did you use your own savings, seek investors, crowdfund?

I funded my startup with my savings and help from a few family members. I was not even in the position to go to a bank then, so I became my own bank. If I didn’t believe in myself, then who else would?

5. How did you build your team and attract talent in the early days?

I hired an admin assistant to help with my business in the early days, but it could have gone better. One of the main reasons was that I needed concrete systems and processes built out to run my business. I needed infrastructure. Over the years, I hired more people who were liabilities, as their labor did not result in a fruitful outcome for the company. I had 10+ employees pre-COVID, which I downsized to 4 during COVID. Since then, I have decided to build out my team from the inside, meaning that I would promote candidates who were either interns or freelancers with whom I have worked and who proved they would benefit the company’s growth.

6. What have been your critical strategies for growth and gaining traction/users?

My key strategy has been to keep myself engaged in learning and improving my skills to add value to my clients. In addition, building my network has been immensely valuable.

7. What does a typical day or week look like for you? How do you manage work-life balance?

A typical day for me: I rise at 5 am, mentally prepare, plan for the day, then head to the gym at 6:10 am.

Around 8 am, I start by checking emails and responding to urgent messages from clients or team members. I then research and gather information on industry trends, news, and competitors.

From there, I develop strategies and create plans for upcoming projects. This involves brainstorming sessions with team members, drafting press releases, writing content and other communications, or preparing presentations for clients. I meet with clients, attend industry events, pitch stories for roundups, gift guides, thought leadership, and editorial opportunities, and build relationships with journalists throughout the day. I may also analyze data and metrics to measure the success of current outreach efforts. Overall, my day is fast-paced and can go late into the evening. I rarely work less than 10 hours on a typical day. I plan to replace myself within the next three years to focus my efforts on expanding the agency’s footprint internationally.

8. What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about being an entrepreneur?

The most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur is the ability to turn your idea into reality and leave your mark on the world and your industry.

On the other hand, the most challenging aspect is dealing with uncertainty and facing the risk of failure. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and resilience to succeed as an entrepreneur. I have been in business for many years, and there is not one day that I don’t think about failure. On the other hand, quitting is not an option for me, no matter what happens.

9. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own company?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own company would be to focus on their “why.” Why are they starting this business, and what problem are they trying to solve? Secondly, they should be prepared for the long haul, as entrepreneurship is a journey that requires persistence, patience, and resilience. Thirdly, they should be willing to take risks and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Finally, they should surround themselves with a supportive network of mentors, advisors, peers, and family members who believe in their vision and can offer guidance and support.

The post Moving Mountains: How CEO Amore Philip Built A Successful PR Agency From Scratch appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.

Over 20 women in Savaii, Samoa have powered ahead in their businesses after completing an innovative training program. These determined entrepreneurs are blazing a trail for others as part of a United Nations project aimed at catalyzing women’s economic participation through digital solutions.

The Savaii women have taken their artistic talents online, with most now selling products via social media. This marks a transformation from traditional market stalls. “Their innovative spirit and embrace of technology is truly inspiring,” says Siliniu Lina Chang of coordinating group Samoa Victim Support. “None have needed loans either, proving how empowerment can lift women from victim to victor using only their own savings.”

Dubbed “Star Earners”, the entrepreneurs were once affected by domestic issues but found new purpose. They join 100 other Samoan women trained under the Catalysing Women’s Entrepreneurship Program. Combining creativity with digital skills, the Savaii group show how economic freedom can prevent violence.

The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific backs the initiative. It aims to break down barriers women face in business through projects like this. Goals of no poverty, gender equality, quality jobs and reduced inequality also drive the work. In Savaii, a digital revolution is underway – one woman and product at a time. Their success points the way for others seeking empowerment through entrepreneurship.

The post Digital Revolution Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Savaii appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.

Cooking fires claim lives and cause over $1 billion in property damage each year in the U.S., with unattended stoves being the leading culprit. Akshita Iyer set out on a mission to make kitchens safer by creating a simple retrofit device that converts existing stoves into smart, connected appliances.

After witnessing her mother’s cooking fire incident, Akshita realized how outdated and hazardous traditional stoves remain. With a background in neuroscience and business, she fused her passions for food, family, and entrepreneurship to launch Ome. Their flagship product, the Smart Stove Knob, enhances stove safety by allowing users to monitor and control burners remotely.

By making our most used appliance smarter, Ome bridges the connectivity gap in homes and apartments. Akshita overcame initial challenges like supply chain disruptions and her own inexperience by exhibiting grit, cautious optimism, and a thirst for knowledge. She schedules downtime and embraces feedback to maintain work-life balance and business agility.

Looking ahead, Ome aims to form partnerships to bring their safety technology to more households. Akshita also plans to support senior communities, helping residents retain independence in their homes longer. Her advice to aspiring founders? Adapt quickly and see feedback as an opportunity to improve.

Interview with Akshita Iyer , CEO and Founder of OME

Please provide a brief introduction of yourself and your professional background.

I grew up in Buffalo, NY where my life revolved around food and family. My grandparents lived with us from the day I was born, and cooking was a central part of our daily routine. My grandma’s cooking skills were amazing! This early exposure to the kitchen shaped my passion for cooking.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a doctor. I went to Duke to study neuroscience, but also knew I wanted to explore something in business. I just didn’t know what that would look like. Starting a company was not entirely foreign to me as my engineer dad had started his own consulting business when I was in elementary school.

While I didn’t know it at the time, watching him planted that entrepreneurship seed and my parents always encouraged my brother and me to embrace new experiences, face failure, and learn from it. Their guidance shaped my resilience and willingness to pick myself up after setbacks.

Please tell us a bit more about your startup – what does it offer, what problem does it solve, and who is your target audience?

Ome builds smart technology for home appliances. Starting with the stove, Ome created the world’s first Smart Stove Knob that makes cooking safer and less stressful. It can be installed on any gas or electric stove by simply replacing your existing knobs, transforming your stove into a smart appliance that lets you monitor and control your burners in real-time — from anywhere!

At Ome, our mission is to bring a sense of tranquility and peace of mind to every home. Our Smart Knob is designed to promote a stress-free and safe cooking environment through various benefits, including an automatic shut-off function for unattended cooking, real-time monitoring and alerts, automated cooking timers, and convenient hands-free cooking via Amazon Alexa.

While we have a strong consumer presence (typically parents buying our device for themselves and family members), we are also expanding our application for property management in multi-unit buildings.

What inspired you to start your own business? What was the “aha” moment?

Honestly, I never expected to know so much about kitchen appliances. After I graduated from Duke, I worked at a hospital to get some experience before applying to medical school. During that time, I got hooked on Shark Tank. It was inspiring to see how non-traditional entrepreneurs were just starting companies to solve problems they faced themselves.

What fascinated me the most was that many of these entrepreneurs didn’t have traditional engineering or business backgrounds. This got me curious about creating something myself, although I didn’t have a clear idea yet.

Around that time, my mom — who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s — accidentally left the stove on one too many times and started a kitchen fire. While looking for solutions, I realized how outdated kitchen appliances were, especially stoves — our most used appliance!

That’s when it hit me and I had my “aha moment.” The rest of the home is covered in retrofit smart devices — thermostats, door locks, doorbells — and I was determined to make one for the stove that would be way cheaper than buying a whole new appliance. I thought, “how hard could it be to make a smart device?” I didn’t know what I didn’t know and jumped right in. Of course, it turned out to be a bit trickier than I thought. Thankfully, I’ve had smart and capable people by my side throughout this journey. I wouldn’t have made it this far without them.

How do you stand out from the competition in your space? What sets your product/service apart?

Ome’s technology bridges a significant gap in the smart home by addressing the lack of connectivity in the most used appliance — the stove. Our intuitive features provide a practical solution to enhance safety in both residential and commercial kitchens and unlike other smart kitchen gadgets that add to counter clutter, our retrofit design allows you to upgrade your primary cooking appliance without sacrificing valuable counter space.

Even more, Ome addresses a critical problem in the home — unattended cooking, the #1 cause of house fires with $1B+ in property damage annually. This issue extends beyond individual households, with the majority of multi-unit building and student housing fires attributed to unattended cooking incidents. Our centralized dashboard enables remote monitoring and proactive safety measures for property managers, reducing the occurrence of hazardous events and providing support to at-risk residents.

By providing a solution that enhances safety and control in the kitchen, Ome mitigates cooking hazards, reduces the occurrence of devastating fires, and as a result has significant potential to eventually reduce property insurance premiums.

What were some of the biggest initial challenges you faced in getting your business off the ground? How did you overcome them?

The pandemic supply chain issues were brutal for us. The delays in getting components manufactured not only paralyzed our operations but also left us unable to honor commitments to our first customers. We focused on transparency and directly communicated with our community, explaining our manufacturing challenges and delivery delays. We set up a dedicated war room to think of solutions for both immediate and future needs. Our proactive approach was not just about navigating the current situation but also securing our operations against any future uncertainties.

Another challenge was switching from neuroscience and a med school plan to the tech industry as a first-time entrepreneur. One of the biggest hurdles was figuring out how to raise capital. Even though I had support from friends and family, I soon realized that fundraising was a whole new ballgame. Having a brilliant product and a solid idea didn’t cut it. I needed to dive deep into the psychology of capital raising to really make it work and leaned on other entrepreneurs who walked this path before to do this.

What are the most important skills someone needs to be a successful founder, in your opinion?

Grit, (cautious) optimism, and an unending thirst for knowledge. Grit because you will be knocked down every day from every direction and you have to figure out how to get back up every time. Optimism because you are making the impossible possible — building a company rarely goes the way you expect it to and in those moments, you have to reassure yourself that you can and will figure it out one step at a time. And finally, always be learning and be humble. It takes a village to grow a business and you don’t know everything. Always surround yourself with people smarter than you.

What does a typical day or week look like for you? How do you manage work-life balance?

It’s easy to paint a picture of a daily routine where work and personal life co-exist harmoniously. In reality, I’ve realized that this view is unrealistic, especially for those of us navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.

For me, finding an equilibrium that was sustainable meant figuring out how to stay mentally and physically healthy. I schedule downtime in my calendar, literally — early morning exercise, lunch, dinner, breaks —  and try to intentionally maximize this time for personal rejuvenation, wellness, and life outside work.

I also make sure my team can see my calendar so they also feel it’s ok, and much preferred, to take time for yourself! Having these periods where my mind is occupied by something else that I enjoy also allows me to decompress, clear the noise, and truly disconnect.

What are some future goals or plans you have for your business in the next few years?

Ome’s journey of growth and innovation continues as we prepare for the launch of our next-generation Smart Knob. This upgraded version will be compatible with an even wider range of stoves, have some much requested feature upgrades, and be offered in new colors to match your kitchen look and feel. We’re also actively exploring strategic partnerships with appliance manufacturers so we can deploy our solution at a much larger scale.

Lastly, I’m thrilled about our plans to introduce the Ome Smart Knob to multi-unit buildings such as senior living communities, where we can provide valuable support for those who wish to age gracefully in their homes and foster a sense of security and control. Our ultimate goal is to encourage positive cooking practices that contribute to the overall well-being and vitality of those we love.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own company?

Embrace feedback and adapt quickly. As an entrepreneur and leader, encountering rejection is an inevitable part of the journey. Whether it comes from customers, investors, or team members, it’s important not to let it throw you off. Instead, look at these situations with an open mind and actively listen. Identify what you find relevant, act on it, and let the rest go. Remember to take a step back every once in a while to look at the forest from the trees.

Akshita’s journey shows how personal experiences can spark innovative business ideas that solve real-world problems. By embracing feedback, persevering through challenges, and maintaining work-life balance, aspiring founders can also turn their passions into purposeful startups. Akshita and Ome prove how a simple but thoughtful device can transform convenience, safety, and peace of mind in the home.

The post Turning Cooking Hazards into Peace of Mind: How Akshita Iyer Made Kitchens Safer with Smart Tech appeared first on Entrepreneur Loop.