AAPI Achieve Mentee Spotlight | Sona Shekhawat

Name: Sona Shekhawat | Business/Profession: Living Alchemically

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what motivated you to join the AAPI Achieve mentorship program?

I really wanted a community of other entrepreneurs to learn with. I feel inspired when I see other people’s work, particularly POC. And in Arkansas, it has been hard to find mentors who have a similar background to me and understand the challenges of being Asian in Arkansas.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how do you hope this mentorship program will help you achieve them?

Short term: Save and learn as much as I can so that I can invest in my own business ideas.

Long term: Full time entrepreneur with several businesses across different industries.

What are some challenges you’ve faced in your professional journey, and how do you think AAPI Achieve can assist you in overcoming them?

It has been hard to find reliable mentors, and it has been hard to find ways to fund my ideas/develop them. I would love more education on how to actually find and work with manufacturers, suppliers, etc.

How has your cultural background shaped your professional journey?

It has informed a lot of my business ideas. I really want to bring more of my culture to the USA through business (I want to one day have an Indian inspired accessories or clothing brand).

What specific skills or knowledge do you hope to gain from your mentor through this program?

How to negotiate better and how to assess a deal.