Sunny Leone was the star attraction at the third edition of ‘Big Break’, a platform to encourage women entrepreneurs, held at Phoenix Marketcity in Mumbai, on March 27. The pretty actress and the owner of Star Struck Cosmetics, took some questions from t2, on her entrepreneurial journey and more.
What has your journey been like as an entrepreneur? Are you the first-generation entrepreneur in your family?
My journey as an entrepreneur started when I was in my teenage years, maybe even sooner than that. It wasn’t necessarily about what business I wanted to start but I was always selling things, always figuring out how to make money. I think that entrepreneurial fever, that stride came since the time I was very young. Yes, I am the first-generation entrepreneur in my family.
How do you think the brand has evolved in the last six years? Was beauty an obvious choice?
Beauty is something I have always been attracted to and something I wanted to pursue in the long run. I wanted my own line of lipsticks. I was fascinated by those magazine covers and dreamt of being on one of them representing my brand. Speaking about Star Struck, my brand is always evolving and that’s by far the most amazing thing. I believe one has to stay updated on what’s new and relevant with evolving trends. It is also important to have the right people and team to take care of your brand.
Who do you look forward to when it comes to business leadership? Who were your mentors?
My mentor was a 50-year-old woman, who was an owner of an accounting firm. I used to contribute to different verticals in her office. I worked in the human resources team, accounting... also helped out different agents working at this place. Every time she walked in, the whole office used to be on the edge, always wanting to impress her. I remember when I visited her house one day, I realised I wanted to be just like this woman. She was an extremely inspiring figure.
What makes a successful entrepreneur? Which stage of your entrepreneurial journey would you consider yourself at?
I think every entrepreneur has their own journey and certain goals they want to accomplish. Phoenix Marketcity’s ‘Big Break’ is the best example. Success is measured by different parameters. It is subjective. I perceive it in a different way. If you do better than what you did yesterday, then you are going in the right direction. Speaking about the stage I am in, I think everything is falling into place. I would like to credit the religious efforts of my team. This is the most amazing phase for the brand, with new strategies and investments. This is just the beginning.
Are you an instinctual entrepreneur or do you believe in thorough planning? In other words, how much of a risk-taker are you?
I think you have to know everything to be successful as an entrepreneur. Business needs a lot of planning along with instincts and gut feeling. You have to keep trying and exploring different things, more like test, test, test. The minute something works out, you have to run with it until it is not working any more. One needs to constantly figure what’s the next big thing, take risks and simply go with the flow. A lot of business owners will agree that trying is the only recipe for success.
Given the platform ‘Big Break’ is to encourage women entrepreneurs, what are your top tips to help them grow in confidence?
Through Phoenix Marketcity’s third edition of ‘Big Break’, my top tips for women entrepreneurs would be to always keep moving forward and set those goals for yourself. To reach your goal, you have to identify the steps on your own. That will definitely help you grow in confidence. I am sure ‘Big Break’ will encourage more women to chase their dreams.