Arpana Patel, Director of AveSol Accounting Services. Born with an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion to make a change in our society has led me to create a platform to assist other entrepreneurs in their business journey whilst giving back to the community at the same time. I am a single mum of 2 boys who had to create her own path to financial freedom and enough flexibility to fulfill my parental role. And therefore, I understand the struggle and challenges of women running they small business in Australia.
When did you start your business?
I started my business in 2015.
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
I always had the entrepreneurial spirit in me, especially coming from a family with history of entrepreneurs who influenced my choices to become one in future. However, until such time came where odds were against me, and I knew in my heart that the time is right, and I will need to take that leap of faith.
A sudden break down of marriage, with no financial support and 2 young kids (one been autistic), I decided to start my own accounting firm that would provide me the flexibility I needed around my kids and provide a platform to build a stable financial base.
I always had a desire to make a difference in the financial world through my experience by offering structure, support, education, and guidance to women in businesses to help them better understand they financial information and motivate them to make proper strategic decisions.
What are you most excited about in your business?
I love what I do and everyday I thrive in my business. But the most exciting part about my business apart from the flexibility and being your own boss, is helping other start-ups and small businesses thrive in they own success. Seeing they success journey and appreciating the fact that I was part of that path.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
Finding the right balance between business and family life. When I initially started, I didn’t know how to market or find clients and this posed to be the biggest challenge for me especially with the constraints of money.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
Having a passion to be successful is critical, but importantly having a plan for your passion is an important ingredient for success.
Most of us are driven by passion to create a sustainable business, but any good business needs a plan or a clear path mapped out so you know and can measure your success with your growth.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
Entering a prestigious award like AusMumpreneur, not only gives you the recognition and promotes your awesomeness in the community, but it also encourages me to reflect on my journey up till now and appreciate how far I have come in my business. Winning an award also encourages my team to keep moving forward and proves us the leader in our field.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
I think Katy and Peace are wonderful mentors and kind hearted humans and been associated with such an incredible community fulfil my needs to be around strong and resilient women.
What surprised you most about the awards?
I think Me winning it especially with such an incredible and talented woman in the same category. So, it took me by surprise.
How did the awards help you in your business?
Winning, or even just entering, a prestigious awards program can position our brand and business – in the eyes of customers, prospects and other stakeholders – as an industry leader. It gives us the boost needed and enhances team spirit by setting as apart from our competitors.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
The advice would be to remember the 4 Ps:
- Passion- love what you do and believe you are good at it.
- Patience- treat it as your newborn baby- expect some teething issues at the start.
- Persistence- eventually losses will turn into profits if you keep at it.
- People – those clients and networks are not about numbers, but you need to treat them with values, respect and understanding of their needs.
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The financial freedom of time, money and following my passion to support our local community that would not be possible if I was working for someone else. And the biggest is recognising my own strengths and resilience to know anything is possible if you set your target on it.
What’s happening next in your business?
My business is thriving with waitlist of clients wanting to work with us. We have just expanded our team and empowering towards greater achievements. We have recently launched an educational membership program Knowledge Assist, where we teach small businesses about accounting, tax and financial literacy and other aspects of running your own business. This is one of our charity programs where 100% membership fees are donated to Smiths Family and Women Shelter. This is our way of giving back to our community that has nurtured me during my hard times.
What are your big plans for the future?
Currently we are working on our charity program Knowledge Assist and trying to promote it so we can donate around thousands of dollars per year. As per my business, we are expanding our branches and team members to service more small businesses at a reasonable price.
And for my personal goal, travel around the world again.
What is your website and/or social media links (eg. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
https://www.facebook.com/avesoltax/
https://www.instagram.com/arpana.accountant/
