“Don’t jump into business because you have capital, start because you want to. Your mindset and desire to run a business is much more important than money”

Sayuj Shrestha, Founder of Kharayo, is of a firm belief that dreams won’t work unless you do. He says people spend their entire life trying to figure out the perfect success formula whereas the only formula that truly works is hard work and passion for what you do. He emphasises, “Remember, failure is not the opposite of success, it is part of it.” Having finished his advanced diploma in IT- Networking from TAFE, Sydney, Shrestha didn’t exactly know then what he wanted to do with his life. The only thing he knew was that he wanted to be successful. After hopping from one job to another, Shrestha realised he wasn’t really happy with how things were going. “One day I woke up and decided I am going to try new things, maybe business. It was one of the hardest transitions of my life to quit my job and jump into business,” he shares. Business in Sydney boomed, yet things felt incomplete. Shrestha wanted to do something in Nepal, and after a lot of effort and planning Kharayo was established in November 2019. Kharayo offers its customers beautiful and creative accessories in addition to having branched into Kharayo Bakes, Tangy Treats, Fitpeak and Mr Grumpy’s, all separately operated companies addressing different market segments. “This is just a beautiful beginning. I was never the smartest person in the room but I had the vision and willingness to go above and beyond to achieve things that I put my mind and heart into,” reflects Shrestha. In this edition of Business 360, Shrestha talks about his pick of brands and some of the best advice he has received besides thoughts on entrepreneurship:

Top 4 apps that you use the most

Instagram, Facebook, Viber and WhatsApp

3 destinations within Nepal you want to travel to

Everest Base Camp, Manang, Rara

Women-run businesses you think deserve accolades

Khalisisi

A startup business that you think will ace later

It is hard to name one, this is an inspiring era for startups in Nepal. I see potential in so many.

An entrepreneur who inspires you

Gary Vaynerchuk “Garyvee”

Your top 3 best selling items

Phone cases, pop sockets and jewellery from Kharayo. Brownies from Kharayo Bakes.

The best work advice you have received

Failure is temporary in life but regrets are permanent. Work hard and take risks.

If you could change ONE thing about the present entrepreneurial scene in Nepal, what would that be?

Don’t jump into business because you have capital, start because you want to. Your mindset and desire to run a business is much more important than money. Having said that, I wish banks could help with loans for startups with drive and vision.

3 things patrons can do to promote local businesses

I believe in the power of words, when you try local products, please feel free to leave a beautiful review or let us know how you feel. Every word matters.

Startups are important for a country like Nepal because…

Nepal is a gold mine for those who have the eyes for it. There are so many things we can do here that it is overwhelming. Successful startups add value to the country and the people. They create opportunities and drive quality manpower to stay in our country and to do more.