We are back with Career Journeys, featuring the fantastic Sonal Keay. After a fifteen years career in law, a life-altering experience led her to refocus her career and fulfil the entrepreneurial aspirations she had always held.
So, if you have always wanted to feel more in control of your career, whilst working in a role you love, then find out how Sonal has created this for herself.
Over to you Sonal:
The business is ‘This Is Silk’ and I am the founder, Sonal Keay. I was a barrister for 15 years and after having children, it did not feel viable or enjoyable to spend my time doing something so far removed from them. Shortly after my second was born, my beloved dog died. It was in the wake of both of these things that I decide to take a risk and jump into the business with both feet. I have since read that grief is a common catalyst for change.
I started the business because I was no longer happy with my old career and I wanted to feel that excitement and deep meaning that I once had. So, I decided to start a business involved with something I have always loved (Silk) whilst also staying true to my values. I could only ever sell something which I truly believed in, and consider to be of immense value to people.
My previous life at the Bar may not seem directly related to running a business but I think it stood me in good stead. I gained years of experience of stressful situations, constantly feeling that there was so much to learn, and juggling several different balls in the air all at once. I think it also meant that I found negotiating a little easier.
However, I took the time to really immerse myself in Silk. I bought books, went to the library, read peer-reviewed literature and really took a deep dive into it. I wanted to learn as much about it as possible, and there is still so much to learn. I did also enlist a mentor, who has been phenomenal, and in the early stages did a bit of networking, just to feel a little more settled in my new world.
I knew from an early age that I wanted to start a business, because of the freedom and creativity it entails. We used to go to Saltaire (Yorkshire) for family days out, and I really loved Sir Titus Salt, and how he looked out for his employees. I love the idea that business can be a force for change, more immediately than political systems can. For me, everything I love and need in life has come together by starting this business – I love knowing I am genuinely providing a useful product for people (Silk is amazing for our skin and hair, without any harsh chemicals), it is affordable (this is relative of course but I work hard to keep prices decent), I love the history of Silk, I love answering peoples’ questions about Silk, I love writing the handwritten notes and I love the feedback I get. I am also honoured to employ someone. It feels good to create employment, and teach young people how to start a business. I love it all. (But I do not like the technology – I am a total Luddite). My plan was to always be free and independent, and although there are constraints and responsibilities, I do feel happy to be here.
A huge challenge for me was dealing with the tech side of things, and not having anyone else to be accountable to, except yourself. At the Bar, I was accountable to a client, to my clerks, to my colleagues and Judges. With the business, I am basically accountable to myself, which is both a good and a bad thing. Initially, it was a terrible thing! I veered from being too hard on myself to not pushing myself hard enough. I don’t think I will ever get this quite right but that’s ok. The other things have been technology-related. I haven’t overcome it, but I have learned to outsource it, which for me is preferable because it means I haven’t had to deal with it!
The proximity to my customers has surprised me. I love it. I decided early on to try and build a business where I am supplying directly to people because I think it’s lovely to have that connection with the people who ultimately experience your products. I get such lovely emails from people, and it’s brilliant. I love knowing that people are enjoying their sleep more because they have discovered Silk pillowcases!
I think there is an enormous appetite amongst people to support smaller businesses, and to feel in touch with the businesses they are supporting by spending their money there. Also, people are very understanding when they are treated well. We are so used to shoddy customer service from massive companies, that it feels lovely to be treated with gratitude as an individual who has spent their hard-earned money with you. That has surprised me. Also, how hard work it is. It is in most respects, harder work than being a full – time barrister. (but in a different way).
The advice I would give to a younger version of yourself is “Go and do what you want to do, and don’t fear failure”
So, if this has inspired you, then consider the first step you need to talk to make the change. If you want more career inspiration, check out some more role models here.
I would LOVE to share your career journey. If you fill out this simple form, I shall create the article for you! If you know anyone that has a career journey that inspires you, please encourage them to fill it in!
Clara
Clara Wilcox is a straight-talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective has a social mission, focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance. Isn’t it time to create a career to enjoy. Find the latest online workshops here.
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
