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Founder@ Interview
Interview with Sonal Dave
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help – if you try and do it all alone you will potentially make a lot of mistakes and it could take a lot longer to achieve what you want..” – Sonal Dave
Today we feature Sonal Dave, the founder at Sonal Dave. We hear their story in their own words, their successes, their challenges and their insights.
Let’s start by getting to know you. Can you please tell us a little bit about you and what you do?
I was born in Uganda and diagnosed with Congenital Dysplasia of the left hip as a baby. This led to years of being in and out of the hospital. Not letting this stop me, I became a child performer with the English National Opera & Sadlers Wells and after college, I went on to solo travel around India. On my return, I joined the Civil Service where I remained for over 20 years.
My health issues in my younger years became a lesson for managing my health later on in life too, giving me the strength and tools to cope with trauma, pain, and depression, even whilst running my business.
I followed my dreams at the age of 50 setting up my own business as a Celebrant, Toastmaster, and Public Speaking Expert. I now hope to help others break down barriers and open doors to show them that they too have the opportunity to be different and do what they are passionate about.
A great introduction and start to this interview. Can you please tell us, how did you start, from what age, and what made you decide to change direction and start?
I was part of the Civil Service for over 20 years starting as an admin officer and rising through the career ladder through to Deputy Director. As a career, it was initially a great place to be but the longer I was there the more I noticed how things were different for some people. For some reason, it just felt hard being an ambitious Indian Woman.
There just seemed to be barriers and challenges all the time and Unconscious Bias was definitely present. Unfortunately, there were very few people’s person managers who understood disability or culture.
When I left the Civil Service, I took some time out to allow myself time to heal as I had given 20 plus years of my life to an organisation and it felt like grief having to leave.
I trained to become a Celebrant and Toastmaster and used my Public Speaking knowledge and experience to support and help both children and adults learn a life skill that would help them at home, school, in the workplace and more. I set up my company and launched it in Sept 2018.
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I very quickly became recognised in the events industry, winning awards and being featured in major publications.
During the pandemic, I moved my Public Speaking Courses into the online space and have them CPD accredited. I also created support for parents and children with Communication, Storytelling, Interview Skills and Mental Health.
Thank you for that insight. So can you tell us…What does your business do and where is your company based?
My business is in the Events and Education World. As a Celebrant and Toastmaster, I help create bespoke events and ceremonies for all Life Events. With my Public Speaking work, I teach the Life Skills of Communicating with Confidence, Storytelling, Interview Skills and supporting Mental Health which is important for both children and adults.
I am based in London
What’s the story behind your success? What led to your aha moment? how did you get to where you are now?
After leaving the Civil Service, I knew that I wanted to do something that would include my passions. These being: people, events, music and communication.
I was at a Hindu wedding and saw a male Toastmaster looking after guests and making announcements and immediately knew that was a job that I could do well and at Asian weddings where I know the ceremony, I could do so much more to make the couples day special.
I trained with The English Toastmasters Association for both my Toastmaster and Celebrant services and this started my journey in the events world. I have been in events and performing since childhood so knew this would be a happy place for me.
With my Public Speaking work, I collated all my knowledge and experience learnt both through performing, acting and as a presenter with an Asian TV channel and created workshops and later online courses for both children and adults.
Thank you for sharing that. What’s been your life’s biggest lesson so far?
One of the first challenges, I faced, was being an Asian female in the events industry which has a majority of men suppliers.
There were some individuals that made things uncomfortable but the majority loved the idea of someone who was different and unique. At these times you have to have faith in yourself and trust in your own knowledge and experience. If I was faced with the situation again, I would have faced them individually and challenged their thinking.
With my Public Speaking work, the main challenge was parents not thinking that it was an important life skill to have and that grades and qualifications were more important. The more I explained and spoke to parents, the differences made when they themselves or their child completed one of my courses was enough to help them understand the importance.
I wish that I had known not to jump at everything that is offered to me and understood that not everything is right for my business.
If you were to go back in time, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
If I had an opportunity to talk to my younger self, I would definitely tell myself to follow my dreams and not follow the expectations of others. Those barriers are meant to be broken and those challenges only make you stronger.
To surround yourself with real supporters who tell you the truth and not haters that are waiting for you to fall. That it is ok to be different and follow your dreams and passions.
Dare to Dream, Dare to be Different, The World is your Stage
We’re nearly halfway through our interview so it’s a great time to ask how does your business run. What three tools make your business run better?
The 3 tools that make my business run better are:
– mailerlite – great for managing my database and groups as well as email marketing
– later.com – scheduling tool for my social media
– spreadsheets – a great way to manage events
I found out about the tools that are available through networking events, webinars and friends. Before hearing about the tools I used word tables and spreadsheets. If I did not use tools I would still cope but I would lose the time I save by using tools.
I have a VA who is great at looking after my scheduling, newsletters and emails
I have thought about exploring seven hats but have not got round to having a look yet
What do you know now that you wished you had known before?
I wish that I had known not to jump at everything that is offered to me and understood that not everything is right for my business.
What has been your greatest or proudest achievement or moment?
There are probably a few:
1. Being featured in the mailonline
2. Winning a number of awards
3. being able to start my business at the age of 50
What future life goals do you want to achieve and why?
I want to be the Celebrant and Toastmaster of choice for Life Events
I want more children and adults to complete my online courses and have the Life Skills to be successful in their lives.
I want to be a presenter on TV
To finish our inspire questions…”We believe that sharing inspiring words can inspire others.” If there was one positive thing you would say to someone to inspire and empower them what would it be and why?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help – if you try and do it all alone you will potentially make a lot of mistakes and it could take a lot longer to achieve what you want.
“Thank you it has been great learning more about your founder story and Sonal Dave”
To learn more about Sonal Dave Visit https://www.sonaldave.com
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