Meet: Sunny Rai
Founder of: The Olive Box
Tell us about your business:
My business provides artistically curated graze boxes, boards and tables using locally sourced ingredients. When you order from The Olive Box, you are helping a minimum of 7 other small businesses thrive. We also offer virtual team building class for businesses. Businesses across Canada have given us the privilege of hosting our ‘Build a Board’ class for staff socials, team building and employee appreciation.
Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently when you were first starting out?
I would have never doubted my capabilities. As adults, we are fearful of failure. If you fail, it’s ok because it means you tried! I was nervous when I first started out, but I knew I had the passion, drive and I truly believed my product was worth sharing with the world. Those three pillars overtook any doubts I had.
Does your culture influence your choices and decisions? If yes, how?
Sharing my knowledge and love for wine and cheese doesn’t exactly get me high fives in my community. However being a South Asian educator, mom of 3 and now business owner does! As South Asian women, we wear many hats along the way, some are easy and some are challenging to keep on. I am happy to say I wear all three with pride! Our culture loves food. Food is an unspoken language between all cultures. It brings people together during times of happiness, sadness, during times of challenges and during times of progress. I am overwhelmed with joy that my edible art is chosen for such occasions.
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build your resolve?
It’s ok to be uncertain, nervous or scared. If you have trust in what you are putting out there, it will be seen and welcomed. Every step you take will not always be easy, just take the step. If we don’t put one foot before the other than yes it will dissolve the path you created. Self-doubt is learned, learned through judgement. Don’t judge yourself because that what others will do. Reflect and move forward in the direction of your goals. This has helped me stay focused.
What tool, object, or ritual could you not live without in your workday?
Every morning I journal. I reflect on my successes and build goals for improvements. There is so much to be thankful for. Journaling helps me see everything that is great because there truly is such much greatness that we overlook!
How do you balance your workload? What does self-care look like for you?
Self care for me is my physical health. I absolutely love working out! Not only is it great for my kids to see and grow with, but it truly is a stress relief. I am mentally energized and full of positivity and creativity after a good workout!
Discover more:
www.theolivebox.ca
@theolivebox_
Sunny Rai - The Olive Box
