Paths Are Made by Walking: Charlotte Sika's Entrepreneurial Insights

Intro

Charlotte Sika, founder and CEO of iamcultured.co, joins Jothy Rosenberg to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and the importance of cultural awareness through curated experiences. Charlotte believes that anyone can achieve their goals if they are open to learning, willing to face failure, and ready to get back up again. She shares her unique perspective on courage as a habit, emphasizing that it grows stronger with each challenge faced. Originally from Nigeria, Charlotte’s diverse background and experiences have shaped her approach to business, allowing her to navigate complexities with confidence. Throughout their conversation, Charlotte reveals the inspiration behind her startup, Cultured, and how her initial struggles with food in the U.S. led to a successful venture that celebrates global diversity.

Show Notes

Charlotte Sika, a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of iamcultured.co, shares her vibrant journey of cultural exploration and entrepreneurship in this insightful conversation with host Jothy Rosenberg. Having moved to the U.S. in 2019, Charlotte faced the challenge of adapting to a new culture, particularly regarding food, which sparked her desire to create a business that would celebrate global diversity. Her startup, iamcultured.co, focuses on providing curated cultural experiences through unique boxes filled with elements from different countries, including spices, art, recipes, and games. This approach not only allows individuals to explore various cultures but also fosters a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Throughout the episode, Charlotte discusses the importance of courage, resilience, and the willingness to embrace failure as part of the entrepreneurial journey. She reflects on her upbringing in Nigeria, the superstitions surrounding animals, and her educational experiences in engineering and business, which have equipped her with the skills to navigate complex challenges in the startup landscape. Her belief that “paths are made by walking” encapsulates her philosophy that taking action and learning through experience is crucial for success. Charlotte's story illustrates how one's background can influence their entrepreneurial path, as she shares the insights gained from her previous venture in sweet bread, which laid the foundation for her current success with iamcultured.co.

As the conversation progresses, Charlotte provides a glimpse into her innovative approach to business, revealing how she pivoted to include virtual travel experiences in response to customer feedback. This adaptability highlights her commitment to meeting the needs of her audience while expanding her product offerings. The episode serves as an uplifting reminder that the entrepreneurial journey is filled with unexpected turns, and that with determination and an open mind, anyone can forge their own path to success. Charlotte's inspiring narrative encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their unique stories and cultural backgrounds as they embark on their own journeys.

Takeaways

• Charlotte believes anyone can achieve their dreams if they are willing to learn and adapt.
• Courage is a habit that develops over time, not just an inherent trait.
• The entrepreneurial journey often involves unexpected pivots that can lead to new opportunities.
• Charlotte’s background in engineering helps her tackle complex problems with a systematic approach.
• Her experiences in previous startups provided valuable lessons that accelerated her current venture.
• Embracing failure as part of the journey is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Chapters

• 00:10 - The Journey of Courage and Learning
• 02:59 - Charlotte's Journey from Nigeria to the US
• 07:55 - Exploring Cultural Connections through Food
• 15:19 - Navigating the Journey of Entrepreneurship
• 23:34 - The Journey of Grit and Courage