Undoubtedly, this has been a challenging time for many, as the pandemic has impacted everyone in unique ways. However, these di cult circumstances have also revealed people’s resilience, pushing them to pivot and adjust to new realities.

For Parisa Shendi, the timing was right to pursue her lifelong dream, pandemic or not. As the owner and founder of Sweetzi, Shendi specializes in crafting vegan pastries and offering gluten- and dairy-free options. Whether cakes, cookies, or other sweet treats, Sweetzi has something to satisfy every craving.

The newly minted entrepreneur took time away from her desserts to speak about her venture, overcoming challenges, and using LinkedIn to spread motivation and affirmations.

How was starting your own business for you, and why did you choose baking?

My mom and aunt are professional bakers, and when I was a child, I always dreamed of owning my bakery. I learned everything from A to Z by helping them, and from an early age, I knew I wanted to create goodies that are both healthy for our bodies and kind to the planet. Bringing value to people’s lives through my business has always been my goal.

Did you ever have doubts before launching your business?

Absolutely. I felt lost and confused about what to do during such a chaotic time. Doubts and fears were a daily battle, but I fought back by acknowledging their presence and reminding myself that I was strong and unstoppable. I focused on taking baby steps, taking calculated risks, and doing thorough research to ensure I had no reason to doubt my path.

Have you ever felt that being a woman of colour stood in the way of accomplishing your goals?

There are always challenges and countless details to consider when starting a business, but being a woman has never been a disadvantage for me—quite the opposite. I don’t believe in separating people by gender. We are all human, with the same potential to create, achieve, and shape the lives we desire. We are powerful beyond measure.

What inspired your motivational and positive presence on LinkedIn, and how do you live up to your words?

This is my favourite question! My goal in life has always been to become a better version of myself every day. Oprah has been my role model—I’ve admired her ability to impact lives positively and guide people through challenges she once faced herself. I’ve attended countless self-development courses seminars, and read books to help me grow into the person I want to be. I come from a country where they overlook women’s rights, so I always knew I wanted to empower others. When I started my LinkedIn account, I met with someone from LinkedIn who encouraged me to share my story because companies are looking for honest, hardworking, and positive people like me. Once I began posting, I was overwhelmed by the warm responses and realized that my experiences could inspire and help others.

What has been the most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey so far?

The most rewarding part has been seeing the joy on people’s faces when they try my desserts and realize that vegan and gluten-free options can taste just as good—if not better—than traditional ones. Hearing feedback like, ‘This is the best cake I’ve ever had!’ makes all the hard work worth it. On a personal level, I’ve grown so much as an individual. Starting my business has pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me resilience, and allowed me to connect with many inspiring people with similar values. Knowing I’m building something meaningful while staying true to my vision is incredibly fulfilling.

Now may not seem like the best time to start a business. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Yes, it’s a challenging time, but also a time for opportunity. The most important thing aspiring entrepreneurs need to focus on is their ‘why.’ What are your goals, dreams, and passions? The key to achieving your dreams is simple: you. You are unique, and you bring something special to the table. Be cautious about sharing your ideas with those who don’t share your vision—they may only bring discouragement and frustration. Lastly, remember this: everything is possible. If you believe in yourself and take consistent steps toward your goals, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

 Dontei Wynter | Contributing Writer