(#64) How Simran Kaur Built the #1 Finance Education Platform for Women | The Untold Story of Girls That Invest

In this episode, Iyia sits down with Simran Kaur, the inspiring founder of Girls That Invest, a global platform transforming how women and minorities engage with investing. What started as a side project quickly grew into a movement, helping close the financial education gap and making investing feel less intimidating and more empowering.Simran opens up about navigating the male-dominated world of finance, building a loyal community from scratch, and why she believes relatable content and mindset are key to financial success. She also shares what it was really like writing her book under pressure, the role self-doubt played in her journey, and how she stayed true to her mission throughout it all.Together, Iyia and Simran dive into:Why mindset matters more than just income when it comes to wealthThe importance of smart work over hard workHow pivotal moments can change your life’s directionThe power of setting your own financial goals (and ignoring outside noise)Whether you’re just getting started or looking for that next step in your financial or entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with insights, relatable moments, and a healthy dose of motivation.TakeawaysSimran started Girls That Invest to make investing accessible for women and minorities.There’s a major gap in financial education, and she’s helping to close it.Community building and authenticity are key in content creation.Self-doubt is part of the journey, even for successful founders.Financial education should be simple, positive, and relatable.Success is about mindset, not just money in the bank.Wealth comes from smart strategy, not just working harder.Define your own version of financial success, and stick to it.Start investing, even with small amounts, you don’t need to be an expertBig life changes often begin with a single, pivotal momentLearn more: girlsthatinvest.comFollow Simran: @girlsthatinvest

In this episode of the Make It Happen podcast, lyia interviews Mitch Lowe, the founder of Audiology Touring, who shares his journey from a young entrepreneur launching a clothing store to becoming a prominent event promoter in New Zealand and Australia. Mitch discusses the importance of building relationships, navigating challenges, and maintaining a resilient mindset in the competitive events industry.He also talks about his new venture, Nectar, and his aspirations for the future of Audiology Touring, emphasising the significance of innovation and customer engagement.Key TakeawaysMitch started his journey in event promotion at a young age, initially launching a clothing store party.Building relationships with artists and agents is crucial for success in the events industry.Resilience and learning from challenges are key components of Mitch's journey.The events industry involves much more than just the fun aspects; it requires significant planning and management.Mitch emphasizes the importance of mindset and manifestation in achieving goals.Starting with limited funds is possible; creativity and resourcefulness can lead to success.Mitch's focus has shifted towards nurturing customer relationships and providing unique experiences.The launch of Nectar represents a new venture that aligns with Mitch's vision for the events industry.Mitch encourages aspiring promoters to pursue their dreams and find their unique path in the industry.Accepting negativity and complaints as part of the business is essential for growth.Key words event promotion, entrepreneurship, mindset, resilience, music industry, business lessons, networking, financial advice, innovation, personal growth🕺Go to one of Mitch's events: https://www.audiologytix.com/📸 Follow Mitch & Audiology on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitch_lowe/https://www.instagram.com/audiology_touring/ 🌐 Learn more: www.makeithappen.org.nz🌐Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeithappen/

In this episode of the Make It Happen podcast, host Iyia discusses key lessons from Stephen Bartlett's book, The Diary of a CEO. She emphasizes the importance of patience, investing in oneself, building a supportive network, and defining personal success. Iyia shares personal anecdotes and practical tips to help listeners navigate their own journeys in business and personal growth, encouraging them to embrace discomfort and focus on meaningful progress.Key Takeaways:Patience is crucial for long-term success.Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make.Surround yourself with inspiring and supportive people.Define what success means to you personally.Fear can be a major hurdle; make your dreams bigger than it.Growth often comes from discomfort and taking risks.Movement does not equal progress; focus on meaningful actions.Set clear priorities to maximize impact in your daily tasks.Reflect on your weekly progress to stay aligned with your goals.Use practical tools to create the life and business you desire.Keywords:Stephen Bartlett, The Diary of a CEO, personal growth, business tips, patience, investing in yourself, networking, defining success, overcoming fear, discomfort, productivity

SummaryIn this episode of the Make It Happen podcast, host and entrepreneur Te Kahukura Boynton shares her inspiring journey of founding Māori Millionaire, a platform dedicated to empowering Pasifika and Māori communities through financial literacy. Te Kahukura discusses the importance of representation in finance, the challenges she faced in her early career, and the mindset shifts necessary for success. She emphasizes the value of small, consistent actions and the significance of investing in oneself and one's community. The conversation highlights the need to break the cycle of scarcity and embrace an abundance mindset, ultimately aiming to uplift and educate others.TakeawaysTe Kahukura Boynton founded Māori Millionaire to address financial literacy gaps.Representation in finance is crucial for inspiring others.Small, consistent actions can lead to significant changes over time.Investing in oneself and seeking mentorship is key to success.Shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset is essential.Community empowerment is at the heart of Te Kahukura's mission.Financial literacy can improve overall well-being and relationships.Sharing relatable content helps build trust and engagement.Overcoming challenges builds confidence and opens new opportunities.Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in entrepreneurship.KeywordsMāori Millionaire, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, mindset, representation, investing, abundance, Pasifika, community empowermenthttps://www.maorimillionaire.com/

SummaryIn this episode, Iyia discusses practical strategies for saving money to fund a side hustle. She explores the common challenges people face when trying to save, such as low income, high expenses, and lack of financial discipline. Iyia shares her personal experiences and offers actionable advice on increasing income through side gigs, managing expenses, and the importance of financial discipline. She also covers various funding options for starting a business and emphasises the significance of having the right mindset to achieve financial goals.TakeawaysSaving for a side hustle requires a solid financial foundation.Common challenges include low income, high expenses, and lack of financial literacy.Multiple streams of income can help alleviate financial pressure.Side gigs like reselling and online stores can boost earnings.Managing high expenses is crucial for saving effectively.Impulse buying can derail savings efforts; awareness is key.Creating a budget helps maintain financial discipline.Automating savings can simplify the saving process.Crowdfunding and loans are potential funding options for businesses.A positive mindset is essential for achieving financial goals.Keywordssaving, side hustle, financial literacy, budgeting, income, expenses, financial discipline, savings strategies, business funding, mindset

SummaryIn this episode, we explore the journey of Kate, the founder of Moodi, a rapidly growing supplement brand. Kate shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced, and the importance of community engagement in her business. She emphasises the significance of mindset in overcoming fears and taking the leap into entrepreneurship. The conversation also touches on the future aspirations of Moody and the impact it aims to have on women's health and empowerment.Takeaways Kate started Moodi in 2022 while completing her law and business degree. She created the product out of her own struggles with stress and burnout. Moodi's success is attributed to its effective products, delicious flavours, and strong community. The brand has seen rapid growth, achieving 400% growth last year. Kate bootstrapped the business without external funding, relying on her savings. Understanding customer needs is crucial for product development and brand success. Delegation is essential for scaling a business effectively. New Zealand's small market can be both an advantage and a disadvantage for entrepreneurs. Kate aims to expand Moody into international markets, particularly the US. Her ultimate goal is to elevate women and positively impact their lives through her business.KeywordsEntrepreneurship, product development, community engagement, mindset, gut health, women empowerment, business growth, supplements, New Zealand brandsVisit www.moodiblends.com

SummaryIn this conversation, Iyia and Luke discuss the critical importance of financial literacy and the lack of practical money management education in traditional schooling. Luke shares his personal journey from being a chartered accountant to realizing the need for better financial education. They explore the challenges of managing money, the impact of beliefs on financial decisions, and the importance of community support in achieving financial goals. The discussion also delves into practical advice for starting and growing a business, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift and validation of business ideas in the market. In this conversation, Iyia discusses the importance of overcoming a scarcity mindset, the value of self-awareness, and the necessity of understanding financial literacy. He emphasizes the power of business as a wealth builder, the significance of investing wisely, and the need for individuals to track their financial progress. The discussion also touches on the misconceptions surrounding home ownership and the importance of making informed financial decisions.Takeaways Financial education is often lacking in traditional schooling. Real-life experiences shape our understanding of money management. Community support can significantly impact financial success. Beliefs about money can limit financial growth and opportunities. Practical knowledge about money is essential for personal and business success. Starting a business requires validation of ideas in the market. Mindset shifts are crucial for overcoming financial challenges. Learning from failures is part of the journey to financial literacy. Setting realistic financial goals is important for success. Education and continuous learning are key to financial empowerment. Self-awareness is crucial in overcoming a scarcity mindset. Data can challenge preconceived notions about money. Value exceeds price in financial transactions. Confidence is key when transitioning from a stable job. Business is the most effective way to build wealth. Investing should be prioritized over paying down debt. Understanding compounding can significantly impact financial growth. Tracking finances monthly can lead to better financial habits. Education on financial literacy should start early. Home ownership is not always the best financial decision.Keywordsfinancial literacy, money management, business growth, mindset, personal finance, debt management, financial education, wealth building, budgeting, investing, scarcity mindset, financial literacy, wealth building, investing, business success, New Zealand economy, money management, personal finance, compounding, income growthhttps://www.keepthechange.co.nz/

SummaryIn this episode of Make It Happen, Iyia discusses the essential strategies for new business owners to acquire their first 100 customers. The conversation covers various marketing techniques, including leveraging personal networks, utilizing social media, implementing organic marketing strategies, the importance of email marketing, influencer collaborations, building trust through social proof, and the effective use of user-generated content. Iyia emphasizes the significance of testing different approaches and scaling successful strategies to achieve business growth.Takeaways Don't let others discourage you from your business ideas. Start by reaching out to your personal network for support. Social media presence is crucial for visibility. Engage consistently with your audience on social media. Email marketing can significantly boost conversions. Influencer marketing should involve multiple partnerships. Social proof is essential for building trust with customers. User-generated content can enhance brand credibility. Paid advertising should be approached strategically and gradually. Testing different marketing strategies is key to finding what works. Keywordsbusiness, marketing, customers, social media, email marketing, influencer marketing, user generated content, paid advertising, entrepreneurshipLearn More about my strategies here: https://www.makeithappen.org.nz/business

Summary In this episode of the Make It Happen podcast, host Iyia and business broker Shelley discuss the intricate process of building, scaling, and selling businesses. Shelley shares her personal journey from running her own import business to becoming a successful business broker, emphasising the importance of planning and preparation for a successful sale. The conversation covers key topics such as the selling process, common mistakes made by sellers, the significance of consistency in business operations, and the advantages of working with a broker to maximize sale value. Takeaways Building a business with the intention to sell can lead to better planning. Setting clear goals for business growth is essential. Understanding market conditions is crucial for timing a sale. Having clean financial records significantly increases business value. Marketing and branding play a vital role in attracting buyers. Consistency in business operations is key to maintaining value. Utilizing a business broker can lead to higher sale prices. E-commerce businesses are currently in high demand. Moms often start businesses for flexibility and work-life balance. The appraisal process is a valuable first step in selling a business. Keywords business sales, entrepreneurship, business broker, selling businesses, women in business, e-commerce, business valuation, business growth, marketing strategies, business mistakes https://kakapobusiness.co.nz/agent/shelleymay www.makeithappen.org.nz

Summary In this episode of the Make It Happen podcast, Iyia discusses the challenges entrepreneurs face when starting a business, including overcoming self-doubt, fear of failure, and handling rejection. She emphasises the importance of setting clear goals and finding inspiration in everyday life. Iyia encourages listeners to take the first step in their entrepreneurial journey, reminding them that challenges are a natural part of the process and can lead to growth and success. Takeaways Starting a business can be tough due to uncertainty. Overcoming self-doubt is crucial for success. Setting clear goals can help drive motivation. Rejection is a common experience for entrepreneurs. Inspiration can be found in everyday life. You don't need a groundbreaking idea to start. It's important to understand all aspects of your business. Challenges are part of the entrepreneurial journey. Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Growth can be exponential once you gain traction. Keywords entrepreneurship, business challenges, overcoming fear, self-doubt, inspiration, business ideas, starting a business, rejection, motivation, business growth www.makeithappen.org.nz