Focus on Relationships 

Relationship goals are more important than materialistic possessions

Neha Shrestha Amatya in her twenties has achieved more than most average individual can dream of. A marketing professional, an entrepreneur and an educator, she is full of life and enthusiasm.  She completed her Masters level from London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom in International Business and Marketing. After her studies she returned to Nepal and established her own company Lakus Trading Pvt Ltd. Presently she works as the Marketing Director at Multi Trading Pvt Ltd in the capacity of Marketing Director.

She is also engaged as a Module Leader at The British College and a lecturer at South Asian Institute of Management (SAIM) and Ace Institute of Management. In the capacity of module leader and lecturer she attends to the students’ practical and theoretical knowledge in the field of business, management and marketing for their professional as well as personal upliftment. Moreover, she is also an active member of Youth Entrepreneur Forum (YEF) which comes under Nepal Chamber of Commerce.

Individualistic, outgoing and progressive Amatya shared that it was a challenge for her to go to abroad alone for her higher education in her teens. However, it provided her an opportunity to explore different cultures and embrace diversity, according to her. She says, “Exposure to new places, people and ideas made me more confident. However, I always knew I wanted to come back.” Despite political instablity, economic challenge, social problems and technical difficulties in Nepal she has no regret for the decision she made. She explained that if she had stayed abroad she would always remain a second class citizen.The works is performs is much more recognised and appreciated in her homeland.

She says that doing business in Nepal has been a challenge. Even though she has numerous business and marketing ideas the political, economic, technical and social environment are not quite favourable. She shares, “Being an entrepreneur in Nepal is not at all easy. We have continuous struggle to survive especially at this time of crisis.” Time is a crucial aspect in any business and due to late supply the goods cannot be delivered instantly as per the demand.

Amatya always enjoys being a part of a productive and enthusiastic team. As a part of Youth Entrepreneur Forum she has networked with young and aspiring entrepreneurs of Nepal. Further she is working towards development of entrepreneurship in the country. She says, “Entrepreneurhsip is the backbone of any country as it solves problems creatively and innovatively.” She explained that government, media, educational institutions, investors, financial institutions and society as a whole build the entire ecosystem of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship can flourish when all these factors are supportive.

She adds, “Networks like YEF provides young people a platform to share their ideas. The more we share ideas and interact, the more creative we become.” Moreover, aspiring entrepreneurs can also connect to a pool of investors, lawyers and potential partners through such platforms she said. She visions the younger generation taking the initiation and leadership roles in business as well as other sectors.

Her interests lie in sketching, paininting and she is also an aspiring fashion designer. She has completed one year diploma course in fashion designing and believes learning new things. She says, “Learning is a life-long process. One must find a purpose and joy in learning different things.” She adds, “I want to learn the basics skills of things that are important to me.” She said it is beneficial to have basic skills like cooking and stitching irrespective of the gender. These skills help us in survival.

She has always encouraged her students to think out of the box and come up with creative solutions according to her. Teaching helps her to learn and re-learn the things she practices in her business. Additionally, it provides her the opportunity to interact and share with other younger people she said. She shared that it has helped her know her strengths and weaknesses and be a better person.

Her family especially her father have been a greatest asset to her. Without the support of her family she would not have reached the heights of success. She says, “My father is my idol and a mentor. He has always pushed me to take up bigger challenges and accept what life offers positively.” According to her, her husband and in laws have also encouraged and appreciated her achievements and efforts. For her relationships are the first priority both in family and work. She says, “Relationship goals are more important than materialistic possessions for me.”

Lastly, she concludes, “Life comes only once, so we must dream the best for ourselves. The outer world should not be allowed to change our inner reality.”  

Published in The Himalayan Times- Pesrspectives, page 5 on October 11, 2015.