Mala Rambharose: Redefining the Narrative of Success
From homelessness to monkhood and beyond, this audacious entrepreneur never forgot the lessons life taught her. From humble beginnings to the bustling city life, a story of unwavering resilience unfolds with every facet of Mala Rambharose’s life. Now the founder of CityMonk Media, Mala paints a vivid picture of determination, resilience, and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Early Days and The Unexpected Twist
Like many entrepreneurs, Mala’s journey began with an unexpected twist of fate. A tasting opportunity at Starbucks’ head office in Toronto was the sign that altered her life trajectory forever. As a university dropout contemplating medical intervention for concentration, Mala was urged by an intake specialist to forgo the traditional academic path and cultivate her nascent entrepreneurial spirit instead.
The Pursuit of Entrepreneurship
In her pursuit of entrepreneurship, Mala faced a multitude of rejections from publishing companies across Canada, but she did not let that deter her. Determined to share her children’s book, “There’s A Pebble In My Shoe,” with the world, she navigated the complex realm of self-publishing, distribution, and marketing. This resilience caught the attention of heavyweights in the Canadian literary world such as Heather Reisman, founder of Indigo Books, and Brad Martin, the former CEO of Penguin Random House Canada.
The Challenges Along the Way
However, the road to success was not without its challenges. Mala acknowledges the distinct disadvantage of being young, female, and without substantial financial resources in a competitive world. These obstacles were not mere hurdles; they were mountainous tests of tenacity, demanding her to adapt and persevere.
Triumph Over Past Experiences
The feat of maintaining an apartment in downtown Toronto during her twenties, while a norm for many, signified Mala’s triumph over her past experiences with homelessness and public housing. Similarly, contributing to HuffPost, despite the critiques from those who undervalued the platform, was a significant accomplishment, further boosted by encouragement from Arianna Huffington herself.
A Monk-like Lifestyle
Mala’s entrepreneurial journey took a distinct turn when, following a series of disappointments, she adopted a monk-like lifestyle, disconnecting from technology and material possessions, and focusing on spirituality and self-reflection. It was during this period that Mala discovered the power of bootstrapping and the entrepreneurial discipline it engenders.
Valuable Advice for Budding Entrepreneurs
Mala’s unconventional approach is best encapsulated in her advice to budding entrepreneurs: “Don’t be afraid to work a regular job and bootstrap your business.” According to her, depending on outside investment can curtail creativity and innovation. A self-reliant, slower pace allows for better resource management and prevents the pressure of other people’s expectations.
The Balanced Lifestyle
As an entrepreneur, Mala believes in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Her focus on rest, hydration, and long walks hints at the importance she places on well-being alongside business endeavors.
Current Endeavors
Currently, Mala is working on a memoir, “Broken Telephone,” which captures the myriad of intriguing people and the life lessons they’ve imparted. The memoir promises to be a testament to her unique journey from homelessness to entrepreneurship, monkhood, and a lifestyle she describes as “boujee.”
Defying Expectations
In a world quick to define and categorize, Mala Rambharose defies expectations. Her journey tells a story of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering determination. It’s an inspiring reminder that every path to success is unique, and each individual’s journey deserves respect and recognition.