Key Points
- The Cassowary Coast Council honoured Satkirat with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at its Australia Day Awards.
- From studying science in Sydney, Satkirat deviated from orthotics to start her venture in e-commerce.
- She overcame the cultural stigma with personal values through unconventional career choices.
Speaking with SBS Punjabi, Satkirat shared her journey to becoming an entrepreneur.
From growing up on a farm to a Sydneysider
Satkirat studied towards a Bachelor of Science at Macquarie University, Sydney, and began a Master of Orthoptics before shifting gears and starting her e-commerce business in Cairns.
Reflecting on her journey, she said, "The career goal was always Orthoptics."
However, she said she couldn’t see herself working as an eye doctor.
After her Plan A didn’t give her the satisfaction she sought, she opted for an "unconventional pathway".
"I always had a love for leadership, design (and) teamwork, so I pivoted to start my own business," Satkirat said.
Satkirat Kaur graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Macquarie University, Sydney, and changed career paths to start her e-commerce business. Credit: Satkirat Kaur
Choosing unconventional pathways
Opening up about the expectations to choose widely accepted career pathways, Satkirat shared her family’s response to her career change.
"They reacted just like any Punjabi parents would," Satkirat said.
"In our community, we have a stigma because naturally, the things our mum or dad or the older generation have seen, and from their experiences, it was different for them. Our (the next generation’s) challenges are very different."
However, Satkirat said she believed her parents were cautious of her career path transition to ensure she was confident and dedicated to her decision.
"If you keep at it, if that’s what you desire, you’re living in alignment, and your parents will see that," Satkirat shared.
Satkirat Kaur receives the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Australia Day Awards hosted by the Cassowary Coast Council. Credit: Satkirat Kaur
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Sam Corica, owner and manager of Jill's Stationery Innisfail, nominated Satkirat for the Cassowary Coast Council Australia Day Awards.
In a written statement, Corica explained the reasons behind his nomination.
"Satkirat is a young person who is passionate about reaching her goals and growing and evolving her business to meet the current market," Corica wrote.
"With Satkirat growing her idea and building a business model, securing meaningful products that align with the business values puts her in good standing to be a great candidate for the Australia Day Award - Young Entreprenuer/s Award for 2024."
A message for others
In her message to the community, Satkirat shared wisdom with other youngsters who might be struggling to choose a career goal.
"Firstly, you need to start with yourself, having deeper reflections and (asking) what is it that you want to embark on," Satkirat said.
In this podcast, hear Satkirat’s journey from growing up on a farm to her e-commerce start-up.
LISTEN TO
From Orthoptics to 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year': Here’s how Satkirat took the plunge into e-commerce
SBS Punjabi
27/02/202414:47
