One year ago, I made a decision that would reshape not only my life but also the lives of many women who have since been touched by the vision of Chalom Hights. After years of holding on to the dream, I finally stepped out to establish a non-profit organisation dedicated to women’s empowerment.
The journey has not been easy. Like many women, I have had to juggle family responsibilities, career demands, and social commitments while building an organisation from the ground up. Yet, standing here one year later, I can confidently say that the experience has been both humbling and deeply rewarding.
Looking back, here are some of the most valuable lessons I have learned—lessons that I believe are particularly relevant for women who aspire to start something of their own.
Lesson 1: Start Now
The hardest step is often the first. For years, I postponed starting Chalom Hights because I thought I needed all the answers. I later learned that not every decision carries the same weight. Some decisions—what I call “Type 1 decisions”—have limited long-term consequences and can be corrected along the way. Others, “Type 2 decisions,” are high-stakes and irreversible.
Starting Chalom Hights turned out to be a Type 1 decision that I delayed unnecessarily. Once I began, things started to align. I still don’t have all the answers, but every day brings new insights—and I am grateful I finally took that leap.
Lesson 2: Your Network is Your Net Worth
I cannot overstate the value of relationships. Over the past year, I have received overwhelming support from both professional and personal networks. Speaking engagements, collaborations, and visibility have come my way because of people who believed in me and were willing to lend a hand.
In many cases, friends and colleagues have gone beyond words of encouragement, offering their stories and platforms to inspire the next generation of female leaders. It has taught me that building and nurturing a network is not just helpful—it is vital.
Lesson 3: Start Lean and Build Gradually
Many start-ups fail under the weight of heavy financial commitments from the very beginning. I chose a lean model for Chalom Hights, keeping costs light and flexible. This decision helped me learn, adapt, and grow without unnecessary pressure.
Starting small does not mean thinking small. It means allowing space for growth while protecting your mental health and creating room for creativity.
Lesson 4: Secure the Right Support Early
As women, many of us wear multiple hats—professional, mother, wife, friend, leader. Trying to do it all alone is a recipe for burnout. Very early on, I realised the importance of having support systems in place.
In my case, prioritising a digital presence meant bringing in someone to manage social media. That one decision freed me to focus on strategy and vision while balancing other responsibilities. Acknowledging your limits is not a weakness—it is wisdom.
Lesson 5: Strive for Balance
Perhaps the most important lesson has been the need for balance. Starting an organisation is demanding, but so is maintaining a career and nurturing a family. Ignoring one at the expense of the other can quickly lead to burnout and resentment.
For me, balance has meant setting clear priorities, learning to say “no” when necessary, and carving out time for rest and family. It has also meant accepting that I cannot do everything perfectly at once. Some days work takes the lead, other days family does—and that is okay.
True success is not measured only by professional achievements, but also by the ability to remain present, healthy, and connected to the people who matter most.
Final Reflection
The past year has been a journey of courage, learning, and growth. Building Chalom Hights has stretched me beyond my comfort zone, but it has also affirmed the power of resilience, balance, and vision.
To every woman reading this who has a dream sitting on the shelf: start now. You do not need to have it all figured out. Begin where you are, with what you have. Trust the process. Growth will meet you along the way.
As Chalom Hights turns one, I celebrate not only the organisation but also the countless women whose journeys will be shaped by its vision. The work has only just begun.
Also Pushished by The Business & Financial Times
A year on: Lessons from starting an organisation: A woman’s perspective
