Sarah Khallad

MODW: "As a young business woman, do you feel it's possible to have it all -- career, family, great sex life, good salary? If not, why?"

Sarah: "I do feel that it is possible to have it all, but maybe not all at once. I'm still in the process of becoming what I want to be and so right now, the family aspect is not a priority. Career is where I am right now. Loving my relationship with my boyfriend is where I am. Salary? Well, that is definitely the goal. Everything that I'm learning and doing now is to build my company in a way that will allow me to take a good salary and have time for a family in the future."

MODW: "What's been the biggest obstacle in getting your career going? Fear of the great unknown, money, etc..."

Sarah: "Money is huge. If I had a bottomless bank account, I could hire the perfect marketing and design team who would expertly develop my product line and tradeshow booth which would attract the big buyers that would in turn lead to increased sales. I have the creative skills and an overall picture of where I want to take my collection, but I have to take it slow because of the money barrier. Knowledge has also been an obstacle. But it's been just that, an obstacle, not a brick wall. I didn't know how to write a business plan so I found an agency that provides free business advice. I didn't know that I had to keep every receipt and bank statement instead of shredding them, and so I found an accountant who taught me how to properly keep my accounts. I truly believe that if you want something badly enough, you will find a way."

MODW: "What would be your best advice to other modgirls out there when it comes to pursuing their big career goals?"

Sarah: "Figure out what you love to do, what you want to do, and then find that person or company that does it the best. For me, it is the Anne Taintor gift collection. This company has an extensive range of products available throughout North America and the UK. So I researched, and I found Canadian equivalents, and I spoke with them. I am constantly looking at what's around me, especially in gift stores. I turn over every magnet and see where it's been manufactured, I look at websites and I talk to people that know more than me. I have gotten to where I am now by the incredible generosity and wisdom of near strangers, other women entrepreneurs, my family and my mentors."

"Know the business side. I'm a photography grad of the Alberta College of Art and Design. Though they tried their best to expose us to business, it was not nearly enough. I had to learn everything from the ground up by myself. Make sure you write a business plan and if you are thinking you need a loan to get started, contact the Canadian Youth Business Foundation. This non-profit organization doesn't just provide business loans, they match you with a mentor, resources and marketing that are even more valuable than money in your bank account."

MODW: "What about relationships? How hard has that been to juggle as you've built your career?"

Sarah: "My boyfriend is a saint. That's the thing with starting a business, it encompasses your entire life and consequently your partner's as well. He has had to sacrifice the new house, the new car, at least for a little while longer. But more than that, it's patience and understanding. He supports me completely and is patient enough to ride the ups and downs right along with me. Not only that, but he has this wonderful ability to tolerate the messes I've made of our living room floor while packaging orders. And he can sit and package magnets and cards for hours on end for nothing more than a big hug and a kiss."

MODW: "Has life, to date, been what you expected. That is, have you shaped it according to your goals, or have you taken advantage of what life's thrown your way?"

Sarah: "In some ways, I almost feel like my path chose me and I'm just along for the ride. Ever since I decided to make a go of she was stunning, everything in my life, whether related or not, has fallen into place. It certainly hasn't been easy but I think that the comfort and happiness that I have for where my life has taken me has allowed me to weather the bad stuff amongst the good."

MODW: "What's the best thing about your career so far?"

Sarah: "It's really just about doing what I love and also about surprising myself with what I can accomplish. I never thought I had the determination to learn how to reconcile my bank statements or to spend three months writing a business plan. Beyond that, I never thought I would actually find it enjoyable! It is amazing to be able to share my thoughts and my art and have others relate to them so personally. Every so often, I get emails from customers telling of how one of my magnets helped them through a rough time or simply just brightened their day and it's those gestures that make everything I do worth while. It is my hope, that in some small way, I can make an impact on this world."

MODW: "What's the next big step for you in your career?"

Sarah: I have been accepted into the CGTA, the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association and will be exhibiting with them this summer. I also have plans to break into the UK and USA markets within two years."