Khyati Undavia is the owner and head pharmacist of a pharmaceutical business in Houston, Texas. She works hard and cares about her patients. Being a pharmacist for over 30 years has been rewarding for the Bombay native, but owning her local pharmacy is a source of pride. It took years of learning and saving to reach the goal, but now Undavia can help people in the greater Houston area with pain management.
Khyati Undavia keeps coming up with new ways to meet the needs of her patients as time goes on. Many of them need her special painkillers to keep their quality of life, while others are more alone. One of the first things she did was set up a home delivery service from her pharmacy to help people who needed it. Even though it was expensive for a growing small business, Undavia knew that the investment was just one of many that would be needed to provide good care for patients and, eventually, to grow into other places. She wants to keep growing her pharmacy and branch out from the Houston area to serve other parts of Texas that aren’t well-served.
Undavia decided to pursue a career in pharmacy just after high school, and followed her professional calling as a student at the Albany College of Pharmacy. Despite the major adjustments that came with adapting to university life, Undavia persevered, maintaining a high GPA while working to support herself throughout her student tenure. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, Undavia completed a hospital residency at Buffalo General Hospital.
Where did the idea for your career come from?
Growing up in India, I developed a passion for helping others. When I acquired my pharmacy in the late 1990s, I was determined to create a business model that would positively impact the lives of those in need. By catering to a niche population of work-related injury patients, I aimed to provide relief from their pain through the use of innovative transdermal pain products. By incorporating these products into their oral regimen, I was able to not only reduce their pain but also decrease their reliance on oral narcotics. This was a highly rewarding experience for me, as I felt that I was truly making a difference in the lives of others.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
As soon as I open my eyes each day, I am ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. I begin by reflecting on the previous day’s events at work and identifying any unresolved issues that need attention. I then set clear goals for the day and work diligently to achieve them. My daily tasks are diverse, including managing the operations of the business, problem-solving, and actively seeking out opportunities for growth through attending marketing events and seminars. I also work as a pharmacist, ensuring the highest level of care for my patients, and manage the financial needs of the business. My day is always varied and fulfilling, as I am constantly working to improve the business and serve my community.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing an idea to life as an entrepreneur can be an exciting but challenging journey. It often requires a combination of creativity, determination, and a willingness to take risks.
A good way to start is to focus on the problem or opportunity that you have identified, and begin to brainstorm potential solutions. This could involve researching your industry and market, speaking with potential customers, and gathering feedback on your idea. It’s also important to be flexible and open to change, as your idea may evolve and take on a different shape as you learn more about your market and customers.
As you move forward with your idea, it’s essential to have a clear vision and a solid plan in place. This includes identifying your target market, developing a strategy for reaching them, and determining how you will generate revenue.
Throughout the process, it’s important to stay persistent and resilient, and to keep pushing forward even in the face of obstacles. Entrepreneurship is not a straight path, and there will be moments of frustration and uncertainty, but the key is to keep going and to keep learning from your failures and experiences. And most importantly, to believe in your vision, and in yourself.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The Shinwazari trend is so exciting! I just love how this traditional Japanese interior design style brings a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature into our homes. The use of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and paper is just stunning, it creates a sense of warmth and authenticity that is truly breathtaking. And the focus on minimalism and simplicity is just so refreshing, it allows us to declutter our minds and create a sense of balance and peace in our living spaces. The resurgence of interest in this design is such a wonderful thing, as more and more people are looking for ways to create a sense of calm and balance in their homes. And I just can’t get enough of the natural materials, they bring such a beautiful and authentic touch to any space. This trend is truly a game-changer, and I’m so excited to see it continue to gain popularity and inspire more people to embrace simplicity, tranquility, and harmony in their homes.
On another note, sustainability trends also excite me! The shift towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power is truly game-changing. Can you imagine a future where our energy needs are met by clean, abundant sources that don’t deplete or emit harmful pollutants? It’s absolutely thrilling to think about the positive impact this could have on our planet and future generations. And green building, what a fantastic trend! The idea of designing, constructing and operating buildings in an environmentally responsible way is just brilliant. It’s so inspiring to see how we can minimize the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by using sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems and water conservation techniques. And let’s not forget about sustainable consumption, it’s amazing to see more and more people and organizations becoming conscious of the environmental and social impacts of their consumption patterns and making responsible choices. It’s such a positive step forward towards a more sustainable future where we reduce waste, consumption of non-renewable resources, support sustainable products and services and promote circular economy models.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, one habit that I have found to be crucial for my productivity is my ability to stay organized and focused. This includes maintaining a keen attention to detail, being methodical in my approach, and consistently prioritizing my tasks. Additionally, I always strive to stay inquisitive and foster a spirit of innovation, which allows me to approach problems with a fresh perspective and come up with creative solutions. Persistence is also key, as it is important to have the determination to see a project through to completion, even when faced with obstacles. And most importantly, having a positive attitude and belief in oneself, not giving up, and thinking outside of the box, are essential ingredients for achieving success as an entrepreneur.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to always stay true to your aspirations and never give up on your goals, no matter how difficult they may seem. I would emphasize the importance of taking the time to think deeply and critically about your decisions, and to be disciplined with your time and energy, using them wisely to make the most progress. To always approach your work with passion and dedication, and to never lose sight of the things that truly matter. Also, to trust in your intuition and listen to your heart, as it will guide you towards the right path.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I firmly believe that there is no one definitive path to success as a business owner. Every individual and business is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. While there may be conventional wisdom and commonly accepted strategies, I believe that true success comes from being able to adapt, innovate, and find an approach that aligns with your own personal strengths and values. I also believe that there is always a method to my madness, meaning that even if my approach may seem unorthodox to others, it is backed by careful thought and consideration. It’s important to find what works best for you, rather than trying to conform to a preconceived notion of success.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
As an entrepreneur, I firmly believe that staying focused, goal-oriented and having a growth mindset is essential for success. I always recommend others to have strong convictions in their ideas, to believe in themselves, and to always think ahead in terms of possibilities and opportunities. I also urge others to actively seek out connections and collaborations, to put the pieces together and to see the bigger picture. By approaching their venture with this mindset, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success and achieve their goals.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
One strategy that has been instrumental in growing my business is my approach of thinking outside of the box. I believe that by challenging the status quo and approaching problems with a fresh perspective, I am able to identify new opportunities and come up with innovative solutions. I apply my knowledge and expertise to unconventional concepts, envision the goals and growth I wish to achieve, and focus on taking the next step and expanding through well-defined objectives. By being open-minded and not limiting myself to traditional thinking, I am able to identify new opportunities and stay ahead of the curve, which has been vital to the growth and success of my business.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
One of the most common failures that entrepreneurs face is the failure to validate their business idea. This happens when entrepreneurs are too focused on developing and launching their product or service, and not enough on understanding whether there is a market for it.
To overcome this failure, entrepreneurs can validate their business idea by conducting market research, speaking with potential customers, and testing their product or service with a small group of users before launching. This can help entrepreneurs identify any potential problems or issues with their product or service and make necessary adjustments before investing a significant amount of time and resources.
Moreover, on a more personal level, it’s important to be cautious and mindful of who you trust and what their true intentions are. Avoid greed and remember that your network is your net worth. Building relationships with the right people who will support you and your business is crucial to success.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea that I can give away is creating a subscription box for sustainable and eco-friendly home cleaning products. This business concept is based on the growing trend of consumers becoming more conscious about the environmental impact of the products they use in their homes. The subscription box would include a selection of non-toxic, biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for both the users and the environment, such as plant-based detergents, vinegar-based cleaners, and reusable cleaning cloths. The box could also include tips and tricks for living a more sustainable lifestyle, and an option to customize the box based on the customer’s preferences and needs. This business idea would appeal to consumers who are looking to reduce their environmental footprint and make a conscious effort to live a more sustainable lifestyle, while also providing a convenient and easy way to access eco-friendly cleaning products.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I would recommend “The Intention Experiment: Using Your Thoughts to Change Your Life and the World” by Ainslie Macleod. In this book, Ainslie explains the concept of intentional living and how we can use our thoughts and intentions to manifest positive changes in our lives and the world around us. He provides practical techniques and exercises that can be used to tap into the power of intention and manifest our goals and desires. The book also includes real-life examples and case studies of individuals who have successfully used the principles outlined in the book to improve their lives and the lives of others. Overall, it’s a great book for anyone looking to understand the power of intention and how to harness it to create positive change in their life and the world.
What is your favorite quote?
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Nelson Mandela
This quote speaks to the idea that it is not the absence of failure that defines us, but rather our resilience and ability to keep going and learn from our mistakes. It encourages us to persevere and not let setbacks discourage us from pursuing our goals.
Key Learnings:
- Lean into your intuition: Trusting your gut and following your intuition can be incredibly valuable for entrepreneurs. It can help you make decisions quickly and confidently, even when faced with uncertainty. Trusting in your intuition can also help you identify opportunities that others may miss.
- Always double check your work and stay detail oriented: As an entrepreneur, attention to detail is crucial. Double-checking your work helps to ensure that everything is accurate and that nothing has been overlooked. Being detail-oriented can also help you identify potential problems early on and make necessary adjustments.
- Always keep a keen eye on the pulse and flow of business: Keeping a close eye on industry trends and the performance of your business is essential to staying competitive. Entrepreneurs need to stay informed about what’s happening in their industry and make adjustments to their strategy as needed.
- Have a plan B…and C: Entrepreneurs need to be prepared for the unexpected. Having a backup plan, or even multiple backup plans, can help you navigate unexpected challenges and keep your business on track.
- Be proactive, not reactive: Being proactive means taking action to prevent problems before they occur. Entrepreneurs need to anticipate potential challenges and take steps to mitigate them, rather than waiting for them to happen and then reacting to them.
- Keep working smart and hard: Success as an entrepreneur requires a combination of hard work and smart work. Entrepreneurs need to be able to work efficiently and effectively, and be able to prioritize and manage their time effectively.
- Persistent when things get hard and don’t give up: Starting and growing a business is not easy, and there will be moments of frustration and uncertainty. Entrepreneurs need to be persistent and resilient, and to keep pushing forward even in the face of obstacles.
- Set expectations: Setting expectations is key for an entrepreneur. It helps to ensure that everyone, including yourself, team, and customers are aware of what is expected of them and are working towards the same goals. It can also help to build trust and loyalty, manage expectations, and foster clear communication and collaboration.
