Shani Atapattu is the founder of elephantea, a new tea company based in Miami that produces organic tea in Sri Lanka. Their mission is to save Asian elephants. A percentage of the profits generated goes to Sri Lankan-based nonprofits dedicated to saving Asian elephants. Shani began her entrepreneurial journey when she joined her father’s logistics, ShipOCI, where she worked her way up to VP. As a woman and mother, Shani is dedicated to helping women in a field that is mostly male dominated.
Entrepreneurial Role Models:
Shani’s father
When business started difficulties overcame:
“The biggest difficulty was relaying my passion to other people and not only convincing them that I do give a great quality tea but my mission should be their mission as well and it should be on their store shelves”…[Listen for More]
Favourite Books:
Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography Book by Walter IsaacsonFavourite Quote:
“Illiteracy in the 21st century, won’t be the people who can’t read or write, they will be the people who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn”
Recommended Online Resources:
Best Advice to Other Entrepreneurs:
“Stay driven and don’t lose passion but at the same time I think it’s important for everyone to live in reality because I’ve seen people that have an idea and as much as they love it there comes a time when you have to say hey, maybe not 100% focus on this, do something else so be realistic with yourself”…[Listen for More]
More About Shani Atapattu:
Neil’s Quote at the Beginning:
“We have not succeeded in answering all our problems. The answers we have found only serve to raise a whole set of new questions. In some ways we feel we are as confused as ever, but we believe we are confused on a higher level and about more important things.” Earl C. Kelley
Other Quotes From the Chat with Shani Atapattu:
- “Nothing what you are about to embark on is easy, but if you have the passion you have the drive you have the focus, it all comes in time”
- “Keep one foot on the ground”
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