Why Everyone Should Start Their Own Company: Lessons from My Journey

Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it's about taking control of your future, solving real-world problems, and growing in ways you never imagined. At 17, I embarked on a journey that would shape my life, starting my first company, HyTel Interactive, which has now evolved into Nish Barot LLC, where I provide design and development services. Since then, I've built multiple ventures, each teaching me invaluable lessons about resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship's boundless opportunities. Here's why I believe everyone should consider starting their own company and how my experiences might inspire yours.

The Early Days: Building HyTel Interactive

At 17, I wasn't just a high school student; I was a founder. HyTel Interactive, now Nish Barot LLC, started as an ambitious project to bridge my passion for design and development with real-world needs. I didn't know it then, but this company was the foundation of everything I would go on to build. It taught me how to take an idea and turn it into reality, work with clients, and solve technical challenges—all while balancing schoolwork.

Solving Real Problems: Founding WeAreHousing

After experiencing how challenging it could be for students to find reliable housing, I launched WeAreHousing. The goal was simple: help students like me access up-to-date, convenient housing options. What began as a small project quickly became a mission to improve lives. This venture taught me the power of solving problems that matter to people. It wasn't just about creating a product; it was about making a difference.

Innovating with Sustainability: Tagly

Entrepreneurship doesn't always follow a straight path. With Tagly, I stepped into the realm of sustainable innovation. I explored the intersection of design, technology, and environmental responsibility by creating reconditioned and recycled metal and wood cards embedded with NFC technology. Tagly wasn't just a business but a statement about what's possible when you think outside the box.

Learning from the Best: SBDC and Google

My entrepreneurial ventures gave me a solid foundation, but working at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Google elevated my skills to a new level. At SBDC, I helped other entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of building their dreams. At Google, I honed my sales, tech, and marketing abilities, learning to think big and execute flawlessly.

These experiences weren't just jobs—they were opportunities to combine everything I had learned from running my own businesses. They taught me to be a well-rounded individual capable of adapting to any challenge.

Why Entrepreneurship is for Everyone

Here's why I believe starting your own company is one of the best decisions you can make:

1. You Learn by Doing: Nothing better teaches you about leadership, problem-solving, and resilience than entrepreneurship.
2. You Create Opportunities: When you start a business, you're not just creating a job for yourself—you're building opportunities for others and solving real-world problems.
3. You Discover Your Potential: Running a company pushes you out of your comfort zone. You'll find strengths you didn't know you had.
4. You Leave a Legacy: Every business leaves a mark, no matter how small. It's a chance to create something bigger than yourself.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset

From building cross-listing platforms with SellMate AI to creating innovative solutions for clients through Nish Barot LLC, my journey has shown me that entrepreneurship is not just a career—it's a mindset. It's about taking risks, embracing challenges, and finding creative ways to overcome them. It's about believing in yourself even when no one else does.

Your Turn to Start

Whether you're 17 or 70, starting your own company is never too late. The skills you gain, the people you meet, and the impact you make are worth every sleepless night and challenge. Start small, solve a problem you care about, and watch how your life transforms.

If my journey—from founding HyTel Interactive as a teenager to building SellMate AI today—has taught me anything, it's that anyone can be an entrepreneur. The only question is: Will you take the leap?

So, what are you waiting for? Start your own company, and start building your future. You won't regret it.