Entrepreneurweek Be Driven

Shazia’s journey in tech began when her passion for technology led her to study Computer Science at the University of Maryland. She started her career as a web/java developer and quickly moved up the corporate ranks to management at the project and program levels, as well as Director and CTO positions. Over her career she has been responsible for technology programs as large as $1B.

She has since founded 2 startups, one focused on eCommerce and the other in Mobile.

Her first startup, ClickClang – which was focused on mobile video, was early (when the Blackberry was the smartest phone around). Shazia learned the ups and downs of founding a startup that was early, and founded in a recession. Despite being started in such tough times she had an acquisition offer pre-launch, that she regrets turning down. Her second startup CoutureMafia, which launched in April of 2012, was acquired in a mere 4 months.

Shazia has worn many hats but likes none better than that of entrepreneur, founder and out of the box thinker.

Why are you an entrepreneur?

The desire to make a dent in the universe and have fun doing it!

What is your best piece of advice to entrepreneurs?

Make sure what ever you are doing you are passionate about, that passion will get you through all the ups and downs.. Really Steve Jobs said it best: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.”