Interview with Mompreneur Alaka Satapathy

Juggling Backpacks and Boardrooms: A Q&A with Mompreneur Alaka

Imagine this: you’re leading a high-powered meeting, navigating the ever-changing world of digital marketing. Then, the whistle blows and it’s off to soccer practice, homework battles, and bedtime stories. That’s the dynamic life of Alaka, a digital marketing whiz and the founder of the thriving agency, Digiware. But Alaka’s journey wasn’t always sunshine and success. It’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and a whole lot of chai (because, let’s be honest, which homepreneur doesn’t run on chai?). We sat down with Alaka to chat about her inspiring journey, the challenges she’s faced, and the exciting future ahead for her and her agency.

Q: Alaka, you have a background in engineering. What made you take the leap into digital marketing and entrepreneurship?

Alaka: (laughs) Believe it or not, I was actually on the train tracks for dentistry! Though neurosurgery was the ultimate dream, engineering, specifically the hardcore world of software & coding, became my reality. But even then, there was always a creative streak. I remember my first poem published in the Times of India at the age of 7? That love for writing never truly left. Fast forward nine years, and I’m on maternity leave with my first child. It was during this time that I rediscovered that spark. I started creating content, and that, I believe, was the seed for my future entrepreneurial adventure.

Q: You mentioned maternity leave. How did motherhood shape your decision to start your own agency?

Alaka: Absolutely. After my second son arrived, the corporate world just didn’t feel like the right fit anymore. I craved the flexibility and freedom to build something of my own, something that would allow me to be present for my boys. And that’s how Digiware was born!

Q: But we know the journey isn’t always smooth. You faced a personal setback in 2022 with the loss of your father. How did that impact your business?

Alaka: (voice softening) The year 2022 was incredibly difficult. My dad was diagnosed with cancer, and the following year was a battle we ultimately lost. It was a time of immense personal grief, and it undeniably affected my business. The emotional toll, combined with the demands of motherhood, went largely unnoticed. I had to make some tough decisions, including downsizing the team. Rebuilding felt daunting, but here’s the thing: there’s a fighter in me.

Q: How did you find the strength to rebuild?

Alaka: I knew I had to seek help. But most importantly, I had my beautiful boys, my supportive husband, and a burning desire to not just survive, but to thrive. It wasn’t easy, but one step at a time, I started picking up the pieces.

Q: You juggle a lot, Alaka – from boardrooms to backpacks, as you put it. How do you maintain that balance?

Alaka: (smiles) My days can be a whirlwind! Early mornings might involve meetings, client calls, and strategizing with my team. Then it’s all about school runs, activity juggling, and ensuring a healthy dinner on the table. But hey, there’s always time for a steaming cup of chai – or coffee, depending on the day! Weekends, on the other hand, are for either kids sports or family adventures. Camping trips, coastal walks, and mountain hikes – that’s where you’ll find me recharging with my loved ones.

Q: Let’s talk about your agency, Digiware. What sets you apart from other digital marketing agencies?

Alaka: I see businesses struggle every day. They try to handle web design, SEO, digital marketing, and social media marketing themselves, or they outsource to India or the Philippines to save money. But here’s the biggest challenge: understanding the local market. That’s why we believe marketing must be localized for your target audience.

As much as I love to say marketing is an investment, I understand it can be difficult when you’re just growing your business. At Digiware, we acknowledge that struggle, and we stand with all SMEs. We have a talented team at offshore, but I personally handle the marketing strategy for each client. I do extensive research on the local market before we even start crafting strategies or suggesting improvements.

**For example, I once met a client who wanted a full SEO package. While I understood his desire, I also saw a bigger need. We invested in a lead generation campaign instead. He…invested in a lead generation campaign instead. He still had his SEO team in India, but the lead gen campaign gave him a significant financial boost. This success story allowed him to move his entire marketing budget to Digiware, because he finally understood the value of targeted marketing strategies.

Q: So, Alaka, what are some key pieces of advice you’d give to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to navigate the digital marketing landscape?

Alaka: First and foremost, don’t be afraid to invest in your marketing, but be a smart investor. Trying to do everything yourself or relying solely on cheap, outsourced labor might seem appealing initially, but it can backfire. Find a marketing partner who understands your local market and can create a customized strategy to reach your target audience.

Second, embrace data! In today’s digital world, data is king. Track your results, analyze what’s working and what’s not, and be willing to adapt your strategy accordingly. A good marketing agency will be your guide through this data jungle, helping you make informed decisions to maximize your return on investment (ROI).

Finally, remember that marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Building a strong online presence takes time and effort. Be patient, stay consistent with your efforts, and trust the process. With the right strategy and a dedicated partner, you’ll see results and achieve your marketing goals.

Q: Looking ahead, Alaka, what does the future hold for Digiware?

Alaka: The future is bright! We’re constantly growing and evolving, expanding our team to serve more clients and develop even more innovative marketing solutions. But at the heart of it all, we’ll never lose sight of our core values: providing personalized service, prioritizing local market understanding, and empowering SMEs to achieve online success. We believe that every business, big or small, deserves a chance to thrive in the digital age, and we’re here to make that happen.

So, if you’re an SME owner feeling overwhelmed by the digital marketing world, reach out to Digiware! We’d love to chat about your business goals and see how we can help you take your marketing to the next level.

Q: You mentioned your love for chai. Do you have any other rituals or habits that keep you focused and energized, especially on those busy days?

Alaka: (chuckles) Chai is definitely a constant companion, but it’s more than just a drink – it’s a moment of mindfulness. In the mornings, it’s a quiet time to gather my thoughts and plan the day ahead. In the afternoons, a steaming cup can be a quick pick-me-up between meetings. But beyond chai, I find that staying active is crucial. Early morning workout in gym 9weights my fav..), walks or yoga sessions help me clear my head and find focus. And of course, there’s nothing like quality time with my family to recharge my batteries. Evenings spent playing with my boys, sharing stories, watching superheros on Netflix (the most recent being Flash) and simply being present in the moment – that’s what truly energizes me.

Q: Alaka, you’re an inspiration to aspiring mompreneurseverywhere. What would you say is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

Alaka: The most valuable lesson? It’s okay to not have all the answers. There will be bumps along the road, moments of doubt, and unexpected challenges. The key is to embrace the learning process, be willing to adapt, and never give up on your dreams. Surround yourself with supportive people – a spouse, a mentor, a network of fellow entrepreneurs. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember, there’s no shame in course-correcting when needed. The most successful businesses are rarely built overnight, and the most inspiring journeys are often the ones with the most unexpected twists and turns.

Q: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Alaka: Absolutely! To all the women out there juggling motherhood, careers, and personal aspirations, I want to say this: you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Believe in yourself, don’t be afraid to break boundaries, and chase your dreams with passion and perseverance. The world needs your unique voice, your talents, and your unwavering spirit. So go forth and conquer, and remember, there’s a whole village of women cheering you on, me included!

www.digiware.com.au- we have redesigned our website , have a look !!