Meet Smita Patel

We had the good fortune of connecting with Smita Patel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Smita, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my coaching journey with a simple idea and vision to help women secure their retirement and build generational wealth while working their 9-5 jobs. Life is unpredictable and taking steps to secure your retirement funds is so important. I am a first-generation immigrant and the first person in my family to do a white-collar job. I was not aware of 401k and Investment or retirement planning. My parents knew nothing about how investment worked in the United States of America. When I started working, I heard about 401K and company matches. I took courses to figure out my financial portfolio because I wanted to do it the correct way.  I made sure I understood all the basic concepts of investment before I invested my hard-earned money into any company/ETF.  For the last 10 years, I have handled my investment portfolio and have accomplished greater returns.
I have created a 14-week coaching program to empower other immigrants like me who DO NOT know how to start investing, who have a fear of losing money, or who simply lost because there is conflicting information all over the internet on how and where to invest money in the stock market.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I migrated to USA with my parents 25 years ago. When I got my first paycheck though company and was told to invest in 401K, I asked my parents if they know about investment in USA. Since it was new country for all of us, my dad did not understood US stock market. He had little bit of experience from India and had heard few stories on how people lose money in stock market. So he warned me saying “whatever you do, make sure you understand properly before investing your money”.

His words stuck in my head. I did online research and try to learn on my own. However, it was very difficult as online resources/you tube videos used very complicated investment jargon words that I did not understand. I took few courses to understand how long term investment works. It helped me to get started on my journey.

As I saw my investment portfolio grow overtime, I thought to look into chart analysis and day trading. I took few courses to learn about chart analysis and options. As I grew in my journey, I would talk to my friends about investment at gathering. However, it is not very common for women from India to talk about investment or money.

I found myself very lonely as I had no other girl friends to talk about investment. I started sharing my stock alert on instagram private account. That’s when Aneri told me that this is something I can take it on social media platform and see how and where this takes me.

I started my business Instagram account with my and my daughter name. I started sharing my journey and stock alerts and knowledge. In less than 2 years, my IG account grew and many women across USA started showing interest in learning about stock market and how to begin their investment journey.

From my personal experience, I know that you can not learn how to invest just by listening to online modules. You need someone who you can ask question right there. I put together 10-14 weeks program where I provide one on one support to immigrant women on how to begin their investment journey.

I am very impressed with numbers of women who have joined my program and started their investment journey. With my instagram journey, I can say that It just take a small vision and pure intension to help other to make something possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend to Chicago Downtown. Take ride from Metro Suburban area to city of Chicago Union station.
Rent a bike an drive the bike to the heart of the city Navy pier, Millennium park and drive around Lakeshore drive.
Have lunch at TrueFood Kitchen.
Drive back and spend few hours at Lakeshore Drive beach and relax.
Come back taking Metro back to Suburban area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have 6 years old daughter name Zara. Sometimes, it becomes overwhelming with all coaching calls and 9-5 job and taking care of the daughter and her school and activity classes at the same time.

However, I am really graceful to have amazing family support and amazing friend circle. They have always helped me to watch my daughter when I have busy evening booked with back to back coaching calls. I really appreciate their support.

Also I want to Shoutout for Aneri Desai (immigrants career coach) for standing next to me and guiding me through this coaching business.

I would say it takes a village to build very successful business. It is truly women supporting women to build something amazing!!!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smitazara/

Image Credits
Ravi Patel