SAWN's May Monthly Spotlight: Sharon Naik

We are kicking off our May spotlight with Sharon Naik, a cancer researcher who pivoted into education and is redefining success on her own terms. Check out this month’s spotlight to know more about Sharon’s journey. #womenentrepreneur #sawnspotlight

Tell us about your venture and what drew you to education?

I own a Kumon math and reading center franchise in Chanhassen MN. I believe that education will help our community and make the world a better place.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment so far???

My biggest accomplishment I think is helping those kids that come to us who are struggling and parents are so desperate to help them, working with such kids with love and patience and seeing them succeed and building their esteem and self-confidence. This is my karma yoga.

Did you always want to be an entrepreneur when you were growing up? Tell us about your journey.???

Never in my wildest dreams did I want to be an entrepreneur, I have no business degree. I thought my future would be to continue being a scientist in cancer research, but the universe has a plan for each one of us. I grabbed the opportunity and jumped blindly into it believing in the cause.?

What advice would you give someone who is interested in starting out on their own???

My advice is to be brave, work hard, take a chance and don’t be afraid of doing what you believe in. Believing in yourself, learning from your mistakes, recruiting a good team, and not giving up even when things get tough.?

What are you most excited about in 2023 and beyond?

I wake up every day grateful, happy and excited to be alive. I live in the present and don’t worry about what the future holds for me.?

I am excited to keep working with all my students, some enriched, some remedial, some special needs, hoping to make a small contribution to their success in life.?