We chat to Melica Moshiri

Entrepreneur, TEDx Speaker and contestant on BBC’s The Apprentice

What are your links to the University of Brighton, and how did your time here shape your journey?

I studied Law with Business at the University of Brighton – 2010-2013 and achieved a 2:1, I had the best time at Uni, the course involved lots of essay writing, objection handling and resilience which is all the skills I am using today in my life and my work. I am regularly in touch with the team at Uni and I’m always being invited to speak to the students to learn from my journey which includes the entrepreneurship forum I conducted recently where I provided advise to aspiring students on when and how to start a business.

Looking back, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give your younger self when starting out in business?

I wish I did it sooner, don’t hold out – just do it and believe in yourself

Where are good places to look for support as a small business?

Universities, networking at events relevant to your chosen career path. People do want to help and if you have a viable business idea they also may be looking to invest if they see a potential return. Could even go to social media and post regular content on linkedin and tiktok and ask the public.

You’ve had a lot of high-profile experiences, including appearing on The Apprentice — what’s one lesson from that kind of challenge that still sticks with you today?

I will never know the result of something until I try it. I have a checklist in my mind that I need to achieve x at this point in my life. This year alone, not only have I been on the apprentice, i am now a Ted Speaker and I also spoke at parliament. It sounds daunting but it’s a story I can tell people about my life journey in years to come.