The success story of a how a Pakistani entrepreneur launched digital marketing agency, Realist Media

Without challenges nothing is possible. They are the stepping stones on the road towards success. I learned through hard experiences and come to the realisation that everything comes with a price. When I made up my mind and quit studies, I had no idea what to do as there was no guru or a mentor to look up to and get some help. Therefore, some inappropriate and inadequate decisions were made without much thinking. I also invested in wrong businesses that were never meant for me. Eventually, after losing hundreds and thousands of dollars in setting up a venture about which I had no idea, I lost good fortune. Nevertheless, I stayed determined and never let negativity play its role in my mind. I started curation of content single-handedly, later with the help of freelancers, and then with proper hiring of professionals. 

In short, when I made mistakes and lost everything, nothing came handy than my own traits and powers. Yes, I faced the hard times with a broad smile on the face and kept working hard. Time taught me how I have to face tough times and what factors I have to keep in mind for my next business. 

I started another business, as I mentioned above, and started shining. I have everything that the best company should possess – an excellent workforce in the form of a team, experience through hardships and challenges, and traits like determination and passion to seek what I want. 

Q: You always mention three words that had helped you in building the empire. What are those and how have they impacted business?

Yes, I believe in three words and their attributes in making me one of the youngest entrepreneurs of Pakistan – determination, hard work, and passion. When I lost everything and people started acting differently, offers to work with me started turning away, and not even my family showed moral support; I alone with determination and passion stood tall and made an impact in the world of digital marketing. 

Q: Did your parents approve the idea of not studying and following your passion? 

No, they did not initially. Reason being, they wanted me to be a graduate and look for a job. Whereas, I had different plans which is why I did what was needed the most – quitting studies and setting up a business. 

Q: How exactly do you contribute to the betterment of community? 

Firstly, it is all about helping freelancers to work with me and other managing partners of the team. It is also about helping others understand how social media marketing and creating viral content works.

Q: Did you try any other venture besides Realist Media?

Prior to delving into this social media content curation, I tried many other ventures which didn’t do justice to my learning and earning. 

With all these questions and answers sessions, we asked Waqas Ali known as Vicky Mayo to leave us one message that could help young entrepreneurs like himself. To that, he said “With passion comes determination that leads to perseverance and eventually making a name in what you want from your life. Never underestimate the value of passion. Never think wrong about your aims. Try and try harder. Getting scared of failures will leave you nowhere. Make sure to not lose hope and always stay hopeful from whatever trade or business you do.”

Disclaimer: The views, suggestions and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Forbes India journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.