5 Questions with... Jas Banwait

Jas Banwait loves cell phones, and robots.  She has always had a passion for entrepreneurship but never planned to start off in fashion. As it was, Savillian is her first start up that she co-founded with her brother. Having a Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) from Waterloo, Jas finds herself strongly drawn to technology and naturally social media. She is currently knee deep in different social media projects and sooner or later hopes to start a new company that will fit in the realm of fashion & technology.

What motivates you to do what you do on a daily basis?

The constant surprises and spontaneity that an entrepreneur life demands is motivating. Every day is quite different than the next – there is no predictability and that is what I thrive on. I have to admit that being an entrepreneur is not easy; I do feel unmotivated at times due to sheer stress or just being too overwhelmed. Having said that, this is my passion and this is the life I choose – I wouldn’t change a thing.

Do you have any success tips for people wanting to create a name for themselves in your industry?

• Leave your ego at home, to be an entrepreneur you have to embarrass yourself, do things you hate, and not care what others think 
• You don’t have to wake up before dawn to be “successful” 
• Don’t listen to everyone and their mother about how to run your business, at the end of the day it’s your business – listen to your instincts. 
• Be creative and open to breaking “rules” (not the law), but sneaking into a VIP party never hurt anyone.

In your opinion why is Toronto a great place for cool tech start-ups?

The Toronto community is very welcoming and non-judgemental. I offer a different opinion, and my favourite thing about the tech industry here is that they’re always willing to give a “plain English” explanation of things so that anyone can be a part of the scene and understand the impact of new technology.

What's your favourite tech toy and social media site and why?

Tech toy: Blackberry 9700 because I simply cannot live without it.

Social Media site: Foursquare because I am fascinated by its potential. Other than Twitter, it’s the one application I have not gotten bored of; I think its because I hope to one day be number one on the leaderboard.

Who would you say is one of Toronto's up and coming stars in your space and why?

I would have to say my good friend @RahulnB. He recently co-founded a tech start-up; an online dating website targeted towards those of South Asian decent called Two Mangoes. Rahul is the epitome of a successful serial technology entrepreneur, as he can easily see the bigger picture while remaining a focused leader. Look out for exciting things from him to come!