We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Priya Ahluwalia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Priya below.

Priya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I was born and raised in Delhi, India, when societal norms for people were strictly defined. Many were expected to follow a predetermined path shaped by tradition, which often limited their ambitions and independence. However, my parents refused to let these norms dictate my future. They encouraged me to embrace my curiosity, foster my independence, and dream beyond the constraints of society, empowering me to carve my own path.

From an early age, they instilled in my sister and me the belief that there was nothing we couldn’t achieve. While many around us were told to conform, we were encouraged to explore, to take risks, and to believe that the world was ours to conquer. My parents made immense sacrifices to ensure that education was never a privilege for us, but a right. They prioritized our learning above all else—even at the expense of their own comforts. I never saw my father buy a brand-new shirt for himself, yet he and my mother made sure my sister and I never lacked anything that could further our education and growth.

Because of them, my sister and I were among the few in our circle to graduate high school and attend prestigious universities for both undergraduate and master’s degrees—all without student loans. They planned meticulously to give us an opportunity that every child deserves: an education that could transform our future. When I wanted to study Chinese in Beijing, they made it happen. When I dreamed of pursuing my master’s in Chinese in San Francisco, they ensured that financial constraints would never stand in my way. Unlike many international students, I didn’t have to work while studying—I was able to focus entirely on my education and making them proud.

Even though I may never fully comprehend the extent of their struggles, I do carry memories from my childhood that remind me of their resilience and selflessness. But not once did they allow those struggles to touch our lives. My sister and I never had to think twice before chasing our dreams, and that is a privilege we owe entirely to our parents. Their sacrifices, unwavering belief in us, and refusal to let societal norms define our potential have shaped the person I am today.

Their lesson to me was simple but profound: there are no limits—only the ones you choose to accept. And because of them, I’ve never accepted any.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Who is Priya?
I am an entrepreneur, educator, and community builder with a passion for fostering innovation, empowering businesses, and bringing people together. My journey began in education, teaching Chinese and Hindi in San Francisco, where I was deeply invested in language and cultural education. However, my path took an exciting turn when I moved to South Dakota in 2016. It was there that I co-founded MoAloo Ventures with my husband, marking the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.

The Birth of MoAloo Ventures & My Passion for Entrepreneurship
Starting MoAloo Ventures was a leap of faith, but it was driven by a shared vision—helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. Over the past eight years, we’ve worked closely with startups and small businesses, providing mentorship, funding, and strategic guidance to help them scale. Through this experience, I gained firsthand insight into what it takes to build and sustain a successful business—navigating challenges, adapting to market demands, and implementing strategies for long-term growth.

I am deeply invested in the Southwest Florida (SWFL) community and committed to enhancing the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. This dedication is reflected not only in the services provided by MoAloo Ventures but also in my active participation as a mentor in initiatives such as the Women Empowered Through Employment Series. I’ve had the privilege to speak at various schools and share my entrepreneurial journey through platforms like the Junior Achievement of SWFL, all aimed at inspiring the next generation of innovators.

This journey also led to the launch of TechXpedition, a startup challenge that debuted in Southwest Florida in 2023. Designed to support emerging entrepreneurs, TechXpedition provides funding, mentorship, and a platform to showcase groundbreaking ideas—fostering innovation in the region.

The Many Hats I Wear
Today, I continue to balance multiple roles that reflect my passion for business, education, and community impact:

CEO of MoAloo Ventures – I help businesses with marketing, operational strategy, and growth planning. Whether it’s brand development, scaling operations, or optimizing processes, I work with companies to create sustainable success. My work is deeply rooted in my commitment to the SWFL community, where I aim to enhance the entrepreneurship ecosystem through strategic support and mentorship.
Language Educator – Teaching remains a core part of who I am. I continue to educate students in Chinese and Hindi, ensuring they gain valuable linguistic and cultural proficiency.
Community Leader – I am actively involved in my community in Babcock Ranch, striving to create meaningful connections and opportunities for both individuals and businesses. As an engaged member of the Rotary Club of Babcock Ranch, I have worked with fellow Rotarians to charter an Interact Club at Babcock High School, empowering young leaders to make a difference through service and leadership initiatives.
Additionally, through Babcock Social, I have not only focused on bringing people together but also on supporting local businesses and artists, enriching the cultural fabric of our community. I actively create opportunities for local entrepreneurs by organizing and hosting events such as:

Babcock Ranch Local Artisan Market – A bi-monthly event at a local restaurant where artisans and entrepreneurs can showcase their handcrafted goods, creating a vibrant marketplace that supports small businesses.
Sip & Paint Classes – Partnering with a local artist, I host creative painting sessions where residents can enjoy a fun, social experience while directly supporting the arts community.
Cultural and Social Gatherings – I have made it a priority to highlight cultural festivals from around the world, bringing people together to celebrate diverse traditions and fostering inclusivity within the community. Whether it’s the Mid-Autumn Festival, Diwali, or other international celebrations, I ensure these events not only educate but also create memorable shared experiences. These gatherings also serve as a platform to showcase local food, drinks, and talent, further encouraging community engagement and economic growth.
By fostering a strong local business ecosystem and giving entrepreneurs a platform to thrive, I aim to make Babcock Ranch not just a great place to live, but a thriving hub for innovation, culture, and community-driven success.
Nonprofit Advocate – Giving back is part of my DNA. I support and collaborate with nonprofits across Southwest Florida, assisting with fundraising, strategic planning, and outreach to amplify their impact.

How I Solve Problems for Businesses & Clients
Through MoAloo Ventures, I’ve helped businesses across various industries overcome challenges and achieve meaningful growth. Some key examples include:

Revamping Brand Identity for a Startup – A client with a promising tech product struggled with market positioning. We worked on a brand refresh, refined messaging, and developed a go-to-market strategy, leading to increased customer engagement and investor interest.
Scaling a Local Business – A small business in Southwest Florida wanted to expand but lacked a structured plan. We helped them optimize operations, implement targeted marketing strategies, and ultimately double their revenue within a year.
Turning an Idea into a Business – At TechXpedition, we mentored an entrepreneur who started with just an idea. With our guidance, they built a working prototype, assembled a team, and are now preparing for a successful product launch.

What Drives Me & What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is my ability to blend entrepreneurship, education, and community-building into everything I do. My journey—from teaching languages to building businesses and fostering innovation—has reinforced my belief that the most meaningful impact happens when we empower others, create opportunities, and build strong communities.

Through my work, I strive to connect people, uplift businesses, and create platforms where ideas can thrive. Whether it’s helping a business grow, mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, or hosting cultural events that bring people together and support local talents, my goal is to make a lasting impact.

For anyone looking to collaborate—whether in business development, community engagement, or storytelling—I’m always open to new opportunities. Let’s build something amazing together!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that you need to have everything perfectly planned out before taking action. For the longest time, I believed that success came from meticulous planning, waiting for the right conditions, and having all the answers before starting something new. But reality—and entrepreneurship—taught me otherwise.

The Backstory: Launching MoAloo Ventures Without a Perfect Roadmap
When my husband and I started MoAloo Ventures in 2017, we had a vision but no perfect blueprint. We knew we wanted to invest in and mentor entrepreneurs, but we didn’t have a step-by-step guide on how to do it. At first, I hesitated—I kept thinking, “Maybe we should wait until we have more experience, more connections, or a more solid plan.” But the truth is, in business (and in life), there is no such thing as the perfect time.

Instead of waiting, we took the leap, learned as we went, and adapted along the way. Over the years, we’ve helped startups secure funding, refine their business models, and build impactful brands—all because we embraced action over perfection. If we had waited for the “perfect” moment, MoAloo Ventures wouldn’t exist today. How This Lesson Shaped Me? This mindset shift influenced everything I do:
1. Starting TechXpedition in Southwest Florida in 2023: We didn’t have all the answers when we launched, but we knew there was a need for a startup challenge that will become an accelerator in the region. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” resources or a detailed roadmap, we took action, built momentum, and learned along the way. Today, it’s a thriving platform supporting early-stage entrepreneurs.

2. Building Community Initiatives: When I started Babcock Social, I didn’t have every detail figured out. But I knew that Babcock Ranch needed more opportunities for people to connect, celebrate culture, and share experiences. By taking the first step, we created a movement that continues to grow.

3. Helping Businesses Overcome Challenges: I’ve seen many entrepreneurs hesitate because they’re waiting for everything to be “just right.” Now, I help them move past that fear, take action, and refine their approach as they grow.

What Do I Want Others to Take Away from My Story? If I could give advice to my younger self (or to anyone starting something new), it would be this: “Start before you feel ready. Clarity comes from action, not overthinking. There is no perfect moment—just the moment you decide to take the first step.”

Unlearning the need for perfection freed me to take risks, embrace uncertainty, and build something meaningful. And that has made all the difference.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One book that profoundly impacted my entrepreneurial mindset is Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. It’s an incredibly raw and honest memoir about the grit, resilience, and sheer persistence required to build something from the ground up.
Why did Shoe Dog Resonate with me?
When my husband and I started MoAloo Ventures in 2017, we ventured into uncharted territory. We had a vision, but we didn’t have all the answers. Reading Shoe Dog then was a game-changer for me because it reaffirmed what I was experiencing.
You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out – Phil Knight started Nike (originally Blue Ribbon Sports) by importing Japanese running shoes with no clear idea of the future. He figured it out along the way, taking bold risks despite uncertainty. This resonated deeply with me because when we launched TechXpedition, we didn’t have a perfect roadmap, but we believed in the vision. Like Knight, we focused on taking action and adapting as we went.
Perseverance in the Face of Challenges – Knight’s story is filled with moments where Nike almost failed—cash flow issues, legal battles, manufacturing hurdles—but he kept going. Entrepreneurship is never a straight path, and I’ve faced my share of obstacles—from navigating funding challenges for startups to helping businesses pivot during economic shifts. Shoe Dog reinforced the idea that resilience is the key to long-term success.
Betting on the Right People – One of the most powerful lessons from Shoe Dog is that you don’t build a business alone—you make it with the right team.
I live by this at MoAloo Ventures and in my community work. Whether mentoring startup founders or collaborating with Rotary Club initiatives, I always focus on surrounding myself with passionate, driven people who believe in the vision.

Other resources that have shaped my thinking aside from Shoe Dog, I constantly seek inspiration from books, videos, and real-world experiences that shape my entrepreneurial philosophy.

1. Zero to One by Peter Thiel gave me a fresh perspective on innovation and how to create something unique rather than just iterating on existing ideas.
2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey helped shape my approach to leadership, productivity, and decision-making through principles of effectiveness and integrity.
3. Nobu: A Memoir by Nobu Matsuhisa offered valuable lessons on perseverance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in business and hospitality.

Final Thoughts – Books like Shoe Dog have shaped my mindset as a business leader, investor, and problem solver. They remind me that entrepreneurship isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about taking risks, learning from failures, and pushing forward no matter what.

If I could share one takeaway from this book with others, it would be:

“Success isn’t about having the perfect plan—it’s about having the courage to start, the resilience to keep going, and the right people by your side.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.priyaahluwalia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priyahluwalia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/priya.ahluwalia.98/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-ahluwalia-59101423/