Creative, refreshing, inspirational, problem-solving and innovative are some of the words we could use to describe this Caribbean woman’s entrepreneurial success. Krystal Persaud is the founder and CEO of Grouphug Inc., a business that aims to empower individuals to live their best sustainable lives. The Georgia Tech alumni and Guyanese native, uses her skills and talents in order to conceptualize easy to use, unique and affordable solar panels. Krystal Persaud has received 150 thousand dollars in funding from business mogul, entrepreneur, investor and Shark Tank judge Mark Cuban. If you think her story cannot get any better, her famous solar panel is not only light weight and can fit on any window, but it also generates enough energy to charge your phone! Carib Voxx had the pleasure of interviewing this girl boss about her background and her business, this is what she had to say.
CARIB VOXX: Despite being born and raised in the United States, how has your Guyanese roots shaped your work ethic as young entrepreneur?
KRYSTAL PERSAUD: My parents have an unbelievable work ethic. They are also both entrepreneurial and I definitely got that from them. Just seeing my Guyanese parents’ story, from immigrating to the United States, building a new life, a family and thriving. It showed me that anything is possible if you work really hard.
CARIB VOXX: Do you visit Guyana often?
KRYSTAL PERSAUD: I have never been! I bring it up to my parents often that I want to go back with them before they are too old and don’t have the energy for it. I really want to go with them and experience it through their stories and memories. Regardless, once it’s safe to travel again, I need to book my trip. Maybe once I book it, they will come!
CARIB VOXX: Tell us a little bit about your educational background and what influenced you to become environmentally conscious?
KRYSTAL PERSAUD: I studied Industrial Design at Georgia Tech, I graduated in 2010. During my junior year in 2009, I did a semester abroad in Lund, Sweden. That was a hugely influential time for me. While studying design in Sweden, I saw first hand how sustainability is integrated into design and architecture from the beginning. Scandinavian design was totally different from the curriculum I got back in the States. Once I returned back in the U.S., I kept those principles with me.
CARIB VOXX : How long ago did Grouphug Solar start?
KRYSTAL PERSAUD: Grouphug officially launched June 2019, when I launched my Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to build our Window Solar Charger. Before that, I was building some beta prototypes and doing research. It was a scary step to “put it all out there” but I’m a big believer in taking baby steps. Nothing we do is perfect, everything is an iteration and leading to our next steps.
CARIB VOXX: What was the worst advice you were given that could have possibly detured you from this venture?
KRYSTAL PERSAUD: Oh my gosh, I had so many people tell me that I was doing (making solar panels for windows) would not work at all. I have also had people tell me what I’m doing is not a good idea and I should quit immediately. Being an entrepreneur, you have to get use to hearing “no” all the time. It’s tough because some days I do feel discouraged. It’s hard to keep going when you hear something like that. I think it’s important to listen to feedback, but then it’s up to you on what the next move is. I try to talk to as many customers as possible. That way I can get a sense of what is working and what is not working. I hear lots of great feedback from customers too saying they love what I’m doing. It’s all about balance. Too much praise or too much criticism isn’t a good thing.
CARIB VOXX: Your success on Shark Tank must have been a major turning point in your career. Everyone seemed sold, not just on your idea but the charismatic way you delivered your pitch.”How much did you prepare mentally for being on the show?
KRYSTAL PERSAUD: Yes, being on Shark Tank was a wild ride! I practiced until I could recite my pitch and all my answers in my sleep. Luckily, I feel pretty comfortable with public speaking and giving presentations. It gives me energy and gets me excited. So I was really excited to share my ideas around solar energy with such a wide audience.
CARIB VOXX: You have articulated the belief that creativity and design can push solar technology to be more accessible. Do you have any other creative skills or talents we would be surprised to know about?
KRYSTAL PERSAUD: Hmmm do I have any other hidden skills or talents? I am an avid doodler! I draw constantly. I have over 50 notebooks just filled with drawings. I usually draw everyday objects or characters that I make up. I really love taking everyday objects and making them playful. I’m also a HUGE star wars fan. I collect little Star Wars figurines, books, etc.
CARIB VOXX: Do you see yourself as a social entrepreneur?
KRYSTAL PERSAUD: I do see myself as a social entrepreneur, I’m not interested in just making money. I’m passionate about improving lives, the planet, and educating people about the possibilities of renewable energy.
CARIB VOXX: Having your roots in the developing world where access to energy and other resources are still a challenge, how do you see Grouphug giving back to the Caribbean and assisting in its development?
KRYSTAL PERSAUD: Yes, definitely! My goal has always been to launch the business first, grow an audience and get to know my customers really well, and then keep growing in a way that is collaborative and authentic. Whether we support education and host workshops on how to go solar, sell or donate our products, or help build new solar projects in the region – I think supporting energy independence and resiliency in places that are more susceptible to climate disasters like the caribbean is essential. I have been talking to organizations like Island Innovation to collaborate on something in the future.
Entrepreneurship has become common all over the world especially within the Caribbean. Many individuals have come up with ideas to not only create wealth for themselves and their country, but they have created ways to uplift others, touch lives and create a long standing and generational impact. Krystal Persaud is surely an inspiration to entrepreneurs and women world wide and Carib Voxx will definitely be living our best sustainable lives with the help of this amazing creative and inspiring entrepreneur. We are in full support of her projects and cannot wait to see what else she comes up with next!!!
