EVERY entrepreneur has a story. But few are as impressive – or inspiring – as Suhit Amin’s.
It’s fair to say the young Glaswegian had already proved himself to be pretty exceptional when, at the age of 17, he was employed as a social media influencer by one of the world’s biggest online sports firms.
At the tender age of 13, he had built a successful and lucrative You Tube channel from his bedroom, attracting tens of thousands of viewers from all over the world.
Then, just a couple months into the new job, while studying at school for his Highers, Suhit was diagnosed with cancer.
“Obviously it was a massive shock to the system,” he explains.
“My type of lymphoma has a good cure rate. But I remember thinking ‘what if I’m one of the unlucky ones that doesn’t survive?’
“I was 17 and I wanted to spend my time doing something I was really passionate about. My ambition had always been to be an entrepreneur, so I set up a company.”
While undergoing cancer treatment, Suhit launched Saulderson Media, a social media marketing agency. Two years on the young CEO is fit, well and thriving – and so his business.
A year on from launch, Saulderson was pulling in six-figures and working with big clients including Samsung, Currys PC World and global games developers.
Two years on the business has gone from strength to strength. “Saulderson has two arms, the talent management side of the business where we look after a roster of high-performing social media influencers, and the agency side where we work with big brands – mostly in gaming and e-sports – on their marketing campaigns,” says the 19-year-old from Giffnock.
“We’re at a time of expansion right now, both in terms of staff and the scope of the business.
“The coronavirus has impacted marketing budgets but we’re reacting creatively and have recently attracted two big new clients from the tech sphere. It’s an exciting time for the business.”
Even more impressive is the fact that Suhit runs the company while studying economics and management at St Andrews University. What he has learned most from the last two years, he says, is resilience.
“When you’re 13 no one takes you seriously,” he smiles. “But this industry is very young, with an average age of 24. My story and longevity give me credibility.
“In some ways I think having had and beaten cancer has meant I’ve been taken a bit more seriously. It shows how resilient I am.
“Growing the business while receiving treatment for cancer and starting uni wasn’t easy, but I worked hard and made it happen.”
Suhit says he also became more resilient thanks to the tailored support and advice he received as a member of the RBS Accelerator Hub.
“As a networking experience it has been fantastic,” he says. “My mentors opened important doors for me and I found a new client in my cohort. Being with like-minded entrepreneurs is also key.
“We’re all on the same journey no matter what age, gender or background. You help and push each other on.”
In order to give back, Suhit regularly talks to other young people about his experiences and hopes to inspire them to think more creatively about their future careers.
He said: “At school, often all the focus is on grades but I think there needs to be more of an emphasis on thinking creatively, doing your own thing. There needs to be room for both, especially now that the future is so uncertain for young people.
“University is great, but it’s not for everyone. Sometimes in life we need to take a risk and just go for it. I’m living proof of that.”
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