Modern Entrepreneur Profile - Mississauga's Khaula Siddique

In conversation with Mississauga entrepreneur, Khaula Siddique, owner of Elsewhere Soul Tours.

1. What does your company provide/do?

Elsewhere Soul Tours is a tour group for women who want to go places but don’t have anyone to go with or have a way to get there. There are a lot of places women don’t even know about and miss out on. For women in the Muslim community having halal food options and hijab friendly spaces is often a big issue. Elsewhere Soul Tours offers fun trips with likeminded women, and takes into consideration different issues that are barriers to safe travel. 

2. What inspired you to start your company?

The first time I travelled I realized how much I had missed out on and I knew women in my community were missing out on it as well. That inspired me to start Elsewhere Soul Tours, but being the epic overthinker that I am, the idea marinated for four years! Today I am happy to look back on several amazing local trips in just the span of a few months, I have taken groups of women on zen trips to slow down and explore the beauty of Ontario. We had high tea in a field of lavender, we pet and walked alpacas, we took a serene river tour, explored a natural gorge of exceptional beauty, had spa days and tried some amazing new food! And we did it at a leisurely pace to soak it all up and truly enjoy it rather than check off things like on a list of duties! 

3. What's been the most impactful lesson you've learned being an entrepreneur?

Being persistent. Running your own business is a lot of hard work, trial and error and requires a lot of patience. Which is why it is so important to pursue a business you are actually very passionate about. 

4. How do you unwind?

These trips are how I unwind and I encourage everyone to embrace the idea of slowing down and discovering new places and all they offer to you. I am really passionate about the slow life movement and I also like to take time out to paint, take walks or go for a swim. All very therapeutic and important to avoid burnout!

5. What succinct advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Something my mentor mentioned and something I strongly believe in myself: there is no such thing as failure, it is all a learning process. Never cry over spilt milk!

6. What are your goals for 2025?

To learn as much as possible, take every opportunity I can and organize my first international trip. Who wants to go to Morocco?!

7. How did the Mississauga Starter Company Plus program help you start or expand your business?

 I am really grateful for the opportunity that came at the right moment in the form of the Mississauga Starter Company Plus program. I have taken away so much, from the invaluable lessons from my mentor and all the speakers, to the confidence of doing a complex cash flow sheet properly, and networking with the other amazing participants I have met. The grant has made it possible for me to get my website underway, market and research trips all of this has really helped push Elsewhere Soul Tours forward. 

Visit them online here.