In addition to running a thriving PR agency, 1Milk2Sugars, with offices in Montreal, Toronto and New York, Priya Chopra is trilingual, a proud mother of three and an avid fitness enthusiast. In fact, despite working with some of the world’s most prominent lifestyle brands like Nivea and L’Oreal, she would take a pair of sneakers over stiletto heels any day of the week! Check out our Q&A with Priya below! —Vita Daily
Hi Priya! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.
I was born and raised in Montreal, with an East Indian heritage. My parents were very academic and believed in hard work and stability, but they were also very open to my ideas—and I had many! I was creative, determined and daring, a great combination when you’re an entrepreneur. I had started two businesses on the side by the time I was 23, so I knew being my own boss was my calling from an early age.
When and why did you launch 1Milk2Sugars?
They say if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. So, that’s exactly what I did. In 2012, I decided to create a brand and business from my mind’s eye—my very own creation that allowed me to live life on my own terms in every sense. It sounds like this happened overnight, but it took years of hard work and grit.
What does 1Milk2Sugars do?
A common first guess is that we’re a coffee shop but, in fact, 1Milk2Sugars is an agency that offers custom-brewed communications to boost your brand. We are an integrated communications agency, and our team of “Sugars” are fortunate to work with some of best lifestyle brands in the world.
Who are some of your favourite clients to work with, and why?
We have some pretty fab clients including Nivea, Centrum and Coppertone—but I can’t play favourites with so many wonderful brands under our roster. Ultimately, what is very important to us in our client partnerships is to be aligned on our business ethics, honesty and respect being paramount. We also love working with brands that have a passion for people and the planet.
What’s the so-called “Sugar Factor”?
The “Sugar Factor” is our ethos. In short, it’s a term we coined to describe the specific traits we value in our business and our team: hustle, humility, heart and hard work. Essentially, we have built, and continue to build, a team of passionate doers by looking for the “Sugar Factor” in all our new hires to ensure a companywide commitment to integrity and excellence.
What makes 1Milk2Sugars different in the PR realm?
In business, and in life, you must have thick skin. We have been able to test our ability to adapt and survive amidst the dramatic changes that have happened in the PR business over the last decade. We tend to march to our own drum, embracing change and taking risks—this allowed us to expand our offer and stay relevant. We are also committed to a certain standard of excellence, ethics and service that has helped us retain a loyal clientele.
What’s your life outside of work like?
1Milk2Sugars is like my 4th “child” but I do have three actual children! They definitely keep me busy off work hours and on weekends. Having kids has imposed work-life balance in the most brilliant way and I am a happier and more fulfilled business owner because of it. Aside from raising kids, I love working out daily, and enjoying great conversations with friends over a glass of white wine.
Advice for other working moms?
I think moms can be very hard on themselves and often want to be the supermom. I, too, feel that way but then I think back to how I was brought up. I didn’t get to see my mom that often and, in fact, it made me appreciate her so much more. It was about the quality versus the quantity of time we had together and whenever I feel the guilt creeping up on me, I reflect on this.
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