Interview with Samaira Mehta
CoderBunnyz
Semaira Mehta - Founder at 10 years old
California, USA
Programming her way to success, Samaira Mehta is the 10-year-old CEO of CoderBunnyz, a board game teaching programming to kids and adults alike. Developing an interest for coding aged 6, Samaira combined her love for this and board games to give anyone aged 4 – 104 the basics necessary to learning to code like a boss! With the goal of getting 1 billion kids coding and greater female representation in tech by 2030, Samaira continues to innovate and run workshops spreading her love for code with young people everywhere.
Inspiring kids with her passion for coding, Kebloom asked Samaira to give us some insight into her tech-savvy business:
1) How would you best describe CoderBunnyz?
CoderBunnyz is the Most Comprehensive Coding Board Game Ever! The game teaches you all the concepts you need in computer programming. It teaches simple concepts like loops and branches and advanced concepts like algorithm writing.
“Don’t worry about failure worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.”
2) How old were you when you founded CoderBunnyz?
I began to code when I was 6. I have a memory of my dad pranking me by showing me his computer with a button on the screen saying ‘press this if you are beautiful.’ He told me to give it a try but when my mouse touched the ‘you are beautiful’ command it disappeared. I completely didn’t understand what had happened. He told me it was all coding and that impressed me, piquing my interest. Soon after, CoderBunnyz was born.
3) What passions inspire your business ideas?
It all started with my love for board games and my passion for computer coding. I didn’t like that I had to do them separately and I figured that if I couldn’t bring a physical board game onto a computer coding screen, then why not turn computer coding into a board game!
4) What problem were you solving in the creation of CoderBunnyz?
Today coding is becoming an essential skill just like reading, writing and math. Coding not only teaches kids about technology, it also teaches them how to think differently about a variety of problems. Studies have shown that drivers motivating young kids to pursue computer science are determined well before college. This means parents must start early, making sure kids get the right exposure to coding and algorithms.
That’s where CoderBunnyz comes in! It teaches coding fundamentals to kids as early as 4. All programming languages like Scratch, Python and Java use the same concepts. So once a kid learns the fundamentals, it makes it much easier for them to learn any coding language, all whilst playing a fun family board game.
“Explore, observe and ask questions.”
5) Who supported you in creating/building your business?
A lot of people have helped me during my journey and I am very thankful to all of them. A few of these people really stand out for me: my mom (Monica Mehta), my dad, Lorin, and Karthi. My mom and dad were always there for me and they continue to support me (even on the craziest ideas)! Lorin Wilson is a certified CTO but is currently a teacher. He helped me become a better public speaker and gave me honest feedback on my game by playing it with his class. Then there’s Karthi. She has been there since the start and has always given me her honest opinion. Nothing I have accomplished would have been possible without the help of these amazing people.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring young entrepreneurs?
My advice would be to explore, observe and ask questions. If you are specifically interested in technology and science, there are so many programs out there, even in local communities. Find the one that suits you and pursue it.
7) To what extent would a platform like Kebloom have helped you achieve your dreams?
My mission would not have been possible without the support of media, amazing individuals and support of platforms like Kebloom. These mediums help spread the word, offer up great ideas and suggestions to learn, grow and make things happen. I am so thankful that platforms like Kebloom exist.
8) What has been the best part about creating your business?
The best part has been doing homework and business at once. I’m still a normal kid who has homework to do, but I also invest time in running workshops at companies, libraries and schools to help reach my goal of 1 billion kids coding. It is my mission to achieve by the time I go to college. That would be by 2030! Coding is a superpower and there is a big shortage of people in computer science. Moreover, there are fewer girls in this field. That's why I also lead girl-only workshops, getting them interested in learning to code. I hope with current progress, girls will soon be equally represented. That’s another goal of mine.
9) What skills did you bring to your brand and feel you have developed over time?
I live by 1 main “Life Lesson Quote.” It is: “Don’t worry about failure worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.” This quote means caring not whether you fail or succeed, but to worry about the opportunity and chances you miss when you don’t even try. To me, it applies to everything I do. If I have an opportunity to do something and I’m not sure if I want to, I remember this quote and go for it because I wouldn’t have known what would have happened if I hadn’t.
…and anything else you’d like to add!
My AI game is out! It’s called CoderMindz and is a breakthrough game that teaches Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts. Inspiration to make the game is credited to my loving younger brother Aadit!
Find me on my socials:
Websites - coderbunnyz.com, codermindz.com, girlsucode.org
Social Media Handle on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram – coderbunnyz
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samaira-mehta-42907a102/
About the Author:
Ellie McRae is the blogger, interviewer and content creator for Kebloom! When she’s not writing kick-ass articles, you’ll find her studying marketing and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Find out more about Ellie here.
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