Q&A with Taleya Pillai of Emerald Edge Builders
Take a moment to meet Taleya Pillai, a recent graduate of our CO.STARTERS program and our Collider Cup champion!
Q: Can you share a bit about your business idea?
A: My idea is to develop a LEED-certified manufacturing facility that produces affordable, eco-friendly, multigenerational prefabricated homes. While the concept in itself isn’t new, my distinctive home design paired with an embedded workforce development model will offer a meaningful approach to advancing economic mobility and supporting family growth. I know that this social enterprise will take several years, but I am committed to ensuring that it’s done thoughtfully and with care.
Q:. What was your most meaningful takeaway or lesson learned from the CO.STARTERS program?
A: CO.STARTERS enabled me to develop a clear framework around my thoughts behind this idea. I came into the program with essentially the problem in mind. I had some thoughts in place about what the solution could be; however, my CO.STARTERS facilitator, fellow classmates, and guests truly provided insight into bringing it all together to get to the final idea.
Q: What is your motivation for pursuing your business idea?
A: I’ve always had an interest in designing family homes, but I didn’t fully pursue it until recently. I was that kid who spent hours playing Sim City & The Sims and watching This Old House and HGTV. My real journey began my senior year in high school when I took drawing and AutoCAD classes. I still have drawings of floor plans and homes from when I was a teenager. In the summer after high school, I interned at an architecture firm. In college, I initially studied Architectural Engineering Technology, a preliminary track into the Architecture program. As the program became more challenging, I found myself without the program support I needed at the time, which ultimately led me to explore other academic programs. My parents both have business degrees. My dad excelled in supply chain management in the Twin Cities area, and my mom began her career in insurance before moving into education. Their paths influenced me to ultimately shift into the business world, and I eventually earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After spending my first professional years in tax at one of the Big Four accounting firms, I returned to my alma mater to pursue and earn a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Policy.
Life has been a winding journey since completing my graduate degree in 2012. Along the way, I’ve gained a certification in project management and professional skills in operations and workforce development. I’ve also gained first-hand experience working with vulnerable populations and young adults emerging as professionals, which has deepened my understanding of the critical role housing plays in people’s lives and reinforced my commitment to creating solutions that promote stability and accessibility.
In 2023, my husband and I faced the challenge of caring for our son while arranging long-term care in Rochester for one of our aging parents. Unfortunately, due to the passing of that parent, the plans were not fully finalized. The experience opened my eyes to the growing ‘sandwich generation,’ a term used to describe those who are simultaneously caring for their own children and their aging parents. This motivated me to fully dedicate my career to the housing industry; earning my real estate license and Construction Project Management certificate in 2024.
Q: What is a fun fact about you? Can you share a bit about your hobbies and interests?
A: As you probably can see, I love to learn. I’m always deep diving into a book, YouTube video, podcast, workshop, or new topic that sparks my curiosity. I also really like model trains. I went to the largest model railway in the world (Miniatur Wunderland) in Hamburg, Germany back in 2012. I’m looking forward to starting my model train adventure once my toddler is a little older. Once Emerald Edge Builders is fully established and ownership is distributed, my next goal will be to retire and own a hobby farm and bed & breakfast.
