Imagine our excitement when we got to talk to Taranjeet Kaur regarding the work she does.

Q Is phulkari an art form or something bigger than that?

Ans Cloth stitching in many part of the world has always been a community thing. As machines came into picture, this activity faded away. Phulkari however is much more than an art form. It is interlinked with the history and culture of Punjab. You would be amazed by the beauty of Phulkari and the cleanliness of the design by Phulkari artists. The aim of phulkari is to bring colors to life which adds more color to the family.

Earlier the thread used to come from Afghanistan, but today we have machine made PAT thread with vibrant colors. Motifs are all traditional, mostly they are flowers, crops and birds in a pattern. It gives the message of prosperity. Phulkari is considered a blessing on happy occasions. Over the years some fixed patterns and designs have also emerged like the Darshan Dwar Phulkari but most of the designs are unique and because of that no two designs are same.

Like all art forms, this one too requires patronage. What earlier used to be traditional family work has moved to dedicated artists. Machines have come in a big way. Who knows tomorrow we might have AI spinning the traditional patterns.

Q Are machines threatening the livelihood of Phulkari artists?

Ans I know where this thought is coming from. There are many examples of machines and computers taking over manual work. But I have a different view over it. There is enough space for both to co-exist. Also during the times when phulkari work was going out of fashion, it was the machines which kept this art form alive. Today no one wants to do manual work, even in rural Punjab. Phulkari work is time consuming and pain staking.

Q What is the brand strategy for Plush Phulkari?

Ans Any art or craft form can be saved by the masses if it is pocket friendly. We are planning for more utility and decor items. Bed sheets, bags, gifting items, miniature show pieces and so on. We are experimenting with fusion designs and new motifs. It might sound like a departure from the traditional, but like any art form, it think it is evolving.

In the old days the designs were traditional and cloths woven were large. Modern times dictate that we go smaller sizes and more modern designs. So that’s where we are headed too.

Phulkari is one art form which evokes memories of rustic and rural childhood for every Punjabi. It is a craft which transcends borders. Just like so many single brand entrepreneurs, it has given me a chance to achieve something for myself and scores of artists.

https://www.instagram.com/plushphulkariofficial/

https://www.instagram.com/mompreneurtaranjeet/

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

Confidence

If you believe in yourself, it is called self confidence. Just self confidence will not get you though. Confidence is also defined as the ability to believe in something. So here we are talking about believing in what you plan with yourself and your brand. There is a long list of definitions of confidence. But in case of brand owners, it comes down to one crucial thing, the right state of mind.

Resilience

Like confidence, resilience has many definitions. But the one that caught our attention is where resilience is compared with stress management. Entrepreneurship is all about daily challenges and opportunities. But it is not your everyday cup of tea. Scores of youngsters take on regular 9 to 5 job because they want financial security at the end of the day.

Building up resilience helps you to overcome all challenges and convert them into opportunity.

Adaptability

Entrepreneurs are on the lookout for opportunity. It comes and goes by. The ability to see an opportunity and take advantage of it comes with adaptability.

Adaptability is a soft skill and the most important part is creative thinking. This is the best way to solve problems and look for opportunities.

Risk taking

We all are familiar about people taking risks. But here we are talking about going for a desired result.

After sensing an opportunity, you need to come out of comfort zone and take a risk. Many brand owners fail at this part.

Passion

Key to understand passion is something which we cannot control. While passion is important for success, we need to basically understand do we have the right kind of passion or is our passion focused on the right goal.

Responsible decision making

A decision taken with careful planning and calculations can be defined as responsible. Gut feelings usually end up with disaster. You might get lucky a few times, but thats all. A considerate decision is what balances your risks and gives you maximum dividends.

Innovation

Entrepreneurship and innovation go hand in hand. While anyone might call themselves entrepreneurs, but if you are not innovating, you do not fit the description.

Opportunity in the market needs to be exploited. For that you come up with a new idea. That is your innovation. If it works, you are rewarded. If you are taking risks, then innovation is all the more crucial for rewards.

Networking

As women entrepreneurs, we just cannot naturally make a network. So this is one mindset change that will be required for your entrepreneurship journey.

Social networks, WhatsApp groups, chat apps, professional networks, there is everything for the taking. But smart networking will make things work.

Problem Solving

Innovation and opportunity might never comes smooth and easy. To take care of that you need problem solving skills. This is most rewarding due to the risks involved.

Innovation, risk taking and problem solving is the triad of successful women entrepreneurship.

Leadership skills

A woman is naturally born leader in the home front but these skills are put to test in the real world. It is a mistake to say that leaders are born. Instead leaders come out of innovation and ability to take risks. Even though leadership is a vast topic, it is better that as entrepreneurs we focus on something new to do and show the world something that makes them smile.

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

These are a few indicators to begin with your self assessments.

Personal Growth

Personal growth or development is a process for you to reach to your maximum potential. There are many ways to achieve personal growth like improving skills, acquiring more knowledge, bringing in correct habits, learning good behaviour, self grooming, sticking to good manners and getting better at communication.

Personal growth can be both a physical and mental transformation too and can be worked on over a short duration. That is what the courses aim to get. But within the short term course we hope to adopt a life long change.

Growth is also a form of permanent change.

We believe that as entrepreneurs, personal growth is the first and the most important factor you should work on.

Goal alignment

The important of goal alignment is realised by big corporations. That is the reason why they put lot of efforts to make sure that their employees work towards the goal of the company.

A goal defines where you will be after some time in the future. Without a goal, you will move aimless in your business. Many brand owners do that. They keep moving daily without any goals.

Begin by setting up a lifetime goal and then breaking it up into smaller goals of lesser duration.

Staying on course is also an important part of goal alignment.

Increasing Self-Awareness

A simple definition of being self-aware is understanding your strengths and weakness. Why do you want to be self aware? Because most of the times we do a mistake of identifying the real yourself. This process gets clarity to our thoughts. As a bonus, self-aware people are more happier, in a better relationship and de-stress faster.

It also increases your creativity.

Effective Decision Making

We make decisions all the time, most of the time our brain does it for us without knowing. Decision making is basically problem solving. To choose that one solution among the many which appear. We would suggest, rather than going with gut feeling every time, you need to take a calculated decision.

Intuition is addiction. But it is more irresponsible. Effective decisions can only be made with facts and figures. Also stay away from emotional attachments while taking decisions.

Effective Communication

Want to be successful as an entrepreneur, learn how to put your point across with simplicity and clarity. That is the part of effective communication. Entrepreneurial communication has many facets. You can filter out many of them like if you don’t have a team of if you do not need to share opinions and so on.

One of the important purpose of effective communication is that your target audience, that is your clients are supposed to act on your words.

The challenge for entrepreneurs today is that in the modern times we have messengers, emails, video calls, social media and voice notes. So many means of communication and you will have to master them all.

Networking opportunities

Gone are the days when business meetings and get togethers were the only way to make and grow your network. Today social media is your playground, but do not forget the importance of networking, the good old style.

If you are obsessed with increasing sales and getting more clients, one day you will hit a plateau. But if you focus on growing your network, you will realise that getting clients is never going to be your problem.

Increase you network, connect with people and do your R & D daily.

Leading by example

If you own a business, your aim should be sales and profit. But if you are an entrepreneur, your aim is always going to be self development. You will naturally become a leader. You will setup and plan innovations and bring in new ideas on your own.

There are opportunities in the market but you need to hunt them down. It is like a treasure hunt. The reward is that people will look upon you to give them inspiration.

Being a leader however will give you the greatest of confidence and happiness.

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

The secret of direct selling

It provides incredible flexibility. You can work from home, part time at your convenience and comfort. This is the main crux of direct marketing. People do a lot of shopping during the festive season. Diwali is round the corner. I will be preparing to sell and make the most business for myself. This is another benefit of direct marketing. You can choose which time of the year you can put in more efforts.

As a direct marketing person you are in total control of the situation. There is no boss or colleague system. Did you know that many women employees quit a job just because of office politics. Here you are responsible for yourself. No one is going to come between you and your client. This is also a big advantage in direct marketing. The company also benefits a lot because now they do not have to do spend money in advertisements.

The onset of online selling and apps on smartphones will not make any dent in direct selling. Recently we heard that Tupperware is changing their business model by downsizing the direct marketing people and upscaling the online selling websites. It might look good on paper, but nothing can replace human to human connection which direct contact provides.

About myself

I have joined the direct selling bandwagon recently. My future is going to be a journey with Vestige. Members of Business Mates Delhi are also helping me to grow my confidence and network. I am determined, nothing is impossible for me.

It is your choice how you want to connect to new clients and possible customers. I have chosen to go in the field. I mostly work on references. So I give more importance to meeting a person face to face and then setting my sales pitch.

These things are particularly interesting. How are you going to introduce yourself. How long should the introduction be and so on. I have spend a lot of time practicing and perfecting my technique and approach.

About the direct selling program by Vestige

Agreed that there are so many companies offering direct marketing programs for people. Vestige is among the best. There are three reasons for me to believe so.

• Management is top notch
• Products are world class
• Business plan is comprehensive and well though about

Besides combination of all above points the company offers transparency to the direct marketing members. The reward system is much better it has the widest range of products in their portfolio.

How to be a successful direct marketing person

First you need to have a plan. While formulating one, please attend the training sessions of your company. They help a lot. That was one of my reasons to choose Vestige. It has got the best education system on network marketing training programs. The next thing you need is inspiration and confidence. This I am getting from the business networking group which I recently joined, Business Mates Delhi. Finally you need the will to succeed. Nothing is going to come easy. Opportunities are always there. Remember India has always been the biggest market for centuries. You will have no problems selling your products.

Finally do take care of your appearance and personal hygiene. Dress up well and equip yourself with the latest gadgets and accessories. I will give you an example here. My smart phone has a Google Calendar where I save the birthdays and anniversaries of people whom I meet. So that way I can keep track of when to wish someone. Others use Facebook notifications to remember the birthdays. Technology has come a long way to help us.

DM me on

https://www.instagram.com/nidhigarg_vestigian/

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

How did you get into the jewellery business?

My basic technical training is in Jewellery design and diamond grading. I can grade stones including diamonds. My job in an Export Firm based in SEEPZ was to design jewellery as well as merchandise it. I used to grade jewellery, calculate the costing and exchange rate and prepare all calculations. This work experience gave me sufficient insight and experience in handling jewellery.

How did your brand come into being?

I shifted from Mumbai to Gurugram due to personal reasons. Mumbai is a jewellery and manufacturing hub. Coming to Gurugram, I not only had to start afresh, but finding my foothold in a new place was itself a challenge. That is when I hit upon the idea of designing silver jewellery.

Design was always my strong point. I decided to go online with my design business. Silver is one of the most elegant and versatile metals for jewellery making. Silver can easily hold all kinds of precious stone rather than gold. Also gold jewellery is saturated and competitive market. Silver on the other hand has still not reached its potential in India.

Another core part of my business idea was providing an exclusive and complete online experience.

How did you set upon to grow your brand?

My main focus was on unique designs. Most of my designs are not available anywhere else. I set up my brand on Facebook in 2016 and then followed it through on Instagram. Initially there was not too much social media, only direct contact with clients. They loved my designs. Also my assurance is that you get 100% what you pay for. Most of my time goes in understanding the needs of the clients.

My design range is also large. I create daily wear Jewelry, earrings, rings, neck pieces and much more. Each of my jewellery piece comes with a 925 purity stamp. Within a couple of years, I established a stable business with a steady flow of orders. But then COVID and lockdown struck. There was a time when the order flow trickled to zero. But I waited patiently. The thing that worked in my favour was that people were ready to buy again, especially for gifting. Since they were not able to go out and most of the jewellery stores were closed, I started getting orders once again. There has been no looking back ever since.

I am planning to expand my brand. It is a very tightrope walk between creativity of designs and business expansion. Both take time. Next step for me is making a website to reach out to more customers. Many times I feel the lack of store where customers can see the jewellery pieces and feel them in their hands. But till then, Instagram is the way forward for me.

https://www.instagram.com/silverinabyfarben/

Preeti Bhandari

A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks.

When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.

Ambition

She belonged to a family who wanted her to grow, irrespective of what the villagers said. Sameeksha was the topper in her school and when she tried to study more, she did not get enough support. She wanted the exposure to grow and fly. She tried to move out to explore better opportunities.

From a young age, despite their family conditions, her mother never allowed anything to come in the way of her children’s education. She faced all the hardships herself alone. Being a single mother in a setup where girl’s education is not promoted as much, she stood against all odds. It is this kind of mother – daughter relationship that Sameeksha today has with her daughter, one of complete trust and love.

Her stubbornness proved as she managed to step out of her boundaries and came to Bangalore. Here she had the freedom to choose. She decided to get a job in the accounts department of a small manufacturing unit. But that thirst to do more was never quenched.

Persistence

People say marriage responsibilities bury the ambitions for many.  had that fire that could not be extinguished that easily. Tushar and his family were the right push and support that she needed. When Tushar’s cousin suggested running their start-up, it felt as if it was the obvious next step.

Give it all or Nothing

To be prepared to start a business, one must cover all the bases. One needs to be fully equipped. The idea is straightforward, but it needs to have a lot of clarity and resilience. Jobs are just that- A Job, but when you want to do more, a side hustle is what can give you financial independence. But it requires an open mind.

The Side Gig

The thought is straightforward. Something that can be done even after the regular 9 to 5 job. In Sameeksha’s case, she quit her job and turned her side hustle full time. Bhat International came into being a side hustle and helped people looking for such gigs. 

Sameeksha and Tushar help students, homemakers, and anyone interested in start-ups. They provide them with the proper training, help them mentally and match them with dealers who can help set up. One can not simply present a business idea; it needs to be channelized and researched in depth. Sameeksha and her husband went through the same; they read several books and heard many podcasts and then some more research. They initiate the new members and provide them with the same information. Financially sound mentality and willpower to grow and dream are what gets them going and that is how they help others.

Failures can teach you a lot. They can sometimes break the back of your dreams. But to turn that into a life lesson and initiate that value is the purpose of Sameeksha’s venture. It is never to dream big and become financially independent.

Preeti Bhandari

A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks.

When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.

How did you come across Modicare?

In 2018, I attended a demo on Modicare which changed my life. I picked up a few products and was both surprised and satisfied with their quality. I used to buy products from stores and supermarkets. But after using Modicare products, I saw the health of my family improving and happiness increasing. It was then that I decided to enrol myself into the consultant program.

Tell us more about the program

The company promises international quality grade products and lives up to those promises. If you have any issues with the quality, the product can be returned within 25 days even if 25% of it is used. There are rewards, gifts, cashback points and all that to get you climbing the performance ladder. I began by selling a few items and I shared the program with a few other people. The chain grew and recently I purchased my own car. I fulfilled my dream of being financially independent through network marketing.

What are your future plans from here?

Lockdown was both an opportunity as well as hurdle. I grew my network and social circles but now I want to focus on offline activities. Growing the network helps you increase your passive income. That is the benefit of chain marketing. At time this line gets a bad name, but hey, it was there for all this while and will continue to remain so. I now help consultants with their training and help them get started. I want them to enjoy success the same way I did.

https://www.instagram.com/deepa.hinduja.98/

https://www.facebook.com/deepa.hinduja.98

Preeti Bhandari

A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks.

When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.

Manjuu, what is so special about Niti?

Most of my clients happen to be traders, business owners and senior citizens. In my years of experience dealing with them, I have come to realise their needs. Like for example they read larger fonts and are not so much familiar with social media. But they do own a smartphone and want to be connected. Then there is also the science of colours. For example, do you know that pink is the only colour which brings calmness as well as aggression in the same person but in different situations. 

I was looking for a person who helps me with designing ads, but the person has to understand the science of colours and fonts. Thankfully I found Niti through Business Mates Delhi. She is the owner of the brand, Krafty2Party. We have collaborated to build up an entire ad series for both social media and regular sharing. I am so comfortable with her that now I feel she can anticipate my needs.

Niti, is this true?

Yes. I am so happy that Manjuu Mehta has placed such a huge responsibility with me. The problem with graphic designers these days is that every person who is using a smartphone starts making ads with apps. This is rampant with college kids who advertise themselves as social media experts and will start working for you for free. But they lose interest soon because their priorities are elsewhere while I will work with you on a professional basis.

A free product will not only waste time, but put a lasting harm on your brand. 

What is Krafty2Party?

Krafty2Party is a brand by Niti. I am a born entrepreneur, but I spent my initial years trying out different options till I zoomed on to this one category. So I get to enjoy interacting with people and understanding their needs and then design the ads around their brands. Ads created by me help my clients get more business. So this line of work gives me huge satisfaction. Krafty2Party has long term plans where clients need not worry about rising bills or about the number of ads limit. 

Describe the ad making process? Do you have friction with clients?

First we have a small chat about the brand and needs of the client. I then study the products and social media profiles. I use premium versions of Adobe Photoshop and Canva. My biggest complaint is that clients are not ready to pay enough money but want a very highly customised ad. They keep suggesting changes endlessly. A simple picture ad costs anywhere between 500 to 50,000! But they cannot be the same. I do agree to small changes, but after two revisions, I turn down any more requests for changes. 

How do you describe your experience working with Manjuu Mehta?

Subhadranika by Manjuu has given me a new experience in ad making. She is a sharp person who understands the needs of her clients. Yes, social media is being used majorly by youth, but they are not the only users. Trending concepts like reels on Instagram will come and go. Every social media platform is updated almost every month with new features, but the other category still uses it for basic pictures and videos sharing and of course for sharing or forwarding messages.

Another thing I learnt from Manjuu Mehta is how she handles negativity. As part of her job, she has to listen to only negativity from her clients. With so much negativity entering her system, everyday must be a hell for her. But it is not like that. Most of the yogis and babas (I am not against them) preach that start your day with positivity. But I have advice for entrepreneurs. Allow conflict in your life, don’t run away from it. That will make you stronger and end your day on a happy and satisfied note. 

https://www.instagram.com/subhadranika/

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

Ques – itrana is a very strange choice for a brand name. How did it come to be?

Ans – Yes, in this part of the world itrana is used in a negative or snobbish way. It is also a taunt used towards people who dress up a wee bit more than the society average. A literal English meaning is to flaunt oneself though the correct translation would be glory. Older people a few generations ago would use it as an alternative to tareef. 

Today, however, itrana is used to judge a person by the way he or she dresses. As an insulting comment it is aimed at women and girls. But our choice on this as a brand name comes from the idea that many brands today use negative criticism and dark humour as a marketing strategy. Take the example of the recent launch of iPhone 13. As soon as an Apple launch event is announced, the internet is flooded with hundreds of memes, all making fun of Apple and their products. Instead of refuting them Apple almost chooses to ignore and instead adds fuel to it. That actually helps Apple with more free publicity.

This is what we read as management case studies during MBA. With itrana we got to try it out for our brand and it has worked till now. 

Ques – So is negative publicity your marketing strategy?

Ans – No, not at all. It is a part of our business plan. A word which can be pronounced easily and remembered. So when the initial shock and surprise wears off, the name is remembered forever. But the main part of our client approach is providing the right fabric and exclusive design. itrana focuses a lot on type and quality of fabric which otherwise customers do not have much choice elsewhere. In our detailed session with the customer we finalised a design for the lady. 

We began with a small inner circle of friends and relatives. The response we got gave us confidence. Then we started looking for other options to increase our customer base. To begin with it is a good idea to rope in your friends and relatives for orders. But after some time, this source runs out. At that point we need to expand. We thought about reaching for potential clients online. Thanks to our unique designs we were able to establish presence on Instagram. Slowly but surely we will expand our reach to get online orders.  

Ques – So you are expanding. What are your future plans?

Ans – Due to the lockdown people were not able to buy clothes. They were not able to attend functions and festive occasions. This is the business opportunity we want to cash on. There are lots of clothing brands in the market. But most of them focus on ready to wear clothes. Then there are designers who take custom orders but focus only on stitching. We want to make a difference by focusing on the quality of cloth. We also give more attention to the sit-in with clients to understand their needs and whats on their mind. There are also many clients who want to gift a particular design to their friends and relatives. That also is a huge opportunity.

People dress up not just for outer appearance. It is part of who they are. Attire defines personality. It is the major part of the presentation. itrana aims to make a woman feel beautiful.

https://www.instagram.com/itrana.ncr/

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com

Ever since I entered into baking industry, I always had an urge of preparing nutritious & healthy bakes for my customers. That’s when one of the mutual recommended me regarding the authentic taste my healthy bakes acquire. Very soon, he gave me an insight into how the healthy baking industry is currently evolving in India. That’s when he approached me to launch something of our own nationally along with an offer of partnership with him for this company. 

He has been a good support system throughout the planning journey of the launch we’re planning to do and we can’t wait to reveal what exciting stuffs we have for you all!! 😍😍

So that’s what my current upcoming plans are. Stay tuned ya’ll ☺️

Which is the cake you enjoyed making the most?

Well, thats a tough question because there isn’t any specific cake I enjoyed creating till date. I bake daily and each moment is enjoyable for me as I get to wake up & create different innovate ideas daily. I love working with golden colors, it just adds so much drama & attention to the overall design. I am someone who is driven by passion and an avid lover of pastry art & chocolate work, gorgeous looking flowers & wedding cakes as well.

Apart from a specialisation in customised cakes and confectionery, I am also a proficient baking instructor in Vapi, Gujarat. The cakes I bake along with my students from basics to advance level cakes are also the best moments of my life. 

Hence, Whether its baking goodies/cakes/confectioneries for my clients or with my students, doing something which you love always is an ENJOYABLE moment!!!

What inspires you to bake?

Back in 2009 I was a home-maker without any hobbies. Baking came into my life through a random cake bake for my daughter’s birthday. Ever since, the taste has been liked by many & this encouraged me to take it up as a profession.

I find baking to be very peaceful, a good form of therapy, and the end result is a wonderful dessert. As I progressed with my skill level, baking went from hobby to a business.

I consider myself a perfectionist and is, therefore, huge on results. My motivation is derived from within. I give my all to ensure that I have achieved what I set out to at the beginning of the day. I also love beating deadlines. 

Something that inspires me more & more to bake is that the desserts we provide for clients are all made from scratch, customized and provide that extra special touch to events such as birthday parties, weddings, and other wonderful life occasions. It gives me a feeling of satisfaction to know that my desserts were a part of someone’s one’s lifetime event and helped make the event a memorable experience. 

Social Media Links

https://www.instagram.com/dancyshouseofchocolate/

https://www.instagram.com/poonam_gandhi/

https://www.facebook.com/Dancys-house-of-chocolate-n-more-304168249766573

Manisha Yadav

I am Manisha Yadav, Founder and Ideologue of Narisakti. MBA Student and Digital Marketing expert, I take your brand online and help you reach more customers.

www.sukaone.com