My brand, Kreative Veranda defines me. I am a creative person. My whole day and some part of night goes in thinking and imagining how to make things more beautiful. Mind is brimming with ideas. Like all of us, I was totally unprepared for lockdown. It came at a time when I was on the cusp of balancing family life and my passion of art and craft. I already have long term plans ready but I was not able to plan anything because of everything was closed around us. My family members and friends helped me a lot. With their words of encouragement, I decided to prepare myself for the end of lockdown.
Overcome shyness
I am a shy person. I have been like that as far as I can remember. One of my long term goals were to overcome shyness. But I did not know how to do that. If my brand has to grow, I have to increase my outreach. I joined a course on Graphology at Likhavat Academy. With certain techniques, I was able to change my personality to overcome my hurdles. I specially focused on my shyness part and today I am confident that I can reach out to people and engage with them both socially as well as professionally.
Prepare for workshops
Everyone around me was going online. But in my world of art and craft it is important to be there. I decided to make use of this opportunity. I decided to give shape to my plans for conducting workshop in online mode. I learnt the nuances of technology and began with baby steps. Slowly my confidence grew and as soon as govt gave permission I conducted my first offline batch again with the help of Nidhi ma’am. Next I got a huge batch of students at Vineeta Malani’s Classes. In this way I was able to fulfil my aim of conducting workshops.
My venture, Kreative Veranda will take both customized orders as well as workshops. My product portfolio is large and no two things are alike. But I will be giving a big push for workshops in the future. I have three levels for workshops and they have been designed to cater for any age group and all segments of the market. As a parent I give special emphasis to the nurturing creativity in children. In todays connected world, it is easy for a child to get “hooked on” to a smart phone. My workshops are designed to make them feel the craft which they are doing. Creating an art and craft work is a complete rejuvenation package.
Support for my creativity
My husband is my biggest supporter. Now children have also joined. They are my greatest critics but admire my each effort. Every moment I am thinking about something new to do. My craft work has to be classy. Attention to details is my forte. English colours are my favourite. Shades of green and cream are all time classics. I feel happy because everyone loves my work. One of the biggest source of encouragement has been my fellow business mates members. It is a women only entrepreneurs group based from Delhi. Every time I create something, I rush to post it on Business Mates group.
My plans are finally taking shape. I know that I am poised for a jump. Lockdown gave me an opportunity to increase my outreach. It defined my brand, Kreative Veranda and gave me hope. I believe every setback is an opportunity. This lockdown hasn’t been kind to a lot of people, so I wish all the best for all those entrepreneurs who are making a comeback.
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.
Great going kriti …. always made us proud …. rise and shine dear