Q1. How did your career journey start? Or Who/What inspired you to start this business/ entrepreneurship? Since childhood, I had an inclinat...
Since childhood, I had an inclination towards creativity and art. As I grew up I was attracted towards the architectural marvels and more towards the interiors of the palaces, hotels, airports and such places I visited.
At home, I would try to rearrange furniture, change curtains, etc to change the look for every occasion.
So after I cleared my 12th, I joined the L S Raheja School of Architecture. Even while in college, I would suggest and draw designs for renovation done at my friends and family residences and offices. I am glad that I got the opportunity to work with renowned architects and got great hands on experience. A few years later taking inspiration from my seniors I decided to start my own venture in 2008. With small, humble beginnings we have grown over the years with experience, turnover and happy clientele.
Q2. Kindly share some information about your Business, products and services here.
Every home is unique and loved by those residing in it. We specialize in creating interiors of home in a way that reflect the persona of the people living in the house and at the same time incorporate the latest trends and designs. For commercial spaces we take into account the purpose, usability and ease of movement, along with creating a motivational atmosphere with correct choice of colors, furniture and lights. Our labors are backed with years of experience and quality is something we don’t compromise on. We buy the best product range available in the budget given by the clients.
Q3. What kind of challenges did you face while starting/doing business?
Initially the challenge was to get work as people asked for experience. I can accept their concern as to trust their home and money with some newbie is not easy. So initially I took up designing or consulting assignments. Hard work and persistence paid off and gradually people started developing trust and believed that I can handle the entire turnkey project.
Q4. Do share with our readers about your discovery period when you were facing difficulties in your business?
As time passed I was getting work, but there was no continues flow as my circle was limited to my friends and family and only source of advertisement was word of mouth. After completion of one project I had to wait for another enquiry or keep on asking in my circle, if anyone is planning on interior designing. I realized, I can’t solely rely on the acquaintances and must reach more people, make them aware of my work. I started increasing my social circle, joined a couple of business networking forums, in short tried to reach more people.
Q5. Share with our readers about your experiment period after the discovery period?
Subsequent to my realization that I have to reach more people, I had joined various business networking forums. However, in a short period I comprehended that more than just connecting to people, it’s important to connect to the right kind of people, in a right way. I realized that I lack the marketing, presenting, interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills required to take my work at the level of entrepreneurship. I had to learn and mold myself in a way to become more resourceful and professional. I took up some training sessions for this and constantly kept myself updated about the interior designing trends and latest happenings. Learning is a never ending process and one should always be keen to learn new things.
Q6. What are your future plans? Or now what is your vision for next five years?
I feel assured about the future and its progress. Now there is decent flow of work and happy clientele who always refer me. In future, I am planning to expand my work, by working in collaboration. This would enable me to discover new horizons. In next five years I am planning to expand in the commercial segment, taking up designing for a chain of franchise or corporate offices. My special interest is in restaurant industry.
Q7. How would you advice/suggest new entrepreneurs who want to start & sustain in business?
I would firstly congratulate them for beginning their entrepreneurial journey. I would advise them to follow their passion and the same time be practical. Keep learning and keep themselves updated with the market and their field. And lastly follow 3 Ds- discipline, dedication, determination, you will surely reach heights.
Q8. LinkedIn profile URL link : https://www.linkedin.com/in/pradnesh-vaidya- 359858142/
Q9. Facebook profile URL link : https://www.facebook.com/www.aakaarmiti.co.in/
Q10 Twitter profile URL link : https://twitter.com/aakaarmiti
Q11. Personal blog URL link
Q12. Company website & Company blog URL link
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