What is the mantra behind your success?
I am not sure my aim or purpose is accomplished yet to call it a success, but every new milestone achieved is a victory in itself. Talent always overpower hard work. I have worked in two shifts, handled everything from a designing to painting, managing logistic, customer care and technical help, but I never stopped believing in myself no matter how difficult it was. So staying positive, always looking for opportunities and valuing experience and learning over riches.
Being an engineer you chose a field entirely different, why?
I always knew I will end up doing something creative eventually, but never had the vision of what and how. I realised being happy in our day to day routine is very important than planning something for the future and working unhappily for it in the present. I started my label side by side while working for my 9 to 5 job and soon I realised I felt more content and at peace when I work for Haelli. Although leaving a well-paid job was never easy and you are surrounded by so many speculations and self-doubt. But sometimes you have to risk it all for a dream only you can see.
How difficult is it to be a full time mom and an entrepreneur?
I would rather call it challenging than difficult, everyday is a new hustle. Biggest challenge is to manage time and resources. For every organisation big or small, meeting deadlines is very important, whether it is shipping packages on time, responding to customer queries, getting inventory ready or managing human resources. And for an online store like ours, one might encounter a technical difficulty during midnight which has to be taken care of immediately. But there is always a scope to learn something new, one day’s failure is another day’s learning.
This unique concept of hand painting the juttis with quirky slogans and cute motifs along with special customisations have made its own place in the market. People are using them for gifting purposes.
So staying positive, always looking for opportunities and learning over riches is my mantra
How is your product treated by the market?
Surprisingly well, something which started off as an experiment and curiosity of creativity, I am overwhelmed by the responses I receive everyday. This unique concept of hand painting the juttis with quirky slogans and cute motifs along with special customisations have made its own place in the market. People are using them for gifting purposes, especially as wedding gifts for guests and bridesmaids. Although this also led a few labels ripping off our designs in the market but that is the part and parcel of this business.
What is your vision for Haelli in the next five years?
I see Haelli among the top known brands in the country promoting handicraft and breaking stereotypes. We are hoping to see Haelli with a good physical presence among the top locations throughout the world with an excellent customer base.
