It was December 2011 and I was on a trip to a South Indian city. While on a stroll, I just picked up a few strands of beads out of fancy from a stall. A friend of mine who is a designer offered to design necklaces for me. Having sketched many intricate designs which I had kept under wraps, I decided to try my hands at beading. The web, my friends and my intuition helped me to take baby steps into the world of designing and creating my own designs in the physical world. I also learnt a few lessons during my journey.
I had started this as a hobby. Social networking sites were helpful in spreading the word around and there started a demand for my designs. I remember just traveling 500 Kilometers every month to get my supply of beading materials . Beading energized me . I got totally involved into a world of creating some unique stuff. I got appreciation and I also learnt how virtual world can do wonders for one.
My work is a single woman enterprise and all works A-Z is taken care of by me alone. Spending time in the world of colors is rejuvenating and the hobby of mine has started yielding returns. I operate from home and it is entirely an online business..
I have been stressing to students during my training period as “Nothing is impossible if one is focused , and willing to walk that extra mile and is committed”. I just put that into practice.
My customers are more like my friends. Though I haven’t met many ,I feel the pulse of the customer and they are happy with what they receive.
I have learnt lot of business related techniques. I took months studying a lot before I spread my wings across the border and I went international.
I also came across some not so good experiences . When there was a spurt in online business in India, more players started coming into business they turned to me for guidance and I happily complied. But they felt I am withholding some secrets which I am not willing to share and they expressed their unpleasantness. There is no short cuts to success and many fail to understand. .
Plagiarism was another malady I had to face. Designs which were painstakingly created were stolen and lifted by a few to display on their pages. This was the price I was paying for going solely online as there were no other avenues in front of me. It was a tough period to deal with people with no ethics. I never paid to boost my fan following. I feel have I have a decent fan following and I am satisfied and happy with what I am doing . I think that is what one looks at the end of the day. Not exactly seeing how much the cash counters tick though that is also important.
I am going to apportion some of my time for training students which had taken a back seat. I think that would be something good I will doing for the younger generation.
I am also going to devote some time to write my thoughts so that I remain connected with my blogging world and friends.
Last few months were hectic but there is really a pleasure in writing blogs. Hoping to see you all soon I shall starting my blog hopping soon :))
Some of my collections are here.http://www.indianroots.in/brands/a-d/chitra-manohar
Facebook page-https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chitras-Jewel-Art/173975342647201
See you!!
Chitra
Never knew that there were so many complications involved. Proud of you and you are an inspiration to many
Hi Bhagya,
There were some teething problems. But we need to learn to overcome each and every one to be successful.
I am aware of the great and admirable work you are doing.You derive immense satisfaction out of your creations,bring joy to your clients in possessing them and incidentally your cash box keeps ringing nonstop!!.Success is a function of hard work,passion for the job,creativity and business acumen.I am glad you have established yourself.
The one adverse effect of this jewelry making was your blogging became reduced.You have now assured to blog regularly.I look forward eagerly to pilgrimage section too.Best wishes.
Thanks a lot KP. I have posted my Pilgrimage blog too. You will like the same.
Wish you lot of satisfaction & a good growth in your venture.
thanks a lot Mahesh.
Love your passion for jewellery design, chitra. yes, business does have ups and downs. Take care and glad to know you will be regularly blogging. There is a warmth laced to your blogs.
thanks a lot Asha. I love blogging and more happy when I can connect with wonderful friends