Manali Manan Desai's Blog, page 68

Living in The Times of a World Health Crisis

The desire to socialize and step out of the four walls of a home is a general one for any normal human being. But the world crisis at the moment dictate that such desires be put at bay, at least for a little while. My usual days consist of stepping out of the home only twice, for my morning and evening walks. So, staying at home isn’t an issue or something novel for me. However, as the world adjusts to being indoors, here’s a few things I thought (as I’m something of a pro at it by now) could be helpful.  I’ll also include a few points about health and hygiene, because that is a priority right now and not how to keep oneself entertained.

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Use technology for good

Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t talk to people over a phone call or WhatsApp chat. If you do feel like you need someone to talk to, pick up the phone and call or send a ‘Hi’ to everyone on your contact list. If that doesn’t help, give them a video call. Have a desire for a group outing? Then do a video conference call! Seriously, there’s no way you can feel alienated with so many ways to stay connected.

Buy the necessary groceries, but remember not to  overstock

Keeping necessary supplies at home is a good idea during such a crisis. But let’s not forget that we’re a densely populated country so the needs of each household need to be kept in mind. Buy 15 days supply rather than that of a month. Stepping out for buying groceries once in two weeks won’t be a big threat. Don’t be so selfish that you forget about your neighbours and countrymen’s requirements. There’s as much chance of people dying by starvation as there is of them dying by covid-19 if we overstock.

Share your supplies

If you do buy in bulk, please share the supplies with those in your neighborhood in case they complain about not getting enough because the store was out of stock. Especially share with those who are unable to step out of the house to buy groceries, for instance the elderly or the differently-abled.

If your house help like the maid or the cook are still coming to work everyday, help them out with some money and supplies like soap, napkins and sanitizers too. They might not have access to such luxury goods and are more likely to get exposed to the virus.

Get to know your family

In our busy work schedules, most of us have become unconnected to those we meet and see everyday at home. Why not use this time to familiarize yourself with the family members? For instance, you may not know your father’s new favorite movie, or your mother’s new favorite TV series, and they might also not know about your new favorite song. Isn’t this a good chance to get to know each other better?

Play games

When was the last time you had a chance to play cards or board games together? I’m sure most of you don’t even remember. So do that! Watching TV all day might become boring, hence this is a good way to pass the quarantine time. The age old antakshari and dumb charades are always there to help keep us Indians entertained too!

Cook together

Since you’re all home, maybe you can think about helping out the women in the kitchen. Trust me, cooking together is fun! Also, this is a great chance to try out new and healthy recipes. We’ve all missed ‘ghar ka khaana’ at some point in our lives, so here’s the perfect excuse to eat all your favorite home-cooked meals and learn how to make them too.

Take care of personal health and hygiene

Besides making sure you eat your meals at the right time and have the right kind of food, its also important to keep yourself clean. Wash your hands every 2-3 hours if you can. Most importantly, wash them if you have been outdoors. But do remember to turn off the tap while applying soap to your hands. We don’t want a water scarcity crisis arising during a time like this.

I don’t recommend using hand sanitizers that often, but if there’s water shortage, and in case you’re out of the house, do keep a few in stock and with you all the time. Also, avoid touching surfaces with your hands and especially avoid touching your face with your hands.

Read books and magazines

This is a no-brainer for book lovers like me. We look forward to such days when we can just relax in a corner of the house with a book in our hands. However, it seems everyone is going to be home for a while now, so I recommend giving a book, any book, a try! This is a good chance to fall in love with the habit of reading. Make good use of technology here too! Buy kindle books and read them on your phone/tablet in case you have no paperback books at home. If not a book, then read magazines and newspapers.

Write about your life in isolation

This is not something which happens everyday. Being quarantined is an experience that may not happen in our lifetimes again. So, why not note it down somewhere so it can be retained for later, or for posterity? This would be not only something that helps pass the time, but you will get an outlet for your frustrations of being quarantined. Sounds like a win-win to me!

Verify the information you’re reading and spreading

Let’s be honest, we all are scared at this point of time. But let’s not add to the panic by spreading around rumors about the facts and figures. The unverified tips about how to fight and cure covid-19 also need to stop. The best idea is to check the WHO and UNICEF official websites instead of trusting random forwarded messages.

DIY activities

Paint, sew, sketch, bake, cook and do all those activities you intended on learning as a hobby during your free time. There are so many videos which teach you all this. Do it alone or do it together with the family. In any case you’ll learn something new and pick up a creative skill which you may end up liking.

Stop worrying about your children’s education

I have heard so many people worrying and complaining about their children missing out on school and education. To all of them, I’ll say just one word: homeschooling. Also, haven’t we already established that bookish knowledge won’t get us far? Teach them to help out in the house, teach them how to cook, inculcate habits like reading and writing in them. They’ll be fine, trust me!

Appreciate those working in healthcare

This is the time when we wouldn’t be able to survive without doctors and nurses. Let’s remember that covid-19 has been termed a ‘novel’ virus for a reason. Those in the healthcare sector are new to it too, but they definitely know better than us. In case of an emergency, instead of questioning, blaming and criticizing them, let’s trust them to do their best for protecting us. Also, don’t forget to thank them and be grateful for their services. They’re directly exposing themselves to the danger while trying to save and protect us, after all.

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Hope these help you keep up the positivity. The best approach is taking it all ‘one day at a time’. Together we can all overcome these dark times, and come out not only healed and whole, but even as better human beings than we were before.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When You Believe in Spreading Joy & Peace Through Your Work ~ The Founder of A Home Decor & Accessories Venture Shares Her Story

A Buddhist proverb goes,

“In each loss there is a gain, as in every gain there is a loss. and with each new ending comes a new beginning.”

In our #MondayMotivation blog focusing on the #WonderWomen segment, we bring to you a woman who refused to back down after a personal loss and realized that the only one who could do something about the situation was herself. Meet, Kriti Jindal, the founder of a successful home décor and accessories venture, Kari by Kriti. What kind of loss did she go through and how did that become a turning point leading to Kriti being selected as one of finalists for the Global Etsy awards? Let’s find out in her own words.

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“I grew up in the small, green town of Dehra Dun surrounded by flowers, fruit trees and my mother’s love for sarees. My mother is a passionate collector of sarees so various hand work/ weaving techniques were never really alien to me. I can say that in some way, textiles has always been in my blood. It was only much later that I realized my own passion for design, color and handmade.

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I studied apparel management at Pearl Academy of Fashion, New Delhi and worked as a merchandiser for over 7 years with a leading French retailer and later with an American buying house dealing with one of America’s most loved Homewares brands. In 2012, my husband and I moved to Sydney, Australia where I worked as a Sourcing manager.

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While in Australia, I met with an accident that resulted in an ankle injury. It required surgery and about 6 months of very restricted movement. As a result, I had to quit my job and stay homebound. During this time, after a lot of complaining about my situation, I realized that the only one who could do something about it was me! With a lot of encouragement from my husband, I started a blog, Handmade Talks where I shared stories about my love for textiles and interviewed passionate, creative entrepreneurs.

[image error]

Inspired by these stories of men and women turning their passion into a creative outlet, I created my blueprint for Kari by Kriti. We returned to India in 2013 and settled in Hyderabad. I decided to turn my blueprint into reality and created two hand block printed baby quilts in pure cotton with the help of a printer in Jaipur. I listed those two quilts on Etsy, a US based marketplace for everything handmade. The two quilts sold within a few days of listing them on my Etsy shop and I started to receive emails about creating similar designs for adults as well. This gave me a lot of confidence in my work and I developed my first collection with 12 baby quilts.

[image error]

From then on, there was no looking back! Since then, I have made over 500 sales on Etsy and created custom collections for a number of homeware stores and boutiques all over the world. My biggest challenge was to deal with the negativity and self doubt that came from people asking me when I plan to go back to a ‘real job’. I had a hard time convincing people around me, that this wasn’t a hobby or a placeholder for me while I raised my son, but is what I really want to do.

[image error]

I started laying the foundation for Kari by Kriti even before my son was born, but invariably people felt that this was a great thing to ‘keep myself busy’. This attitude was often demotivating and frustrating. 

[image error]

I follow a Buddhist philosophy that teaches us to believe that instead of blaming the environment, it is important to make oneself a capable individual. It took a lot of resilience and patience and I was able to slowly build and grow my business from scratch without any outside funding.  My success spoke for itself and I was able to prove my mettle.  This Buddhist way of life is my biggest motivation.   Dr Daisaku Ikeda, President, Soka Gakkai International is my mentor and role model. Dr Ikeda has worked tirelessly to spread World Peace through dialogue and a fundamental transformation of self called the ‘Human Revolution’ based on the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism. The philosophy has taught me to believe in my own potential and work hard to expand my life to be able to reach my goals and to also help others around me realize their highest potential. This transformation in one’s own life becomes an inspiration for countless others in their family, country and the world thus becoming a movement for Peace and happiness.  A customer once sent me a message where she said, “Your products make me very happy and help to keep my mood sunny!” It is probably the best compliment that I have ever received, and this assures me that I am correctly following my mentor’s path in spreading joy, happiness and peace though my work. This becomes my biggest motivation to continue doing what I do.

[image error]

The journey so far has been nothing less than gratifying. A huge milestone for me came in 2019 when I was selected as a Global Etsy awards finalist. My shop was one among 175 finalists and one among 29 finalists in my category. This was a real boost to my confidence.  In the future, I plan to launch my website (which as we speak has already happened, the website went live at noon today i.e. 16th March, 20202) I also aim to hopefully set up a manufacturing unit of my own. 

[image error]

Launching this website is something I am very excited for! Initially when I started Kari by Kriti, sales were mainly via Etsy.com. Over the years Kari by Kriti has become a much-loved brand and I will be launching the website for my customers in India. 

[image error]

I work with a local NGO, here in Hyderabad – that helps economically challenged women find meaningful livelihood. The NGO trains the women to stitch and then provides them employment at centers in their local urban villages. This way they are able to work much closer to work, without even leaving the village and still earn a living for themselves. I support these women by working with them for my stitching requirements.

[image error]

Here is what I often tell myself: 

“Above anything else, be passionate about your work. “

“Businesses evolve and it is important to go with the flow without losing our own passion. It is very important to create a business plan, however simple, to keep you on track. “

And finally,

“Don’t be afraid of challenges and don’t give up!”

****

To drop in a message to Kriti, check out her amazing home décor and accessories, or to order one or more of these products for yourself, follow the links below:

Kari by Kriti website
Kari by Kriti Instagram page
Kari by Kriti Facebook page
Kari by Kriti Esty page
Kari by Kriti Pinterest page
Kari by Kriti products on House of Ekam

Other professional handles

LinkedIn handle of Kriti

Kriti’s work and lifestory has been featured on multiple blogs and well-known newspaper/media portals over the years. You can have a look at these through links below:

The Indian Express, March 2020

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Startup Talky, March 2020

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Hindustan Times, October 2018

[image error]

Deccan Herald, September 2019

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The East Coast Desi, June 2017

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When You Believe in Spreading Joy & Peace Though Your Work ~ The Founder of A Home Decor & Accessories Venture Shares Her Story

A Buddhist proverb goes,

“In each loss there is a gain, as in every gain there is a loss. and with each new ending comes a new beginning.”

In our #MondayMotivation blog focusing on the #WonderWomen segment, we bring to you a woman who refused to back down after a personal loss and realized that the only one who could do something about the situation was herself. Meet, Kriti Jindal, the founder of a successful home décor and accessories venture, Kari by Kriti. What kind of loss did she go through and how did that become a turning point leading to Kriti being selected as one of finalists for the Global Etsy awards? Let’s find out in her own words.

[image error]

****

“I grew up in the small, green town of Dehra Dun surrounded by flowers, fruit trees and my mother’s love for sarees. My mother is a passionate collector of sarees so various hand work/ weaving techniques were never really alien to me. I can say that in some way, textiles has always been in my blood. It was only much later that I realized my own passion for design, color and handmade.

[image error]

I studied apparel management at Pearl Academy of Fashion, New Delhi and worked as a merchandiser for over 7 years with a leading French retailer and later with an American buying house dealing with one of America’s most loved Homewares brands. In 2012, my husband and I moved to Sydney, Australia where I worked as a Sourcing manager.

[image error]

While in Australia, I met with an accident that resulted in an ankle injury. It required surgery and about 6 months of very restricted movement. As a result, I had to quit my job and stay homebound. During this time, after a lot of complaining about my situation, I realized that the only one who could do something about it was me! With a lot of encouragement from my husband, I started a blog, Handmade Talks where I shared stories about my love for textiles and interviewed passionate, creative entrepreneurs.

[image error]

Inspired by these stories of men and women turning their passion into a creative outlet, I created my blueprint for Kari by Kriti. We returned to India in 2013 and settled in Hyderabad. I decided to turn my blueprint into reality and created two hand block printed baby quilts in pure cotton with the help of a printer in Jaipur. I listed those two quilts on Etsy, a US based marketplace for everything handmade. The two quilts sold within a few days of listing them on my Etsy shop and I started to receive emails about creating similar designs for adults as well. This gave me a lot of confidence in my work and I developed my first collection with 12 baby quilts.

[image error]

From then on, there was no looking back! Since then, I have made over 500 sales on Etsy and created custom collections for a number of homeware stores and boutiques all over the world. My biggest challenge was to deal with the negativity and self doubt that came from people asking me when I plan to go back to a ‘real job’. I had a hard time convincing people around me, that this wasn’t a hobby or a placeholder for me while I raised my son, but is what I really want to do.

[image error]

I started laying the foundation for Kari by Kriti even before my son was born, but invariably people felt that this was a great thing to ‘keep myself busy’. This attitude was often demotivating and frustrating. 

[image error]

I follow a Buddhist philosophy that teaches us to believe that instead of blaming the environment, it is important to make oneself a capable individual. It took a lot of resilience and patience and I was able to slowly build and grow my business from scratch without any outside funding.  My success spoke for itself and I was able to prove my mettle.  This Buddhist way of life is my biggest motivation.   Dr Daisaku Ikeda, President, Soka Gakkai International is my mentor and role model. Dr Ikeda has worked tirelessly to spread World Peace through dialogue and a fundamental transformation of self called the ‘Human Revolution’ based on the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism. The philosophy has taught me to believe in my own potential and work hard to expand my life to be able to reach my goals and to also help others around me realize their highest potential. This transformation in one’s own life becomes an inspiration for countless others in their family, country and the world thus becoming a movement for Peace and happiness.  A customer once sent me a message where she said, “Your products make me very happy and help to keep my mood sunny!” It is probably the best compliment that I have ever received, and this assures me that I am correctly following my mentor’s path in spreading joy, happiness and peace though my work. This becomes my biggest motivation to continue doing what I do.

[image error]

The journey so far has been nothing less than gratifying. A huge milestone for me came in 2019 when I was selected as a Global Etsy awards finalist. My shop was one among 175 finalists and one among 29 finalists in my category. This was a real boost to my confidence.  In the future, I plan to launch my website (which as we speak has already happened, the website went live at noon today i.e. 16th March, 20202) I also aim to hopefully set up a manufacturing unit of my own. 

[image error]

Launching this website is something I am very excited for! Initially when I started Kari by Kriti, sales were mainly via Etsy.com. Over the years Kari by Kriti has become a much-loved brand and I will be launching the website for my customers in India. 

[image error]

I work with a local NGO, here in Hyderabad – that helps economically challenged women find meaningful livelihood. The NGO trains the women to stitch and then provides them employment at centers in their local urban villages. This way they are able to work much closer to work, without even leaving the village and still earn a living for themselves. I support these women by working with them for my stitching requirements.

[image error]

Here is what I often tell myself: 

“Above anything else, be passionate about your work. “

“Businesses evolve and it is important to go with the flow without losing our own passion. It is very important to create a business plan, however simple, to keep you on track. “

And finally,

“Don’t be afraid of challenges and don’t give up!”

****

To drop in a message to Kriti, check out her amazing home décor and accessories, or to order one or more of these products for yourself, follow the links below:

Kari by Kriti website
Kari by Kriti Instagram page
Kari by Kriti Facebook page
Kari by Kriti Esty page
Kari by Kriti Pinterest page
Kari by Kriti products on House of Ekam

Other professional handles

LinkedIn handle of Kriti

Kriti’s work and lifestory has been featured on multiple blogs and well-known newspaper/media portals over the years. You can have a look at these through links below:

The Indian Express, March 2020

[image error]

Startup Talky, March 2020

[image error]

Hindustan Times, October 2018

[image error]

Deccan Herald, September 2019

[image error]

The East Coast Desi, June 2017

[image error]

 

 

 

A Companion For My Travel Companions

As a freelance writer, I just cannot walk out of the house without my cellphone, laptop and iPad. At least one of these devices is always with me. Why? Because I’m never sure when I would get hit by a sudden bout of inspiration and a great story idea pops up in my head. So with these essential writing tools on me, I always have a device where I can note down my spur-of-the-moment ideas. Even when I’m travelling (either for leisure or for work) via car, train or flight, either my laptop or my iPad is always with me. As I always proudly say, my work travels with me, I can only boast about that because of these essential three work tools; which I am pretty sure are the essentials of any freelancer.

[image error]My work tools aka my laptop, my iPad and my cellphone

However, carrying these (laptop and iPad) in a backpack isn’t always the most convenient or safe. It becomes heavy on my shoulders and if I carry them in any other way, it damages the devices. This especially becomes a problem when I need to step out for a work meeting. Hence, for my ease and for their protection, I was looking for a good laptop cover/sleeve since long. Ideally I was looking for something which would fit both the devices in a single product. So, when I came across the Pinaken website, not only was I wowed by their ethic and colourful designs, I was most impressed by the size of their laptop sleeves.

[image error]The colorful website (homepage) of Pinaken

It was perfect to fit both my devices! And also, had a separate zipper compartment which could easily fit the chargers of both the devices.

[image error]Ample design options of colourful laptop sleeves on Pinaken

 

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The sleeve I chose for my work tools. Thanks to the 13 inches width, both my laptop and iPad fit in easily in the same sleeve

 

I finally have a companion for my travel companions. What’s more? It’s a companion which looks good!

[image error]The gorgeous sleeve I bought from Pinaken
[image error]Both laptop and iPad fit in easily
[image error]The backside zipper which I use for putting in the iPad and laptop charger

For such a price (just 899), its almost too good to be true, right?

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You can check out this sleeve (ample other design options available), and other chic stationery products through the Pinaken website social media platforms below:

Pinaken website
Pinaken Instagram page
Pinaken Facebook page
Pinaken Twitter handle

Their products are available in quite a few stores offline as well. Do check out their social media handles for details on those.

 

When Art Becomes a Turning Point in Your Life ~A Mandala & Tanjore Painting Artist Shares Her Story

José Argüelles said,

“Making a mandala is a universal activity, a self-integrating ritual.”

In our #FridayFeature blog on the #WonderWomen segment, we bring to you a woman who feels this way about mandala art. Meet, Madhusuja.S, a Mandala and a Tanjore Painting Artist. Madhusuja considers art and mandala making to be her solace and has now turned it into a profession. What made her realize her love for painting and how did she chance about mandala as a source of solace? Let’s find out in her own words.

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“I’m a Mandala and Tanjore Painting Artist by profession and passion. I had always been passionate about Art since early childhood. Today, I’m proud and happy to be one of the few people who have successfully turned their hobby into something that also brings in the money. However, it wasn’t easy. In fact, even today the biggest struggle and challenge is monetizing my artwork.

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The problem with artistic work is that people do not understand the value of the time and effort put in by an artist in that single piece of art they like and intend to buy. The minute an artist quotes the price of a painting or any artwork, most people fall back on their words and buying decision. I’ve somewhat managed to overcome this hurdle as most of my clients now understand the quality, they get from my art. However, with most new people this is still a challenge.

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My introduction to the Mandala artform is a turning point in my art journey. Also, starting my Instagram page was another huge turning point. The motivation and encouragement I received there really helped me grow as an artist. I get my inspiration and motivation through my Instagram page. The appreciation received here is the ultimate prize for the hard work in out into each art piece. Shipping my artwork to people who value and love it is a total pleasure.

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It has been an amazing one-and-a-half-year journey as a mandala artist. Being recognized as an Artist is itself a milestone. Winning the Louie Philip Africa design contest was an amazing experience in this journey. My Mandala workshops are going at a good pace. Moving further on I would want to do more on making it as a career.

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I want to conduct more workshops at different towns and cities specially to spread this art form. Yes, I wish to reach more like-minded people through my page and help work for a cause.

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My biggest learning has been that

“Art teaches you Patience.”

 I have learnt a lot about this art and more about other forms of art through Instagram.

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By being an artist I have realized that one must wholly love what they do and enjoy it.

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Also,

“Don’t look down on other artists, we all were beginners once. So, respect all and never ever let anyone dull your sparkle.”

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To drop in a message to Madhusuja, check out her amazing artworks, and inquire about or buy one or more of her amazing pieces, follow the links below:

Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

Madhusuja’s journey as an artist has been featured on other online platforms too. You check these out by following link below:

Weekend Trivia (31st January, 2020)

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Zista : Stories from India (Series Book 2)

Shashi Tharoor says,

“In writing of Indian culture, I am highly conscious of my own subjectivity; arguably, there is more than one Indian culture, and certainly more than one view of Indian culture.”

I was intrigued and excited to be a part of Ukiyoto’s Stories from India for this precise reason. Because, I feel that there’s so much to India that the world does not know about.  For my story, I chose a topic which talks about my favorite city, Mumbai. The infamous red light district of the city of dreams has had its fair share in literature via books and movies, but I wanted to present a different angle. So, that’s what my story ‘The Walls Have Ears’ is about.

[image error]Book cover of Zista 

A girl ventures out into this district one fine day and what she learns from her experience, is what ‘The Walls Have Ears’ is all about. This story is a part of the second title out of the Stories from India series released by Ukiyoto in 2019 (total 6 books and 40 short stories). Here is a look at two trailers of the series released by Ukiyoto.

So far my story from the book, besides winning the best story award out of all the 40 stories which are a part of this project, has also amassed some great reviews.

Here’s what my co-author from the book, Proma Nautiyal had to say about ‘The Walls Have Ears’.

[image error]Review of my story ‘The Walls Have Ears’ from the book Zista

Does it seem like a story you’d like too? Then follow link below for buying details of the book which contains this story.

Amazon India paperback
Amazon India Kindle
Amazon worldwide paperback
Amazon worldwide kindle
Ukiyoto website 

Journey from Being A Yarncoholic to A Yarn Store Owner

Henry Ward Beecher said,

“We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started.”

In our #ReviewBlog for today, we share the growth story of a woman who picked herself up from one of the lowest points in her life and is now one of the top mompreneurs on Asia’s Largest Online Shopping Store for kids & baby products, FirstCry. Meet, Heena Patel, the founder of Magic Needles.

[image error]Heena Patel, founder of Magic Needles and one of top 5 mompreneurs on FirstCry

Magic Needles is a knitwear and crochet store with a strong online presence (in India and overseas) via big names like FirstCry, Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra (besides the website of Magic Needles). But now they have expanded their reach through the offline mode as well. On 8th March, 2020, Magic Needles opened their very first flagship store in Mumbai.

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I was already in awe of her (Heena’s) work and the amazing products of Magic Needles having already covered her story in our #WonderWomen segment. Hence, I did not want to miss out on a chance to check out the Magic Needle’s magic in person with the actual ‘look, feel, see’ factor. Yes, the online store has all the products available, but actually getting to see these cutesy and chic products has a charm of its own.

So, off I went with high hopes, and wasn’t disappointed in the least.

[image error]Happy me at finally being able to check out the cutesy products of Magic Needles under one roof

The shop is two floored and airy, and as soon as you enter, your eyes will be soothed with a blast of colours.

[image error]Me posing outside the Magic Needles store, excited to check out their wonderful products as I step inside

The right-hand side of the store displays yarns of all colours imaginable, so all you DIY enthusiasts would surely love this! The yarn they sell is of the highest quality and sourced from across the world.

[image error]The right-hand side of the Magic Needles store which has a plethora of high quality and international yarn on display. Look at those wonderful colors!!

On the left-hand side is a display of their various products ranging from baby jewelery to bare-foot sandals, and coasters to knitted tops and bags. They also have a separate section for various knitting pins and accessories.

[image error]The left-hand side of the Magic Needles store which displays knitwear clothes, baby jewelery, coasters, knit bags as well as needles and other knitting accessories 
[image error]Top view of the airy and charming two-floored Magic Needles store

The ever warm and gracious, Heena, despite being busy as the host of the event at the opening ceremony of the shop, welcomed me warmly and we had a short chat about her plans with the store.

[image error]Me with Heena Patel at the Magic Needles shop

Much excited about her new expansion, she said, “I’m the first woman ever in both sides of my family to ever open such a business store.”

[image error]Heena with her daughters, family, friends and well-wishers during the opening of the Magic Needles shop
[image error]Heena with the team of Magic Needles during the opening of Magic Needles shop
[image error]Heena with the two men who have been instrumental in her entrepreneurial growth ~ her husband Kalpesh Patel and her brother-in-law, Harshe Patel 

When I went around the store and asked her about the various products, she clarified, “The primary aim with this store is not to sell, but to showcase the level of creativity the women at Magic Needles possess.” 

[image error]Various yarn products on display at the Magic Needles store 

Of the yarn at display in the store she said, “I want the customers to get the ‘look,feel, see’ advantage when buying the yarn which they miss out on while buying it online. When they buy it from the store, they know the exact thickness, quality and of course the colour of the type of yarn they intend to buy.”

[image error]Beautiful and inviting display of imported high quality yarn at the Magic Needles store

When, owing to my curiosity I asked about what was behind the main display unit which housed the yarn, Heena immediately replied, “Oh! That’s our entire yarn collection. So, once you choose a colour and type from the main display, we pick out a fresh piece from behind for you to buy.”

[image error]The main display and the storage of the yarn collection at the Magic Needles store

If you (like me and most women shoppers) prefer to have a physical look at your shopping before buying it, then Magic Needles shop should on your shopping destination, especially if you’re looking for yarn, baby products or knit wear.

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Though I had vowed not to buy anything, thanks to the charm of the variety of products in display, I ended up buying some coasters and their newly launched baby gift set (which contains their much popular and highest selling product the barefoot sandals + a pair of baby hair clips, a rubber band and a hair band).

Well, I don’t blame myself, though. Because, once you visit the store, you’ll be as charmed as I was.

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Here is the address of the newly opened Magic Needles store:

GC-8, Karma Stambh Indl. Estate Co-op Soc. Ltd, LBS Rd, Vikhroli West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400083

You can check out their products on their online platforms through the links below:

Website
Instagram
Facebook

To check out our #WonderWomen feature story on Heena follow the link below:

When A Healing Activity Becomes A Business Venture ~ The Founder of A Knitwear Platform Shares Her Story

 

When You Learn A Little Bit from Everyone & Everything Around You ~ A Woman With Multiple Creative Pursuits Shares Her Story

John Updike said,

“Any activity becomes creative when the doer cares about doing it right, or better.”

In our #MondayMotivation blog focusing on the #WonderWomen segment, we bring to you a woman, whose creative pursuits run into multiple forays, majorly because she cares about these fields. Meet, Krishnapuram V Godha, who is the founder of Shubharaagam School of Music (a musical school in Singapore), the Creative Director & Founder of zAntaSG (a home décor venture based in Singapore) and a Museum Docent. How did she get into such varied yet creative fields and how does she manage time between these professions as well as personal life? Let’s find out in her own words.

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“What got me into my various professions is my exposure to creativity. Over the years, having had a relatively traditional upbringing, I was often exposed to a plethora of culturally rich experiences. From the arts to apparel I was raised to appreciate the rich ethnic heritage that India had to offer, and I always believed that spreading this wealth of knowledge on my roots was something I wanted to do in the most multi-faceted manner possible. My struggle is my keenness to be involved in everything.

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Although several of my operations run like clockwork today, I often feel the need to run things independently. This is something that may have stemmed from the difficulties I faced in ensuring that involved parties were on the same page initially. However, time spent in my frays has allowed me to appreciate the importance of maintaining a good network and subsequently a rapport which I now make full use of in order to keep my businesses running efficiently and effectively.

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The turning point came with my decision to start Shubharaagam School of Music. Having previously taught music in various schools, I started to believe that I was limited in terms of outreach as part of a bigger organization. I had faith in my own ideas, and I wanted the freedom to execute them. This is why I started my first endeavour a little over a decade ago to provide me with the creative freedom that has allowed me to cultivate my own unique brand and identity in the market today.

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It might seem a bit cliché, but my family has always believed in my ability to create awareness especially in the cultural fields. They hence were the ones that pushed me to start my businesses and further create a well-recognized brand steeped in quality while simultaneously providing a unique perspective on what it means to be Indian amidst the bustle of a first world nation.

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My husband Sowmithri was instrumental in ensuring that my passion for music didn’t wilt upon moving to Singapore. He both directed and supported my efforts to get involved in performances both domestically and internationally. My older son Tejas was heavily involved in the logistical planning of SSOM and zAnta having created a social media presence for both of them. Along with this, he drafted the business plan based on which zAnta operates today and continues to oversee multiple back-end operations for the firm. My in-laws too have always been very supportive in the entirety of my journey. From the time I got married, my mother-in-law (Amma) always placed importance on my pursuit of education.

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However, her love for the arts also saw her constantly encouraging me to keep that musical spark alive for which I am eternally grateful. My sincere thanks to her too though she is no more but her blessings would definitely stay.

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My educational or qualification background has little to do with what I do today. I majored in Nutrition and Dietetics at my University. In fact, I was a topper in my subject too. However, my journey to becoming who I am today truly began in Ambattur, a town in Chennai,Tamil Nadu where I was brought up in an almost stereotypical “TamBrahm” fashion involving a focus on both academia and the arts. My mother Smt. Leelavathy was instrumental in initiating my musical journey having served as my first Guru from the tender age of 5. After I got married to my absolute pillar of support in 1995, I moved to Singapore which in my eyes really shaped my career.

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Having joined the Singapore Indian Orchestra and Choir led by Mrs. Lalitha Vaidyanathan shortly after arriving in Singapore, I began to establish myself as an Indian vocalist 25 years ago and fostered relationships then which I still hold close to me today. I had my two sons in ’96 and ’01 respectively with the former having pushed harder than anyone else to establish my businesses. My younger son Surup is a well-established Carnatic violinist in both Singapore and India and has been very supportive in my musical ventures till date. 

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After having taught music in various schools and other learning institutions, I finally decided to establish the Shubharaagam School of Music in 2010. From having just a handful of students in the beginning to 100s of students island wide today, SSOM takes a unique approach towards music instruction by bringing the classes closer to the students by forming different private groups in many locations in Singapore and also  in community centers across the country since I hold the government license in these venues instead of using one physical campus that might prove to be difficult to access for some students. Teaching in community centers also gives immense satisfaction as I am able to communicate well with the society as a whole.  The goal for SSOM in the near future is to continue to follow the present trajectory of organizing quality events through collaborations with other local enterprises in the music industry. The current “Srishti series“ held by SSOM involves bringing the upcoming South-East Asian Talents in the classical Hindustani and Carnatic fray and providing them with a platform to showcase their talents to new set of audience.

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Although it is still in its infancy with 11 concerts under its belt conducted in 2019, we wish to use this concept as an avenue for more budding talents to get the recognition they deserve over the next coming years. My other new creative biz that came into being is mainly due to the passion I carried in me for many many years. In late 2019, zAnta was founded due to my love for fashion and home décor.  In fact so much was my love for the aesthetics towards this venture that a lot of thought has gone into its naming too. The name zAnta is derived from a Sanskrit word which means serene. A retreat for the body and soul, it is a peaceful place where you can escape the exhaustion of everyday life and leave rejuvenated, restored and balanced that completely defines and suits my home decor idea.

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Home décor involves procuring antiques and vintage pieces for the clients apart from the other basics. It also helps clients to do simple to major make overs depending on the requirements keeping in mind the cost factor which is very essential in any home décor projects. zAnta’s business model involves having a different theme in its fashion exclusives. My sister Mrs. Madhu Govindarajan’s expertise in Patachitra art resulted in her being the design brain for the first cycle which followed this artistic theme. With the increasing demand, zAnta felt it’s very important to have a pool of designers with multiple expertise from various fields of design and fashion. This helps to bring in versality in the designs thereby introducing variety and supply in the long run. I wish to create bespoke pieces for my clients with a unique twist involving the commissioning of paintings by Indian artists onto various textile mediums incorporating other art styles along with more abstract, modern techniques moving forward. With zAnta I really wish to establish a recognized brand in the near future while over time increasing the scope of services provided by the firm especially on the home décor front. zAnta seeks to amalgamate home décor and fashion which is a vision I wish to take to new heights in time. More importantly I seek to provide an avenue for native artists in India to get a steady stream of work thereby allowing them to not just showcase their talents but also support themselves and potentially their families as well. Learnings start very young for every human being. We learn from our surroundings, our family friends and through various other mediums. Sometimes we don’t realize how much we would have probably learnt from our dear and near ones especially parents. I very much believe today that my organizational skills and periodic planning has got a lot to do with my dad’s discipline which he had followed in maintaining throughout his life. I have never shared it with him when he was around though. The other personal lesson I have learnt in the last decade is that

 

“Establishing a successful business requires an excellent support system. Team work really does make the dream work. So never hesitate to ask for help when you need it from your family or others whom you trust.”

Also never close your ears to feedbacks especially negative ones. Ignoring them will be end of your business. Customers always have choices. So, it’s very important to get their trust and satisfaction to make them come back to you. Fostering healthy relationships with people who may or may not be in your industry has proven time and again to be a recipe for success as it often allows us to achieve symbiotic harmony. Along with this, focus is another crucial element.

“Being focused on the now, while also having a clear sense of direction really facilitates the sustainable development of a business and is something, I think any entrepreneur should keep in mind if they wish to pursue a project independently.”

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To drop in a message to Godha, check out her amazing artwork and home décor pieces on ZAnta, know more about her musical venture Shubharaagam School of Music, follow the links below:

Facebook personal profile
Facebook zAnta page
Facebook Shubharaagam School of Music page
Instagram zAnta page
Pinterest zAnta page
Godha’s trainer profile on onePA

Godha’s name and work as a music teacher has even appeared in a few newspaper articles and blog posts. You can check these out through links below:

Asia One (December 12, 2014)
Women Lines (2011)
Tabla (December 12, 2014)

 

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Of Kindness & Solidarity ~ When Women Support Each Other

Firstly, a very Happy Women’s Day to one and all reading this.

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This year, let’s learn a few things about being helpful and kind to those who have lesser than us. As one of my favorite quotes about women supporting each other goes,

‘YOU CAN ALWAYS TELL WHO THE STRONG WOMEN ARE. THEY ARE THE ONES BUILDING ONE ANOTHER UP RATHER THAN TEARING EACH ANOTHER DOWN.’

So, based on the theme of kindness, few of our #WonderWomen shared stories of how they helped a woman (or women) in need. Please note, that the objective here is to get inspired rather than to bring limelight or fame to the women who did these acts.

 

 Parini Surti

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Professor, Choreographer and stand-up comic, Parini Surti shared an experience saying, “I was visiting Udaipur a few years ago with some friends. We had stayed at a hotel which had a teenage girl as one of their staff. It hurt me to see her working like this rather than going to school. When I asked her the reason she said her parents don’t earn enough to be able to afford educating her. Though the services of this particular hotel were crappy, while checking out we decided to tip this little girl and even said to her, “Use this for going to school rather than working here.” Though I know it wasn’t much, I hoped to make her understand the value of education.”

Heena Patel

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Entrepreneur (founder of Magic Needles) Heena Patel believes in equal opportunity at work and says of kindness that, “At Magic Needles, most of my staff are women employees and I take them on irrespective of their age, caste, financial background, physical disabilities or even educational qualification. My belief has always been that, “As long as you are capable to give the expected results and provide a 100% to the work at hand, we’ll empower you and help you learn and grow.”

Anusha Sridharan

Software Engineer, Writer, Photographer & Artist, Anusha Sridharan shares not one but two incidents where her kindness made an impact in a woman’s life.

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“We all were competing to get a good rank in EAMCET. I wasn’t confident that I’ll get through as I wasn’t aware of the Entrance syllabus and I still wanted to make an attempt.

I was among one of the last few to leave the exam hall. Almost when I was about to leave, I heard security guard calling me for help. I didn’t know how to react. When I went there to help, I saw a girl was trying to jump out of the balcony. I had a hard time pulling her out of the balcony railings. I had to convince her to not worry and there’s always a way out. She tried to convince me back on how this exam was the only option for her and she lost it by leaving some of the questions unanswered to which she knew answers for. I tried to soothe her by suggesting that she could reattempt the test next year and go more prepared. To which she said that the next year onwards there would be NEET and more competition since the syllabus would be different.  I still tried to give her more hope by saying that hardwork always pays off. I even offered to talk to her parents about this. She said her parents would be very furious with how bad her exam had been. I told her that I’d walk along with her until I see her parents and talk this with them. She was profusely crying all along the way. I tried to continuously give her hopes of other alternatives. I tried to keep the conversation going by asking about her marks in her Pre-University. I tried to boost her confidence by saying that she had scored so well in her exams and she’ll be able to ace the other exams yet again if she put in all her efforts again. I left her with her parents and wished her well. I am not sure what happened next. I didn’t have a way to contact her back then. I can only hope that she is now doing well and pursuing her dreams.”

“The second incident is of my daily help. She had once asked me if I had some old toys. She wanted it for her granddaughter. I said I didn’t have any currently. I either gave them off or had kept them as memories because they were gifted to me.

I told her that I could buy a new one and gift it to her granddaughter.

She said I didn’t have to go through the pain of buying a new one and told that I could give her any old toy if I had.  I felt bad that I couldn’t do anything else for her.

The very next week me and my husband decided to get her granddaughter a new teddy bear. We got a cute golden color teddy bear and gave her the very next day.

When I gave her the teddy and told it was for her granddaughter, she fell silent. She didn’t know how to thank and yet I knew that she was happy on the inside.

And nothing else like these tiny moments could give me this immense joy.  This women’s day, let’s hope and thrive to make the world a better place by helping and being there for each other.”

 

Shraddha Mehta

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Interior Designer & Cafe Owner, Shraddha Mehta shares an incident saying, “A woman (who did not look much like a beggar) used to come to our café almost everyday at the closing time and ask for leftover food. We were more than happy to feed her but one day I noticed that she made her 3 children beg too. The reason? It was an easy source of money. So I got on her case one day making her understand that she was young enough to earn instead of begging and making her kids do the same. Somehow after a long pep talk I persuaded her to take up a cleaning job at my cafe itself. Today, she is doing a respectable job and earning enough to stop begging and send her 2 kids to school. They are pursuing their studies in a government school.”

 

Apoorva Malik

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Author and crafter, Apoorva talks about the satisfaction of giving to those in need and shares an incident, “As a craft enthusiast and a keen social worker, I organized a craft workshop for the girls of a community center nearby in my school itself wherein I taught those girls different kinds of paper cutting techniques and crafting. I realised that some of those girls had a really creative hand, all they needed was the right guidance to tap their underlying potential in this field. It was an overwhelming experience to see their eyes light up and their smiles widen as they were able to learn what they had always wanted to. This workshop was a social initiative from my end and I think no amount of money that I charge from other students could compare to the satisfaction that I received while teaching these students without charging a penny. Other than my efforts, my bestfriend too assisted me in making all the arrangements.”

 

6. Bhumika Monani

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Engineer cum author Bhumika Monani says she regularly gives to those in need. Talking about her charitable work she shared her views saying, “From a long time, I used to donate my old clothes to poor and needy girls so that they can have proper clothes to wear instead of torn and wear off rags. I don’t know how it sounds but I count it as small efforts towards helping other girls out there. Even though this might sound usual or something irrelevant, I believe that upliftment must begin from the roots and through this small gesture I hope I’m making at least a small difference.

 

Dhara Thakkar

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YouTuber, Entrepreneur and Educator Dhara Thakkar shared two heartwarming incidents around her kindness and how it changed her. She said, “In this world where money is important for everyone whether its middle class people or poor, I have came across many such females in my life whom I have helped financially, in whatever way I can. This is what I always do with all my heart and never thought to share but here I am sharing so that I can encourage others to help the needy. When I was teaching in a school we teachers used to get extra cup of teas. I used to share that extra cup with class help and she always blessed me for that. This was a very minute help I provided from my end. I remember her son was having board exams and she was crying that, her son wants to buy a pen which costs 150 and she cannot afford that costly pen. The very next day I bought her the whole packet of that pen with refills and the joy which I saw on her face was priceless. Currently I am married and the previous house help I had was very genuine. Due to some reasons she had to move back to her village and then again she was back here, but by that time we had already replaced her with a new maid. She pleaded for new work and I assured her that she would get new work at some other place. In a few months, she got the same with a higher wage than we used to pay. She was so happy that she kept on blessing me. Its been 3 years since then and still she calls us twice in a month to have a word with all of us.  These are just two incident but here I would like to spread the word that please help the needy, not for their blessings but for the humanity terms. Its a good feeling too.”

Women like them and most of us, have broken a lot of stereotypes already to make a mark for ourselves in our respective fields. However, there are many women out in world who are still struggling for basic rights. So, this Women’s Day (and in fact everyday) let’s strive to keep our hearts and minds open, and help a woman in crisis whenever you come across one. It could be something as small as aiding your maid financially to something as big as providing foster care to an orphan girl. If you haven’t yet done something like this yet, now is the time.

Together, with such acts of kindness we can make the world a better place for all of us.

When Love for Your Native Motivates You to Keep its Beauty Intact ~ A Restoration Expert Shares Her Story

Ezra Pound says,

“A real building is one on which the eye can light and stay lit.”

In our #FridayFeature blog focusing on the #WonderWomen segment, we present a woman who believes in keeping the beauty of homes and buildings intact. Meet Restoration Expert & Founder of Martins Group LLP, Devika Martins. Hailing from the land which is known for its heritage structures, Goa (in India), Devika is actively creating awareness to save parts of the Goan Architectural Heritage through her own company which she started in 2016. What motivated Devika to venture into this tough, yet exciting field and how does she manage to overcome the many challenges she comes across everyday while doing this job? Let’s find out in her own words.

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“Having grown up in the city of Goa, I was always fascinated with age-old structures. The Goan architecture and heritage was, is and will always be something I take immense pride in.

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Taking up interior designing seemed like the ideal professional route for me owing to my fascination with buildings. I studied in Florence, Italy and amassed more knowledge in the field further through a master’s degree in Interior Design and even courses in Restoration, Mortar (lime plaster) and furniture restoration.

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I also have a bachelor’s in business administration so my basics about handling business and administration matters were fine-tuned too.

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Having covered the qualification base, I ventured into the professional field and worked In Italy and Dubai for around 2.5 years. With international exposure in the education and professional fields of interior designing, I then decided it was time to come back to Goa and start my company. The goal was to keep the beautiful structural heritage of Goa intact. So, with that in mind, Martins Group LLP came into being.

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The struggle with my field of work is making people understand its importance and relevance. I try hard to inform people when restoring a property how best it can be done. Most times cement can’t be used on the structure, for the simple reason that cement doesn’t marry lime plaster (if the structure is LP of course) and will crack sooner or later. Meaning, cement and lime plaster don’t fit well, and tend to crack if used. Cement is a short fix for the structure and it will weaken in no time. 

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For laymen, this concept is hard to grasp. Also, lime is a lost art that’s getting ignored in a state like Goa. I’m trying to create some awareness to save parts of our Goan Architectural Heritage through my work.

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What motivates me to do what I do, is intense love for my state of Goa. And I’m looking to restore as much as I can. In my quest to further awareness about this, I was inspired to start a Podcast too! In fact, we have just shot our first episode and it’ll be out next week.

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Under this podcast titled ‘Coversations’, I hunt down and meet like-minded people who are doing interesting work and have settled in Goa, thereby making a difference in our community. This way we can all solidify our efforts in restoring and maintaining the charm of our native place.

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What keeps me going are the words said to me by my dear friend Wendell Rodricks, “Leave a legacy by doing work for your state, it’s something for generations to follow.”

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The plan is to continue the restoration work under Martins Group LLP and make more and more people aware about it through the podcast.

My biggest learning has been that

“It is only after travelling the world that you will learn to love and appreciate your native place.”

and I strongly believe,

“Developing a new world without disturbing the old charm is the only way to keep the history and heritage of a place alive”

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To drop in a message to Devika, check out her restoration work and follow her podcasts about Goan community and architecture, follow the links below:

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Medium
LinkedIn
TikTok
Snapchat

Devika was featured and interviewed by CCR TV’s Basil D’cunha. Her work was also featured in Sunday Midday. You can have a look at these interview and feature through links below

Devika interview by CCR TV

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Devika’s work featured in Sunday Midday

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