Anandita Gupta worked for some of India's popular lifestyle magazines before choosing to embark on her own entrepreneurial journey. She founded Indieicons with the aim of profiling and showcasing the various talented people of India. India does have its fair share of talented young people across genres. What made her leave the security of a regular job and embark on her own journey? Let's read on to find out.
At the end of the day, it's all about what fuels your passion!
How did the idea of Indieicons come about and what does your business focus on?
Having been a journalist [Features Editor] with India's top-notch lifestyle glossies like Femina, Savvy, Society, India Today, Kingfisher & HT, Indian Express & Tribune for about 8 years, I always felt the urge to do my own thing. Eventually, I realized that I had a deep passion for interacting with people and was quite good at branding, PR and marketing along with writing - which is my real forte. So in 2013, the concept of Indieicons & IndieIconsMedia was born.
Indieicons is a yellow, quirky website, that celebrates young talent from accross India. We are constantly on the lookout for bright young achievers--CEOs, Writers, Designers, Artists, Chefs, Actors, Singers, Motivational speakers and anyone having an interesting/unique venture/product/service. We profile these achievers, and at my media house IndieIcons Media, we also take care of promotional activities via customized & curated events, PR, Branding & Photoshoot services on a shoe-string budget!
I never stop dreaming & evolving. Buoyed by the success ZaPalooza Chandigarh Edition, a groovy fashion, arts & music festival organized by Indieicons in association with Mumbai-based Windmills, I'm now introducing IN VOGUE by IndieIcons Media; a series of Pop-up Bazaars in Goa & Chandigarh, that seeks to bring the most innovative & out-of-the-box brands & products directly in contact with the enthusiastic, discerning shopper. In Vogue by IndieIcons Media will be a monthly pop-up bazaar, starting from 16th May at Chandigarh.
What are the greatest challenges you face at the workplace?
Right now, the biggest challenge is sourcing a team of equally passionate people who share my vision. My vision is to transform IndieIcons into India's coolest digital office space, where a team of 100 enthusiastic associates ( from all nooks & corners of India) get's to work in a fun yet very driven environ!
Would you attribute any of your challenges to being a woman? What are your thoughts on this?
I think the challenges all young entrepreneurs face are similar & not gender specific. However, it goes without saying that being a woman, there's always an added pressure to prove yourself, juggle domestic responsibilities with professional commitments. I feel people in many parts of India are still not evolved enough to take a working woman seriously. They feel a woman works only for her passion or as a hobby. Whereas a woman entrepreneur today is equally driven & aggressive enough to make her venture a financial success, just as a man is!
If you could change the way Corporate India perceives it's women workforce, what would you change?
Considering the Indian scenario, corporates should be sensitive to the needs of all employees, especially towards women, who are still not perceived as bread-earners and so have domestic liabilities. Flexi-work hours & work from home can go a long way in ensuring maximum output from women.
Any words of advice for fellow SHEROES out there?
Wear your hearts on your sleeves & go for your dreams. Take the entrepreneurial plunge! Never give up on your inner calling for anything or anyone in life. You can only keep everyone happy if you're happy and fulfilled within!