How did you overcome the initial hurdles?
Who said I have overcome the hurdles? They are still very much there. It is their continuous presence that urges me to put that extra bit.
How does it feel to be you own boss? Do you have helping hands during peak seasons?
It feels great. Especially when I call myself to the corner office and give a solid thrashing to myself for being a useless, creative who is not in sync with the commercial world, who is unable to turn the critical acclaim into commercial success.
What kind of measures/steps do you take to ensure that Keeva stands apart from the other competitors?
The products that I make are aimed at creating a connection with people like me, impulsive buyers who get obsessed to possess something they like. My customers are people who detest the crass commercialization of assembly line products, of tinsels. As long as I am able to create that connect, I am happy. That is why I am extremely choosy about the places where I exhibit my products.
How has your life changed ever since Keeva was born?
Surely, Keeva has to be fed in the middle of the night, she has to be tended and looked after around the clock. It is as difficult as rearing a child. They put your entire schedule haywire, seeking and demanding attention. That way life has certainly changed for me.
Looking back, is there anything that you would have done differently?
Not a thing. I love the way God has charted my course. I thank him for giving me the talents and the courage to go ahead and use them the way I have been doing. Given a chance I will do exactly the same things, only with more vigour.
There are many amongst us who still shy away from thinking outside the box. From your experience, is there anything you would like to share with them?
It’s your life friends. You only live once. So do the things that you like, you owe it to yourself. Why think of who will think what? They will not give a fig leaf if you fail. And if you succeed you will have that many more envying you. Remember flattery can be bought but envy must be earned. So go out and earn your keep.
We love the enthusiasm in your words Manali. Thank you very much and we wish you all the best.
