What’s your usual work day like?
I work every day of the week, I try and set up my meetings in mornings, when my son is in school. After that I try not to hold any meetings or workshops so that I can spend time with my son. When there is a workshop on a particular day, I finish my chores, pack the car with everything I need for the workshop, and drive to the venue. I set up the place, conduct the workshop, and come back home to bond with my family. So, I try and make time for everything that is important to me.
What about your little one, does he like attending the workshops?
I often take my son with me to the workshops, unless it clashes with his meal times or sleep times. The clash is the reason I quit full time teaching, because I used to carry a lot of work back home with me. My four-year old often contributes to our rehearsals and scripts; in fact every time we’re creating something for a new activity, he joins us. I actually used two demons drawn by him, as a part of our set recently.
How do you promote your workshops across Bangalore?
Well, we work hand in glove with the collaborators, so together we promote the events by mails and text messages. We have created our own database, and we keep adding new profiles to it. Sometimes we even put up posters around the area or in schools, especially when we are part of a bigger event. And then, there is always word of mouth publicity and the Facebook page.
Where do you see yourself and the club in the next five years?
Well, I think the club will still be there, but it will include a whole new look and theme. It might not be a story-telling club anymore. It would be something else. I might get into publishing original stories for children. There is never a dearth of children’s books, after all.
Thank you, Vaishali, for joining us at IndusLadies, we wish you all the best.
