"Art work gives me happiness and satisfaction since it is not a job but hobby" - Sayali Maitrani

Want to become a writer at Eat My News? Here is an opportunity to join the Board of Young Leaders Program by Eat My News. Click here to know more: ​ bit.ly/boardofyoungleaders

1. Tell us more about your company and your journey.

Hello everyone, I am Sayali Maitrani. I am a freelancer Mehendi Artist for the last 5 years, named as 'SAYALI MENENDI ARTIST'. I have my own page on Instagram @sayali_maitrani.I also have my own page on Google My Business. I also deal with customers by Whatsapp, Facebook, personal calling, etc.

My journey started after completing my SSC and I started practicing on this art. It was my hobby and I was not looking at it from any business point of view or any source of income. But later on people recognized my talent and skills and started encouraging me to go further in this profession, so I improvised my skill and took guidance from other experts in this field. And this is how I started my business as mehndi artist. I have taken more than 1500 orders in past 5 years and my turnover is around 30-50thousand per year. I have met various people having various culture and it helps me to know different types of people behaviour as well as it helps me to improve my knowledge and also to expand my business. Till now I had an opportunity to work with different people from different states like Rajasthan, Pune, Delhi, Karnataka etc. I also got an opportunity to go to Dubai last year for mehendi order but because of my studies, I was unable to do so.

2. How did you come up with this idea and go about executing it? 

With the suggestion and support of family, friends and relatives, I made my hobby into business. From my childhood my parents would advice me to get into extra activities which would help me in my future and not just for career sake but for the sake of talent. This art work gives me happiness and satisfaction since it is not a job but hobby.

3. What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?

Yes, challenges are a part of life and one has to overcome it. My biggest challenge was handling my profession with my studies. I could share some experience on this, one day I got an offer from new Delhi Mehendi Contest for 4 days but I had college so my parents didn't allow me. But I am handling both studies and my profession by using time management techniques. To deal with people having different culture is also challenging for me since it is not easy to identify there level of living and there expectations. I also have to deal with everyone's availability as per their timings and convenience according to time management strategies.

4. What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur?

Currently I am a small freelancer, but I would say if anyone wants to start any new business dedication is very important as well as the confidence about our ability and willingness is a must, as well as we have to stick to our decision to go further for better future. Main important factor to expand and to become a successful entrepreneur is family support, positive attitude and strong financial and mental background etc.

5. What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?

Yes, I think time management is very important for successful business as well as we have to follow proper process to be perfect as well as some strategies and tactics for expansion. On other side we must have decision making power, effective communication skill etc.

6. What are your tips for first time and aspiring entrepreneurs?

Manage time effectively, learn to identify people and their way of thinking, expand your network as much as you can, select the role model, keep gaining more knowledge about your profession.

7. How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting ups?

Yes I am not talking about only my start up but also about every profession. I think, first we have to create our whole business model, our requirements, etc. and we should always remember that more investments isn’t always better for startup. The best option for funding your business is using your own savings or borrow from your family and friends. After arranging funds we have to stick to our plans and spend wisely.

- Sayali Maitrani

Interview by - Mayuresh Sangale