"To Become Successful or the One We Dream to Be, Honesty Is an Inevitable Component, Associated With a Lot of Struggle" - Sukanya Sarkar.

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am Sukanya Sarkar from Kolkata and presently a student of B.A.(Hons.) in English Literature. Well, it has been almost 4 years now that I am on this platform. This journey, full of ups and downs, is something I cherish from the bottom of my heart.

2. What led you to start your page on Instagram and what is it about?

Initially, I started using Instagram like everyone does in general; like posting pictures and all. But as time proceeded, people began to appreciate my posts, comment on my pictures. Eventually and gradually, I ended up receiving DMs regarding collaborations, Brand offers. Most importantly, a viewers’ base was automatically generated over the period of time who really kept appreciating me for the way I am. 

I have been always keen to do something different, something on my own, and something where I can be accepted the way I am, not the way people want me to be. So I thought my personal page on Instagram to be converted into the Creator one; and that’s how all of this came into the scene. And yes, by God’s grace, here I am today, being a Lifestyle Influencer.

3. How would you distinguish the term blogger from an influencer?

Well, a blogger is someone who writes on their blog with respect to the domain they are into. Meanwhile, an Influencer is in general based on popular social media platforms, where a large audience base is present. For an Influencer, the post type hardly matters; what matters the most is the way it can have an impact on the viewers’ base, in a positive way. For instance, speaking about my scenario, I come up with static posts, including video posts at times, with captions for my viewers to understand what the post is all about.

4. Is it financially sustainable to be an influencer today?

Honestly speaking, it actually varies. Many times, We don’t get paid the amount We deserve. On the other hand, there are companies or agencies that actually offer well. But initially, We need to work really harder every day to turn out to be the one We aspire to be. We ascend the professional ladder, it becomes more sustainable.

5. What do you think influences consumer behavior?

Yeah, it does actually. People always desire authentic reviews before going with any particular product. We, as Influencers, provide the same in our respective domains. Apart from that, We actually let people aware of various products and brand offerings. We eventually get a lot of responses both in the comments and DMs, related to the respective posts or products. So We can claim that Influencers these days can have an impact on consumer behavior.

6. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?

To become successful or the one We dream to be, honesty is an inevitable component, associated with a lot of struggle. Without struggle, our learning curve may come to an end, and without learning We can’t keep going for long, right? After all, learning is part of growing up.

Another mantra, from my experience, will always be consistent. Irrespective of the ups and downs, one needs to be consistent enough. In a nutshell, perseverance is another key component or mantra to be acknowledged or successful.

7. How can someone become a successful social media influencer?

One should stick to their respective niche or domain they are working in. Summing up the pivotal components to become a successful social media influencer, these are Honesty, Struggle, Consistency, and Perseverance.

8. Which is your favorite book and why?

There are a lot actually. But one of my all-time favorites is ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama. As this is basically a memoir and that too from such an elegant and inspiring personality, the book actually comes up with her journey, which is nothing but a gradual process, mixed up with struggles and perseverance.

Ma’am’s journey eventually keeps me realizing how We can conquer our aspirations and become the one We always want to be. Lastly, I would like to quote a very insightful and thought-provoking idea from the book: “If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.

Interviewed by - Rajit Shubra Ghosh.