If I Know What I Believe In, I Have to Follow It - Mekhala Bawsay



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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Right from my school days, I had been an above average student. My father being a doctor himself and my mother being a bank manager, academics were our main focus in life. I am a trained professional Bharatnatyam dancer and I did my Arangetram in 8th standard. 

Though it may sound all rosy, I had a hard time maintaining my weight which further led to lack of friendships and social life. But my determination got the best of the tough times.

I later went on to top the school in the 10 th grade. Topping the school and my love towards science and academics, pulled me towards dentistry. I had to work harder and as hard work pays off, I managed to get the degree with a good score.

At the young age of 23, I went on to have my own clinic. I managed and operated my clinic single handedly and successfully for 3 years. Managing my clinic at the initial phase of my career taught me a lot about managing people, marketing and other aspects of a business.

During my dental life, I modelled for various clothing and jewellery brands. I got married at the age of 24 and because of the support of my family I accelerated the drive towards mydreams.

Throughout my journey of college life and dental practice, I continued to follow my passion for fashion. My social media journey took off a year ago (2019). In the span of just a year, I collaborated with more than 200 brands.


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

Along with my medical profession, I also was a model and fashion were the way I used to express myself and relieve the stress. Soon this hobby turned into a serious profession when I started uploading my pictures on Instagram and received a positive response from the audience. 

Content creation is something I wake up to every morning with a smile on my 
face. My Instagram page is about beauty, fashion, comedy and lifestyle.


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

For me, a blogger is someone who puts out informative content on his/her website. A blogger may or may not be an influencer because if one doesn’t have a sizeable number of subscribers or readers, one doesn’t have anyone to influence, and thus, one can’t technically be called an influencer.

Whereas, when a blogger is able to influence a sizeable number of people through his/her content or by reviewing the products or services offered by various brands, the blogger can be called as an influencer.

I personally, try my best to give a personal touch to every brand I collaborate with and try to connect with my audience.


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

It depends very much on what stage of “influencing” you are in. In the initial couple of years, its not so financially sustainable due to the uncertainty of number of collaborations. 

With time and with consistent efforts, the business gets stable and then it may be financially sustainable.


5. What do you think influences consumer behaviour?

Every customer is unique and the way to influence them can be very subjective. We ourselves are customers when we collaborate with brands. There can be many factors like psychological, personal, social or cultural which can influence the behaviour of the customers. 

What I as an influencer do, is try to understand how the brand really wishes to position their products through the channel of myself. This helps me win on majority of the factors which influence the behaviour of the customers.


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

My mantra of life is to follow my heart without looking for gratification. If I know what I believe in, I have to follow it, disregarding the consequences of failing because I believe the fear of not trying is greater than the fear of failing.


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

To all my aspiring blogger friends, I know it is a tough industry to grow in. However, in order to distinguish yourself, you need to find your niche and focus totally on it. Here, consistency and determination are the keys. It is very easy to get demotivated in this field.

This is the only test you need to clear.


8. Which is your favorite book and why?

My recent favourite book is “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. It explains why some people and organizations are more innovative, more profitable and command greater loyalties from customers and employees alike. 

It is a simple and elegant book, it shows us how leaders should lead. This book fanned the flames inside me. This book can lead you to levels of excellence you never considered attainable.


Interviewed By - Vayun Sahni