The only element that you should be relying on to grow your business should be yourself and no other external factors. We need to realise that most of the successful thriving businesses today which are making profits in eight figures, might not have a social media account.
I joined Facebook on November 2009, during that time social media did not exist it was just Facebook and Twitter. I started my page because all my friends posted cool photos of themselves on Facebook, that’s how even I started. Moreover it was a trendy thing back then.
I would not call myself a social media freak. Even though I am an influencer, I would like to keep my life low key. In 2012, I started a Facebook page called Raedesign where I used to sell saris and customised bridal wears. It was quite famous back then that I had almost 10,000 followers in two days, it was unexpected and a big deal for me back then.
The first 5 sarees I posted sold out like hot cakes and started getting customised orders from around the globe. It kept me really busy for 2 years. There I was, a 21 years old running a successful online shop.
I was known to people because of my sister Pearle Maaney, she’s a famous anchor and actor in Kerala and now she has done a movie in Hindi so soon to be a national star.
And my dad Maaney Paul who is a renowned motivational speaker who I have only seen on stage since my childhood. So I can humbly say that I had a very easy access to fame. Which I was not expecting or probably even ready. Anyways, I channelized that fame into becoming a fashion influencer.
But it is only right to say that people chose me as an influencer rather than me saying that I wanted it. I did not know the meaning of the word influencer until recently. I did not know that it was a job and I was not aware of its possibilities and future opportunities.
I was known to people because of my sister Pearle Maaney, she’s a famous anchor and actor in Kerala and now she has done a movie in Hindi so soon to be a national star.
And my dad Maaney Paul who is a renowned motivational speaker who I have only seen on stage since my childhood. So I can humbly say that I had a very easy access to fame. Which I was not expecting or probably even ready. Anyways, I channelized that fame into becoming a fashion influencer.
But it is only right to say that people chose me as an influencer rather than me saying that I wanted it. I did not know the meaning of the word influencer until recently. I did not know that it was a job and I was not aware of its possibilities and future opportunities.
I am probably one of the earliest in this job as social media influencer is still a new generation word and I am still stuck in the old. My family still wonders why I am getting so many free products and gifts almost every day.
2. What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?
Touchwood, I have never had any challenges in my work. I love my shoot days and I end up becoming friends with my shoot crew.
Even at my Raenook business, I love talking to my clients or getting their dresses designed. It is always my passion to make everyone look beautiful. It gives me a rush and immense pleasure. Making your clients and the people you work with friends is key to successful work life.
3. What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur?
The qualities of a successful entrepreneur is being able to stay constant in a fluctuating market. We live in uncertain times where anything can happen tomorrow, a successful entrepreneur should be ready to do business whether social media exists or not.
The only element that you should be relying on to grow your business should be yourself and no other external factors. We need to realise that most of the successful thriving businesses today which are making profits in eight figures, might not have a social media account.
2. What has been your biggest challenge that you faced and how did you overcome that?
Touchwood, I have never had any challenges in my work. I love my shoot days and I end up becoming friends with my shoot crew.
Even at my Raenook business, I love talking to my clients or getting their dresses designed. It is always my passion to make everyone look beautiful. It gives me a rush and immense pleasure. Making your clients and the people you work with friends is key to successful work life.
3. What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful entrepreneur?
The qualities of a successful entrepreneur is being able to stay constant in a fluctuating market. We live in uncertain times where anything can happen tomorrow, a successful entrepreneur should be ready to do business whether social media exists or not.
The only element that you should be relying on to grow your business should be yourself and no other external factors. We need to realise that most of the successful thriving businesses today which are making profits in eight figures, might not have a social media account.
We might not even have heard their names, but they are silently enjoying their life away from all this chaos and living peacefully. We should not end up being the ones making the loudest noise with empty pockets.
Moreover find a business that you’re passionate about, a Venture that suits your lifestyle. Do market research and make sure that your audience accept you completely for your work.
4. Is it financially sustainable to be an influencer today?
Moreover find a business that you’re passionate about, a Venture that suits your lifestyle. Do market research and make sure that your audience accept you completely for your work.
4. Is it financially sustainable to be an influencer today?
Being an influencer is also a financially sustainable job. Influencers help brands increase sales and make profits, The indirectly play a huge role in sales in marketing for a brand. The charges of each influencer depends on their engagement and popularity. The Highest-paid influencer on Instagram today is Kylie Jenner who charges 1.2 million for a single post.
5. What are your tips for the first time and aspiring entrepreneurs?
For the first timers who would like to start new ventures or become an influencer or trying to be anything in todays world. What I would like to say is that you are all the pioneers of tomorrow, because we are all still figuring out what we are doing.
Social media is still a new concept for our generation. 95% of the people in this world don’t understand the term influencer. So you are paving the way and making guidelines for tomorrow’s children. So make it a good one.
6. How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?
I started Raedesign with Rs.5000 which I borrowed from my father and it was a great start. My next purchase was made from the profits I made from my last sale. So you don’t need a ton of money to start something that you’re passionate about.
6. How can one overcome a hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?
I started Raedesign with Rs.5000 which I borrowed from my father and it was a great start. My next purchase was made from the profits I made from my last sale. So you don’t need a ton of money to start something that you’re passionate about.
Always listen to the signs that you get from the universe. Try something new and if it doesn’t work maybe it is not meant for you. Learn to take a break when you are tired and not quit. And don’t try to imitate or copy another persons work. Get Inspiration from your competitors. And make it into your style.
One important thing you will learn here is that communication is key, a lot of children, women and men are looking up to you for inspiration constantly. As a role model mostly you have to give them the right information and own your identity.
One important thing you will learn here is that communication is key, a lot of children, women and men are looking up to you for inspiration constantly. As a role model mostly you have to give them the right information and own your identity.
7. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?
Take one step at a time, and don’t take shortcuts.
We might forget to make a solid foundation.
- Interviewed by - Christina Monachan
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