Payal Shankar - One Can Learn Every Single Day While Earning off It. You Just Have to Believe In It Wholeheartedly (Digital Creator, India)

I want to be someone who is known for the best holistic choices both professionally and personally. I strive to be financially successful not necessarily rich but being content and driven is my mantra. I derive inspiration from my environment and I firmly believe it manifests to help me create content more joyfully and inspiringly. 

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Coming from a humble Army Background I have travelled extensively locally and globally too and my rich experience of Life makes me the Woman that I am today. 

 

However, what intrigued me even as a little girl was my mother’s Beautiful Benarasi Silks or the bright hues of a Bandhani. 

The minute my mother would step out, I and my sister would raid her wardrobe and pull out Beautiful dupattas and sarees and try them out. Yeah, probably my first dress rehearsal was back and there was no looking back. 

I would dream of creating outfits and would style those beautiful dupattas which my mom would get super mad about. 

 

There was no doubt that with my keen sense of fashion, would pursue it as a full-time career. She even took up a Diploma in Fashion Designing from the prestigious NIFD from New Delhi whilst pursuing her B.A in English Honors from Delhi University

 

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

I have always loved fashion and a good clean positive lifestyle so I interspersed both of them to create real-time content. 

A personal blog was a perfect choice which after 6 years of constant hard work efforts and personal growth has culminated into a website showcasing her skills and forte. 

I also advocate Curvy Fashion for women across all age groups and I am perhaps the only blogger in my city to be on the hoarding of a popular Shopping Mall. 

That is probably my biggest victory and setting an example that if I can anyone can. 

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

Well, they are definitely different. A blogger uses their words to create an impact however an Influencer chooses the brands they represent to influence a certain set of audience. 

You can be both, or one or integrate one into the other and leverage them to grow in both the niches. 

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

Yes, absolutely it is. Though there is a huge influx of content creators now as compared to earlier, yet I firmly believe if you are passionate and dedicated and have a niche, it can definitely be a financially viable career. 

5. What do you think influences consumer behaviour?

I think anything that is relatable and straight from the heart is what catches the audiences eye and influences their minds. 

The audiences of today are very aware and not someone who can be fooled into seeing pretty content and take action basis that. 

They are already conscientious and will make smart choices so if we as content creators are in sync with that, we can definitely influence positively. 

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

I want to be someone who is known for the best holistic choices both professionally and personally. I strive to be financially successful not necessarily rich but being content and driven is my mantra. 

I derive inspiration from my environment and I firmly believe it manifests to help me create content more joyfully and inspiringly. 

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

It is exactly the same way you would want to be a teacher or an accountant. The key is Perseverance, Practice and a whole lot of Passion. 

Nowadays, a lot of Digital courses are available which guide you on how to start your journey to be an influencer. One can learn every single day while earning off it. You just have to believe in it wholeheartedly. 

8. Which is your favourite book and why?

I love reading the Ikigai and The Secret over and over again. 

These two books are my favourites since I am also a practising Nichiren Buddhist so the focus on Absolute Happiness, Positivity and Taking Charge of my Life is what I imbibe from them on a daily basis. 

I also believe in the Power of Manifestations so my Life and Environment radiates exactly what I am feeling and believing in. 

Payal is a self-confessed Fashionista and People Whisperer on a journey to connect and inspire people humanistically with a dash of glam!

Instagram - Payal Shankar

Interviewed By - Paramjeet