Tanisha Handa - Put Yourself First Because Your Needs Are Non-Negotiable (Instagram Influencer With 27k Followers)

I’d say it’s not a guaranteed path to riches, but with dedication, planning, and hardwork, influencing can be a financially rewarding career path.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Hey, I’m Tanisha Handa, from Delhi. I’m a recent graduate from Delhi University with a degree in Bachelors of Commerce, which I’m all set to make my career in. Talking about my interests, poetry and writing has held my hand through thick and thin. During my teens, my inclination towards reading led me to try my hands at writing poetry and prose. Thus, I began my journey with jotting down my thoughts, sometimes online or sometimes in my visual art journal.

Although my Commerce background has nothing to do with my being passionate about writing, I took solid interest in drafting graphs and mixing it with poetry with the help of Economics and gradually people also started to join me on the journey. I conducted graph+poetry quizzes, zine and journaling workshops, launched my newsletter on Substack and even writing live on Instagram with my followers.

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

The story goes back to me being awarded for writing exemplary prose for that year’s English Homework at school, in mind that I do not remember being awarded for any extra-curricular activities. That incident became a stepping stone, and I took my first step in making my Instagram page back in 2018. 

I grew slowly, evolved my writing style numerous times, made good connections all across the globe, collaborated with brands, with similar poets, and specially experimented to the fullest. I would not say that there were only ups during this trajectory of being an Instagram poet-influencer because there were days when my creative juices would give up on me or either the ‘numbers’ would overpower my passion of writing. But, I also guess, it’s all a part of life. 

My writing page is not just another writing or poetry page, it is a girl’s most honest thoughts, a girl who could also consume other’s ‘content’ but chose otherwise, a girl who has her childhood self still sitting on her shoulders, a girl whose poetry sometimes also influences people to start writing for themselves. In simple terms, this is my digital diary; my home, and everyone who give love to this small page are my little family.

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

My mantra in life is to believe in yourself even when some days you might think otherwise. Put yourself first because your needs are non-negotiable. Success is all about luck and hard work but at the same moment not forget about consistency and the striving approach towards life. 

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

Running my poetry page has been a rewarding experience for me, I got this opportunity to put my art forward and I consider myself lucky for that. Becoming a social media influencer was never on my mind, it happened as I paced forward in my writing journey. 

And to be honest, I still would regard myself as a creator, I will forever be an art girly, with my mind, my body, and my soul. But for any artist, do not forget to embrace your blank canvas days as much as your “oh I’m in my full creative swing” days. 

Yet, if I’m sharing my tips about being a social media influencer or creator, is to never stop creating, never not experiment with your styles, build a community that you can call ‘yours’, push yourself beyond the sky, paint your own destiny, and keep being you. 

5. What are your tips for first-time and aspiring writers?

In my opinion, start small and be adaptable. Test your ideas, learn from your mistakes, and be willing to pivot if required. Do not be afraid of changes, instead see changes as ‘evolution’ and stay motivated. And, yes read a lot, because that is what will give you the inspiration to write. 

Speaking from personal know-how, your creativity tap DOES run out of creativity, which can go up for months. Sometimes, closing your eyes, feeling the breeze, and remembering all those faces on a busy street get you to feel inspired. Reach out to inspiration yourself, and I bet you will be perplexed to find it in the most random places.

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

I’d say it’s not a guaranteed path to riches, but with dedication, planning, and hardwork, influencing can be a financially rewarding career path.

Bio

This is Tanisha Handa. She is a content creator and influencer.

Interviewed by - Ashmeet Kaur

Edited by- Arunangshu Chatterjee