Isha Jaiswal - I Was Passionate About Creating Excel and Finance Content, Sharing My Knowledge and Helping Others (Co-Founder at Grad Me Up! & CleanTax)

For me, it was combining Excel and finance with real-life scenarios to make the content relatable.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Hello, I'm Isha Jaiswal, a Chartered Accountant with over five years of experience in the finance industry.

I started my academic journey at Calcutta Girls' High School in Kolkata, where my love for learning took root. Later, I pursued my B.Com (Honors) at Shri Shikshayatan College, earning a silver medal for my performance. During college, my interest in finance grew, shaping my path for the future.

While in college, I was also working towards my CA qualification, which I completed in January 2019. After finishing my education, I entered the finance industry and worked with well-known audit firms like Big4, Mahindra, Tata, and others. I took on various roles such as Investor Relations, Business Analyst, and Audit Consultant, gaining valuable skills along the way.

Beyond my professional journey, I've always had a passion for sharing knowledge. During my CA journey, I conducted sessions to educate underprivileged children, fueling my desire to make a positive impact and simplify complex concepts.

During the COVID period in May 2021, I decided to share my knowledge more widely by becoming a Finance and Excel Content Creator on Instagram. Through my handle @ca.ishajaiswal, I built a community eager to learn about corporate hacks, personal finance, stock market insights, financial tips, and more. Despite my busy schedule as a Chartered Accountant, I'm dedicated to regularly sharing helpful information in a simple and engaging manner.

2. When did you first decide that you wanted to create content and how did you start?

Many creators focus on personal finance for their audience, so I decided to teach people how to create wealth for the individuals who have placed their trust in me. This decision marked the beginning of my content creation journey.

Along with that my content is driven by a blend of personal passion, a commitment to education, and a desire to make a positive impact. With a background in finance and a history of sharing knowledge during my CA journey, I discovered a profound joy in simplifying complex concepts and helping others understand and navigate the world of finance and excel.

3. Is content creation a financially sustainable career? 

Absolutely, content creation can be a financially sustainable career. From my own experience, it's not just about producing videos or posts; it's about building a brand, engaging with your audience, and providing value.

When I started creating Excel and Finance content, I was passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others. Over time, my dedication to creating relatable and educational content paid off. For instance, one of my videos on Artificial Intelligence in Excel functions resonated with a lot of people and led to a significant increase in my followers. This growth opened up opportunities for brand partnerships, online courses, and webinars, which have all contributed to a steady income.

The key is to be consistent, understand your audience's needs, and keep evolving. By focusing on these aspects, content creation has not only been a fulfilling journey for me but also a sustainable and rewarding career.

4. Who is your favorite creator and why? 

My favorite creator is Rachna Ranade. Her humility despite her extensive knowledge and success is truly inspiring. Rachna's ability to simplify complex financial concepts and make them accessible to a wide audience is remarkable. She has a unique way of connecting with her viewers, fostering a genuine sense of learning and community. Her dedication to educating others and her approachable demeanor make her a role model for aspiring creators like myself.

5. How and where do you find inspiration to churn out content? 

With over five years of corporate experience, I have honed my skills in creating engaging and relevant content for my audience. My exposure to real-life scenarios, where my seniors, bosses, and colleagues often faced challenges with spreadsheets, has provided me with valuable insights. Additionally, I actively seek feedback from my audience to identify topics they find difficult. These challenges frequently inspire the content I produce, ensuring it addresses real and pressing issues.

6. What does your typical day look like?

A typical day in my life as a content creator starts early. I usually wake up around 6 AM and begin my day with some exercise, often a quick swim. This helps me clear my mind and get energized for the day ahead.

After breakfast, I plan my day by writing a to-do list. Around 10 AM, I start working on my main tasks, which could include filming a new YouTube video, writing a LinkedIn article, or creating materials for my webinars.

I take breaks to engage with my audience by responding to comments on social media, answering questions, and interacting with followers. This is one of my favorite parts of the day because it keeps me connected with the people I create content for.

After lunch and a short nap, I spend a few hours coordinating with my team to get work updates. Whether it's discussing a brand partnership or brainstorming content ideas, these interactions are vital for growth. I also use this time to research new trends in Excel and Finance to ensure my content stays fresh and relevant.

Evenings are for winding down and reflecting on the day. I review what I’ve accomplished, update my to-do list, and plan for the next day. I also make time to learn something new, whether it's reading a book or taking an online course, to stay inspired and informed.

Before bed, I like to spend quality time with my loved ones or relax with a good series. This balanced routine keeps me productive, motivated, and ready to tackle new challenges every day.

Being a creator is tough and can be mentally exhausting. You take on many roles—like writing, directing, editing, and everything in between. This often means spending 12-14 hours in front of a screen daily. It's easy to feel anxious if your content doesn't get enough views or likes. To cope, I make sure to take time for myself. No matter how late I sleep, I get up at 6:30 AM for 30 minutes of yoga and breathing exercises. I also play with my dog and avoid using my phone for the first hour of the day. My workday starts at 7:30 AM and can be very long, but I break it up with a swim or a run in the evening. This routine helps me clear my mind and recharge my creativity.

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. This book has had a positive impact on how I approach both my personal and professional life. 

What I love most about is its practicality. It breaks down the science of habit formation in a way that's easy to understand and apply. He provides actionable strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones, which I've found incredibly useful in my daily routines.

The concept of focusing on 1% improvements has been a game-changer for me. It has helped me stay consistent with my content creation and continuously strive for better quality and engagement. It emphasis on the power of small habits has also been instrumental in helping me maintain a balanced and productive lifestyle.

It isn't just a book you read once and put away; it's a guide that you can refer to again and again as you work on becoming the best version of yourself. It's definitely my go-to recommendation for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life.

8. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring creators?  

My advice to future and aspiring creators is to focus on authenticity and value. Be true to yourself and create content that genuinely reflects your passions and expertise. Identify your niche, something you are passionate about and where you can provide unique value. For me, it was combining Excel and finance with real-life scenarios to make the content relatable. 

Second, consistency is key; regularly posting quality content helps build your audience and keeps them engaged. It also demonstrates your commitment and reliability.

Third, engage with your audience by responding to comments, asking for feedback, and making them feel heard and valued. Building a community around your content is crucial for long-term success. 

Fourth, keep learning and evolving by staying updated with the latest trends and continuously improving your skills. This not only keeps your content fresh but also shows your dedication to growth.

Fifth, be patient, stay persistent, and remember why you started creating content in the first place. By focusing on these aspects, you'll not only grow as a creator but also find the journey rewarding and fulfilling.

Bio:

Isha Jaiswal is a dynamic Chartered Accountant and a visionary co-founder of two influential ventures, Grad Me Up! and CleanTax.

With over 5 years of experience in finance, Isha has transitioned from working with top-tier firms like Tata, Mahindra, and Big 4 audit firms to becoming a prominent figure in the education and taxation sectors.

As the Co-Founder of Grad Me Up!, Isha has empowered over 10,000 students by providing essential skills in finance, Excel, Power BI, and Tableau. Her innovative teaching methods and practical solutions have made complex financial and data concepts accessible and engaging.

Under her leadership, Grad Me Up! has developed a strong online presence, amassing a community of over 350K followers on Instagram, eager to learn about corporate hacks, personal finance, and more.

In addition to her educational initiatives, Isha co-founded CleanTax, a premier taxation, accounting, and legal services firm.

With over a decade of expertise, CleanTax has successfully addressed more than 6,500 client queries, filed over 3,700 GST and ITRs, and incorporated over 200 companies. Isha's commitment to high standards of integrity and innovative solutions has made CleanTax a trusted partner for clients navigating complex financial landscapes.

Isha's mission is to make finance accessible and engaging for everyone. Her dedication to sharing valuable information in a simple and engaging manner has made her a trusted mentor and advisor to many.

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Interviewed by - Adhokshaja S S
Edited by- Arunangshu Chatterjee