Every year, March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day across the world to promote women’s rights and honour their achievements across the political, economic, social and cultural spheres.
This day is a reminder of the grit and determination of women all across the world.
There is no force more powerful than a woman’s determination to rise.
Every life begins with a woman. Respect and encourage every woman for what she is. Women, are always respected, loved and appreciated.
Theme for today’s International Women’s Day 2024 is…
“Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”
In Our Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Series in this Episode we are introducing before you a very dynamic and visionary woman who believes in hard work and because of her good work, she is very popular in Mumbai. Yes, we are talking about Gunjan Kishor from Mumbai, an artist at heart who dabbles in multiple creative genres
Let’s have a look at her successful journey…
Hello Mumbai News:
Hello Thank you for joining the interview with us today Could you Introduce yourself for our readers.
Hello Readers!
Gunjan Kishor
I am Gunjan Kishor from Mumbai, an artist at heart who dabbles in multiple creative genres. What started out as an exploratory hobby for a chirpy teenager has become one of the professions for me. I always wanted to do something in the field of art. Every time I practice my hobby I’m zoned into a different world. It’s like my work speaks to me and to others about the beauty that exists around. I thought of expanding my experience to the world. Hence, I like to refer to myself as a passionpreneur!
Hello Mumbai News
What Inspired to start your Business.
Gunjan Kishor
Like most women I too don multiple hats – closest to my liking being that of a mother. Motherhood helped me discover and eventually convert my love for children into a professional phonics teacher and gave wings to my creative side.
Hello Mumbai News
What Challenges have you faced as a Woman Entrepreneur and how did you overcome them.
Gunjan Kishor
Given the fact that my husband was in the Merchant Navy and was mostly sailing and us being a nuclear family setup I initially did face some turbulence in establishing myself. Anchoring my work schedule around that of my children really helped me create time, space and a mental bandwidth to pursue my passions. And the wind under my sails was my husband whose faith, support and encouragement has helped me reach where I am.
Hello Mumbai News
Tell Something about your Brand and how people can benefit from it.
Gunjan Kishor
Every piece of art speaks and tells a story! With this very philosophy I co-launched ‘Art of Felicia’ with my enthusiastic daughter- Aprajita. Felicia means happiness and our work has not only given us happiness, but it has also given many families an opportunity to try their hands at different art forms or even reach out to us to get their visions translated into art forms. Thus, we have succeeded in adding a lot of color, positivity and glamour to their home and lives. In fact we have always received positive reviews for our online and offline art workshops- from participants who were 7 years old and 60 years young.
Hello Mumbai News
Where Does your Inspiration come from.
Gunjan Kishor
Behind every successful woman, stands an even stronger woman! And luckily for me there have been 2. Any guesses? My mother and my mother-in-law!! As a child, I always saw my mother’s magical hands convert anything small and mundane into something beautiful and lively. Alongside she encouraged and guided me too to tap into my creative talents. Moving on to my post wedding days, my mother-in-law became my pillar of support. Right from helping me, giving me feedback on my work to chipping in for babysitting she was always there. In fact she encouraged me to host exhibitions and reach out to more people.
Hello Mumbai News
Do you feel that in India there are enough structures and facilities put in place to assist women to expand their Startup Journey.
Gunjan Kishor
Over the last few years, many initiatives have been taken by the central and state governments, well supported by local NGOs that have facilitated, reach collaboration and growth for artisans even in rural India. Digitizing , including in the payment domain has made creating and distributing art profitable for many.
Hello Mumbai News
How you balance your professional and personal life .& can you share some tips for women Entrepreneurs to maintain balance between work and family life
Gunjan Kishor
Having gone through the challenge myself and having found my way out, I can surely recommend that proper planning, organizing and execution are the key to success. Balancing time and energy between work and family is the mantra especially when kids are young or family calls for more time, being flexible helps. Pursuing your dreams is like driving a car sometimes you drive fast and at times you slow down; however never lose sight of your destination, your goal!
Hello Mumbai News:
What advice would you give to someone who are aspiring Women Entrepreneur
Gunjan Kishor
My advice to women entrepreneurs would be Dream big
Set a goal
Draw up a plan
Execute to your best potential and
Always remember setbacks are only stepping stones to long term success
Hello Mumbai News
What Women Inspire you.
Gunjan Kishor
Sudha Murty for channelizing her creative skills to reach out to readers across various age groups and sharing valuable life lessons through simple yet engaging stories.
Michelle Obama for the way she balanced her official duties and home commitments
Hello Mumbai New
What’is your Future plans for 2024? Where do you see yourself after 1year
Gunjan Kishor
My future plans for 2024 are:
Personal growth as an artist by exploring various art forms.
Empowering rural women achieve some level of financial independence by teaching them simple and affordable artworks
Focusing on collaboration for growth
I see myself conducting more workshops for the underprivileged ladies and empowering them.
Hello Mumbai News
What are 3Key things that you have learned as an Entrepreneur in 2023.
Gunjan Kishor
The three key things that being an entrepreneur in 2023 has taught me are:
learnt the art of delivering online workshops more effectively
balancing work and home as per the new normal setup
focusing on the growth of ‘Art of Felicia’ by taking it to a larger audience
Hello Mumbai News
Where our readers can find you and keep in touch with you..
Gunjan Kishor
Facebook handle: https://www.facebook.com/gunjan.kishor1?mibextid=uzlsIkhttps://www.facebook.com/gunjan.kishor1?mibextid=uzlsIk
Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/art.of.felicia?igsh=b2FqcXZjdHd1c2p3&utm_source=qrhttps://www.instagram.com/art.of.felicia?igsh=b2FqcXZjdHd1c2p3&utm_source=qr
Hello Mumbai News
What hurdle did you face in your business in 2023 and how did you overcome them.
Gunjan Kishor
Confinement and other restrictions on mobility made procurement of raw materials difficult:
Discovered new vendors and also started sourcing material online
Similarly physical delivering of art pieces took a hit:
Started using online Courier services more effectively
Hello Mumbai News
What’s is the USP of your Brand?
Gunjan Kishor
Personalization
Customization
Uniqueness
Hello Mumbai News
Memorable day or Moment of 2023?
Gunjan Kishor
When the envelopes/paperback making workshop conducted for the underprivileged women was well received by them and some of them have already benefited from the same financially.
Hello Mumbai News
Rapid Fire:
Gunjan Kishor
Favorite places: Kochin
Actor: George Clooney
Actress: Meryl Streep
Person: My mother/ Michelle Obama
Food: Italian
Favorite Quote: “Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” – Michelle Obama
Hello Mumbai News
What if you were given the power to change one thing from the world what would you change?
Gunjan Kishor
If I was given a chance to change one thing from the world it would be the promotion of gender equality in all aspects of life. This includes equal opportunities and career advancement and leadership roles. By achieving gender equality women and men would have equal access to resources and opportunities, leading to a more just and prosperous society for all.
