Ruchi Doshi is a MBA graduate and an associate consultant with an IT Firm. She has always been an avid reader and a creative artist. Her business is based out of India where she works with day to day objects, photographing the nitty gritties, capturing essential motivational messages in her artwork, and tells a story with her images. She creates intriguing art out of mundane objects and has an innovative and lovely mind. Read our interview with the lovely Ruchi below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
During the last semester of my MBA degree, I was depressed and had severe anxiety issues. I had dug myself into a corner and only came out for my basic needs such as to eat or bathe. Then one day as I was looking out of my window, taking pity on myself and all my misery, I saw a little dog running around, kids playing football and a beautiful sunset. It struck me that the best way of creating memories is by capturing and captioning them. I decided then that I would start capturing these moments and caption them with a few words. It started as a side project, but I soon realized that others needed this kind of motivation in order to keep going as well. They needed someone to help bring out the fun aspects in life. And that is when I realized that my art could be turned into business.
Tell us about your business.
At Storyteller, we try to bring to you the best daily dose of motivation and photo art that you can relate to and specialize in woodwork.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
For giveaways or personalized wood art, just send me a quick mail at storytellerquotes7@gmail.com.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
I recently won a kindle for my winning entry with the ScribbledStories and BankBazaar. 5 of my tales have been published in an app called Pixtory. But the biggest accomplishment I must say is my customer’s appreciation and gratitude towards my art. I feel very loved when a customer gets back to me saying that they really loved the kind of finesse I brought to their products.
Where is your business based?
My business is currently based out of Pune, India. We’re trying to reach all corners of the country and God willing, we’ll take it up internationally! Wish us luck.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Loads of trips in and around the city. For resources, inventory, setting up online pages for the business and stuff like that. We had to tap into the market and understand what customers wanted. Also digital marketing and advertising, sometimes the customers don’t know what they want so we show them what we offer.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Online marketing has played a vital role in connecting with customers. Instagram and WhatsApp have been direct channels to reach a wider audience for us. Currently we’re looking for funding from investors and we’ll soon be building a website to showcase the range of innovative, artistic and colorful products we offer.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
The biggest challenge was to work my full time job then go home and attend to my business. Another challenge has been meeting my customer’s needs on a tight budget.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I worked on the weekends to expand my Storyteller business. Also my customer’s happiness is more important to me that the monetary aspect so I try to keep the customer happy.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I’ll quote one of my own sayings here, “I believe in a lot of things including MYSELF”. It has been difficult and at times frustrating, but I feel the need to keep going and that indeed is very rewarding.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
We’re tapping into a market that is very new so there are few competitors for now. The quote-photo combo and wood art is quite new. You can see the pictures at www.facebook.com/pg/StorytellerQuotes7/shop.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Keep going, keep motivating, keep accepting the truths of life, forgive and move on. The only competition you have to outgrow is yourself.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
You are different. You are a leader. You are risking everything to be where you are. The clouds will clear up and the path will shine. Be patient and live in the moment. Enjoy the journey.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
WhatsApp, Instagram, Pixlr, PicArt.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @storyteller_quotes
Twitter @ruchidoshi92
Facebook www.facebook.com/StorytellerQuotes7
Email storytellerquotes7@gmail.com
Hashtags #randomthoughts #storyteller #storyteller_quotes
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
All the good ones by TerriblyTinyTales. I’m a fan!
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Trying to take the business online, making maximum impressions and a lot of happy customers. Currently looking for some funding.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
Lots and lots of happy customers. I would love to hear how my art has impacted someone’s life and because of my quotes, they were successful and didn’t give up.