At BrilliantRead Media, our aim is to bring to our community some of the unique and compelling stories from the start-up ecosystem. As part of this endeavour, we invited yet another passionate entrepreneur Ahana Sarkar for an exclusive interview with us. Ahana is an experienced Entrepreneur, Editor, Content Marketing Consultant and a trained Dancer. She is the Founder of Penning Down. Let’s learn more about her inspirational journey and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Ahana:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a women entrepreneur, please;
Well, to start with, I completed my schooling from The Assembly of God Church School, Kolkata, (till Class X) and then The Future Foundation School (XI and XII). After completing my schooling, I got through one of the famous universities in the country, and that’s Jadavpur University, Kolkata.
Subsequently, I completed my graduation, post-graduation and M.Phil. from the same university. I hold an M.Phil. degree in Linguistics and currently pursuing doctoral studies (PhD) from Bankura University (West Bengal). I also possess an intense training of 14 years in Odissi, one of the oldest and most graceful dance forms of India, and a 3-year training in Bharatnatyam.
I am also a post-graduate diploma holder in Odissi Dance, and Rabindra Nritya (Nritya Visharad) from Pracheen Kala Kendra, Chandigarh. I also completed till green belt in Karate (Shotokan), but unfortunately couldn’t pursue it further, as my instructor shifted to Japan. Also though, acting was never on my wish list, I got the chance to do a couple of advertisements for renowned brands, and also worked in an acclaimed Bengali movie, named ‘Barun Babur Bandhu’.”
Coming back to my studies, I never considered myself to be a brilliant student and the aim was never to secure a rank and become a top scorer in the class. However, as a student, my emphasis was always on learning and increasing practical knowledge. I used to fare well in exams and used to be amongst the first 10-12 students in class.
Even though my schooling was at two of the most reputed English medium schools, my love for the vernacular language and interest towards Bengali Literature directed me towards an unconventional career choice. Although my aim was to pursue English Honors and had also got through 2-3 good colleges, I chose to study Bengali Literature at one of the top universities in Bengal and subsequently completed my masters from there as well.
By then, I was academically oriented and wanted to pursue higher studies. I appeared for M.Phil. Entrance examinations and cracked it. While pursuing M.Phil. In Linguistics, I developed a keen interest in language studies, semiotics, and a part of cognitive science.
It was after submitting my final M.Phil. The thesis that I realized my admiration for higher academics. I started preparing for PhD admission and interviews. During this phase, I used to work as a content writer myself with a startup firm. Eventually, my interest and enthusiasm towards the field pushed me towards learning the art of content editing, keyword placement, keyword search, and many other technical aspects.
However, quite like my friends, I was also preparing myself to walk the traditional path, and subsequently took up a teacher’s job in a school. I worked as a teacher for almost 1.5 years, and that’s the time when I realized that perhaps I am not meant for a typical 9-5 gig. I loved teaching and still do so. Even till this day, I offer online lectures to some of my students, however, I didn’t enjoy the ‘job’ of a teacher.”
Every individual takes time to discover himself/herself, and I am no exception. It was a winter evening and I still remember the memorable phone call I had with my mentor-guide-brother. Mr Avishek Singh. He made me realize that there are numerous who look for jobs, and there are few people who generate those jobs, and I belong to the latter group. My actual journey as an individual started from that particular day. It was an exciting journey where I rediscovered myself, my passion, my goals, my capabilities, and my strengths. The best part of this journey had been my ability to respect myself and build confidence in my actions.
Thus Penning Down came into being, and initially, it was just me, my bedroom, and my laptop. Yes, the start had been that meagre. I started off with little expectations and short dreams. However, the first step of courage was to get an office for Penning Down on 26th January 2019.”
I still remember we didn’t have a nicely-made, spacious washroom when we started off and today, in its 2nd year penning Down not just has a strength of 10-11 people, but a spacious, comfortable, and cosy washroom for its members.
This year, we have also taken a new initiative in the form of video content creation, named ‘Penning Down Digital’. In the process of creating video contents, right from scripting, pre-production to the actual shoot, and post-production, we are taking care of all of it, and within a short while, video content launch and optimization will also start. We are currently working on the genre of sketch videos and very soon plan to expand to other areas too.
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
As I said, it is important to generate jobs and create opportunities in the market. Because of my culturally rich background (Perhaps, Bengalis have that intrinsically! Just Kidding!), I was always into the process of creation.
I felt nothing can be better than entrepreneurship to express your creativity in a constructive manner.”
‘Penning Down’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving with the help of your startup?
Penning Down is a content writing and development startup based in Kolkata. We create well-curated and well-researched contents for websites, blog sites, and article directories. With Penning Down Digital, we had ventured into video content production, and also plan to venture into ad making and video content publishing soon.
I think, in this age of cut-throat business, content production, advertising, and marketing are the main pillars of success for any brand. So, it goes without saying that we are serving brands in ways more than one.
During this COVID-19 crisis, what are the measures you have undertaken to continue your business without disruption?
Being a startup, it was difficult for us to survive during Covid, but somehow we managed to sail through. Thanks to all my clients, who are more like mentors for keeping their trust and faith in us.
~ Our business model consists of a lean team which is not at all resource-heavy and has minimal overheads.
~ The freelancer model ensures each and every work can be handled remotely, where we don’t need to do physical meetings.
~ The majority of aspects of the business is online to ensure automation as much as possible.
What are the business mantras you have embraced as you sought to establish your success story?
Getting the right opportunity and performing to the best of your capability when you get that.
To get that opportunity, I present myself as a brand. I prepare myself to give in my best shot at each and every opportunity that comes my way.
How do you manage yourself and keep on going despite the challenges? What drives you?
I always try to make sure that I empower the right people for the right work. This way I do not feel overburdened with work that leads to stress. In my free time (which I usually don’t get!), I try to read, take a walk, spend time with my family, listen to good music, watch a good movie, and also work on my PhD thesis.
I would say that I get motivated seeing my parents work tirelessly in their respective fields. My father has his own business and my mother is a very beautiful and sincere homemaker. I have seen them manage their arenas so beautifully, and I think that drives me to go on despite all the challenges.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned building your startup?
Well, the first most important lesson I learnt is ‘PATIENCE’. An entrepreneur’s life is never hunky-dory and there are new challenges every day. You have to be prepared to handle them patiently and eventually emerge as a winner.
The second crucial aspect is: STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE’. I was one of those individuals who always wanted to stay in her own comfort zone and disliked any change that could disrupt that. However, entrepreneurship in the form of Penning Down, taught me to embrace change, innovate, and create new opportunities out of that.
Lastly, ‘SELF-RESPECT and CONFIDENCE’. You are born for greater things and it is you who has to continuously believe in this notion. There would be innumerable situations to put you down, and I have faced plenty of them, but PD has somehow kept me afloat and re-installed the faith in me, that perhaps, ‘I CAN.’
Please share with us – what has worked well for you so far?
Penning Down has always worked with a client-first approach. Since we work in the content writing and content development arena, it is quite imperative to understand the significance of swift content creation and prompt deliveries. High SEO rankings can generate huge leads for a company which can eventually turn into potential customers, and that’s where stupendous contents are needed. So, our job is very serious and we do it with utmost dignity.
Personally, I believe in extending prompt assistance to my clients, no matter which hour of the day it is. Perhaps, that’s the reason, my esteemed clients consider me to be a part of their official family and an indelible TEAM MEMBER, rather than just a vendor or associate agency. Quite evidently, that has worked in favour of Penning Down.
Given the rapid pace at which the world is changing, what are the leadership traits that are necessary for success?
The first thing that matters is that you have to be a ‘leader’ and not a ‘BOSS’. Being a leader and having the patience, approach, and courage to grow along with a team is what sets you apart. And what you have to keep in mind is a leader needs to put the ‘TEAM’ before him/her.”
It’s important to understand that ‘growth generation’ should be the prime goal in this regard. Even startups can create growth opportunities for people who deserve and are worth it. So, patience, the urge to fight back every critical situation, and the courage to walk an unconventional path is what you need to make a mark as an entrepreneur.
In your opinion, what is more necessary: An idea or a good team for a successful startup?
In my opinion, it should be a mix of both. You just cannot go ahead with an idea jotted down on a piece of paper without like-minded people working on it.
To be successful, you should team up with people who share your vision behind the idea and you also need to hire the right people for the right position so that it gets implemented in a proper way.
I would also like to make a special mention about my clients in this regard. My association with them is not just a typical business relationship. They add value to my life, my organization, and are more like my mentors.
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
I love my work, at times my friends even call me a workaholic. Anything you do in life you have to have a passion for and should not feel like work.
I enjoy the challenges that come along with work, and you can say, the ‘urge to make a difference is what keeps me motivated. Also, completing your doctoral studies and managing a startup.
We would love to know your advice for all those starting out as an aspiring women entrepreneur?
First of all, think of yourself as an ‘aspiring individual’, and not an ‘aspiring woman’. That’s where equality begins. Secondly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and see them as an opportunity to learn.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
