As part of our endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from India and around the world, we invited Ajaay Srinivaas for an exclusive interview with us to understand more about his promising entrepreneurial journey so far. He is the Founder of Nuance Studio. Let’s learn more about his story, background and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Ajaay:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as an entrepreneur, please;
I did my schooling in The East-West School, Bangalore and bachelors in Jain College. The excitement in my life started when I first designed my college logo in PU for BHS college.
I felt a strong connection to design and hence set my first step towards design by taking up an advanced diploma course in multimedia. I can say it was one of the best decisions I have taken in my life. The 2nd best one was when I chose my life partner! Lol! I Have had the best times when I have had something to do with design.
As an intern, I worked as a graphic designer in an ad agency and was appreciated for my thoughts and ideas. Very soon, I was freelancing as a graphic designer through word of mouth connections and I was amazed to see the money I could make for myself.
This supported me to be financially independent very early in my life. In fact, I was financially independent from class 9, as I was teaching Calligraphy to other students for a small fee.
Then came an era of being serious in life and doing something serious to settle down. Not believing in myself, I got into a business that I am not built for and there started my mundane life. Struggling to work in an area which is not of my interest, I was only dragging myself for years.
While I was waiting for a change and a reason to pivot, I stumbled on this amazing idea of custom crafting high-end and luxury products in an unusual material like concrete which involved design and creativity. I was excited to take up the new challenge, but with a lot of fear if I was doing the right thing. The fun that turned into passion was so strong that it didn’t matter to me anymore if my decision was the right one.
Fortunately, I made it the right one and it set the beginning of Nuance Studio.
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
Dwelling from a business and manufacturing family, I have grown admiring my family members who have achieved soaring heights not just financially but also given back a lot to society.
They have been my godfathers and well-wishers who have always guided me in the right direction. Looking at their achievements, I have always fancied starting something from scratch and embracing the journey of hardship, failures, challenges and success! It not only helps you grow financially but helps you grow as a responsible person.
I have always wished to be a self-made man and only hold myself responsible for my failures and success.
Building a team, setting goals, generating employment, shaping a company is not for the faint-hearted. Hence, I choose to be an entrepreneur rather than a corporate career.
‘Nuance Studio’ 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
Nuance (Noo aans) means ‘finer details’. Dealing with a material that is so raw, imperfect and not known to have any finesse, we started manufacturing products with such materials and incorporating all the above-mentioned qualities in it. That’s how we introduced the Luxury Side of Concrete.
It’s raw but well finished. We make sure that our designs and products are meticulously detailed and well finished – we have an eye for finer details. Hence the name “Nuance Studio”.
During this COVID-19 crisis, what are the measures you have undertaken to continue your business without disruption?
Our products are mainly used in HNI residences, hospitality projects and corporate projects. All of these projects were badly affected during Covid and lockdown.
We are proud of the team we have nurtured and built over the years. The team members have changed roles as required, helped team members and worked remotely, yet effectively. Our focus was more on marketing and brand building.
Activities such as educational webinars and zoom meetings for groups of designers, promotions of ad campaigns on social media were conducted regularly. Everyone had time to learn and upgrade themselves, so we seized this opportunity. All of these efforts are showing results once the market is opening up.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Challenges are a part of life and business. A team can handle the challenges in business with ease if they are capable. We take pride in stating that we have not only built an amazing product but a great team.
They work together and with each other’s unique skill set pooled in, they handle challenges with ease. They all have the same driving force – Passion and Growth!
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
I am blessed with great achievers in my family and the same people being my godfathers.
My cousin brothers Ashok and Harsha who have achieved so much in their entrepreneurial career, yet so humble and down to earth. They motivate me to do more and not to lose my foothold. They remind me that there is so much more to be achieved.
My uncle Jaidhar is again a great achiever and has built his life with abundance in all aspects and has a mastermind to strategize and tackle situations like a pro. He motivates me to think better and dream bigger.
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
My passion is my job! That’s the best part. I utterly enjoy what I do and it never bores me. New designs, new creations, new developments, new conversations, new possibilities, a lot of appreciation for our work.
Always keeps me engrossed. I love what I do. With so much excitement, I am sure anyone would be positive and motivated at all times.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
1) Accepting & Learning
2) Responsibility for my actions
3) Being a good Leader
4) Being Resourceful
5) Curiosity
6) Positive Attitude
7) Taking a leap of Faith with consistent actions and belief
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.
