Prep up for starting up

It is easy to come up with a startup idea, but to turn talk into reality, it takes innumerable sleepless nights, hours of work and a world of planning. Here are sneak-peaks into the stories of four such Delhi entrepreneurs who made it big.

A new decade dawns upon us, and with that, gen-next is all set to get their hands dirty and build their own castles. But how do they prep for all the challenges ahead? As a part of the ongoing festival, ‘Food For Every Mood’ at the DLF Mall of India, an inspirational talk called ‘The Start-up Diaries’ was recently held. Here, renowned entrepreneurs from Delhi shared their start-up experiences to budding entrepreneurs and young minds. The evening was all about coming together to connect, ideate, support, mentor and network.

The four panellists have gone great lengths to turn their dreams into reality. Arjun Sagar Gupta, Founder of the Piano Man Jazz Club, opened a place for his friends and like-minded people to come together and enjoy two delicacies — delectable food and soothing jazz. “Time was a key factor for me. I started early and knew that if this doesn't work out, I still had the option to go back to pursue a career. One needs to plan ahead, assess all the assets and liabilities and only then think of investing his or her time and energy into something. Passion is something and taking a decision to follow your passion is a whole different thing,” he shared.    

While, artist and lawyer Bahaar Dhawan Rohtagi made it big in the art fraternity without letting go of either of her passions. She revealed, "I didn't have any prior training in art. I had a stable job where I was getting generously paid. I had no reasons to leave it except that here was a calling from the art lover inside me. But I also knew my love for law would never fade away. Thus, I decided to amalgamate both.”

Initially, Dhawan started exhibiting her solo pieces at various public spaces. She wanted to show regular people her art as she felt art was perceived as being restricted to one class of people. And then, slowly but steadily, collaborations started to happen.    

On the other hand, Sid Mathur, Director of Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality, Founder and Director of Khoya Mithai and Founder of Secret Ingredient, made it big with a mix of businesses. His sweets featured in the recent Ambani wedding. Be he gives credit to his previous job, where he acquired the required business sense.

The known face of The Filmy Owl, artist Angel Bedi, is launching a theatre company where Eastern art meets the West. She believes in collaboration and says, “If you are to collaborate with someone, there should be a mutual understanding of each other's strength.”    

There cannot be any golden rules when one thinks of starting something of their own. It depends on their plan, financial capability, dedication and patience. Even if it does not work out, one needs to realise that it’s okay. "Take your time, clench your teeth and work harder for it or move on,” they all agreed on a concluding note.