"The world currently needs a huge amount of personal branding which will help in internal networking and also expand our horizons and get global visibility."
Anusha Jagannath
Meet Anusha Jagannath – an engineer turned entrepreneur. Having worked in the embedded automotive domain in Bosch for 3.5 years, she gave in to her inner calling as an entrepreneur. Anusha lives in Bangalore. She is also a writer, singer and currently pursuing Bharatnatyam.
Tell us a little bit about your current projects. What exciting milestone would you like to share with our readers? (Don’t hesitate to delve into your achievements, they will inspire the audience)
Anusha Jagannath: My current venture is called Kalaashcharya. Kalaashcharya is an Indian artist directory website where we provide online portfolio and products listings of performing artists vendors and handmade products making artists. We add zero commission and directly connect them to end-users. Our registration amount is extremely nominal and we have MSME, GST, and IEC. We provide online exhibition, brand name creation, logo design, online interview of artists, digital marketing support, and also affiliation to the amazon Karigar program, so far nearly 300 artists we have advertised we also have reseller and franchise programs. We advertise about art classes, our genres include dance music painting writing soap making apparel jewelry making bag and crochet gifts and more within a year we achieved huge turnover.
Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
Anusha Jagannath: Yes. Since I am an ex-boschler I have listened to the achievements of Robert Bosch sir and have been thoroughly inspired by his work and the organization. I understand the hierarchy, work culture, and quality of products that his company gives to date. The business ethics that the company follows and all such aspects get imprinted in my mind and hence I was humbled to follow in his footsteps and create something like that.
Often leaders are asked to share the best advice they received. But let’s reverse the question. What’s the worst advice you received?
Anusha Jagannath: Not to share the innovation about my company fearing that people might copy. Well unless we tell and talk to people and clients I don’t think we can expand. I feel we should not be hesitant towards having an open mind.
Resilience is critical in critical times like the ones we are going through now. How would you define resilience?
Anusha Jagannath: This pandemic has indeed taken a stroll in the lives of millions. It was really tough for me as a startup but I didn’t stop. I think not stopping at the tough times and persevering itself can be synonymous with resilience. I gave a lot of discounts on our subscriptions and membership amounts and also reduced commission slabs so that many people can buy from our artists. Being empathic helped me.
In your opinion, what makes your company stand out from the competition?
Anusha Jagannath: Indian artists’ directory services for products are what makes my company unique and have an edge over others. Having a zero-commission model is challenging and also directly connecting artists and customers need some nerves. I feel such points help my company stand out.
Delegating is part of being a great leader, but what have you found helpful to get your managers to become valiant leaders as well?
Anusha Jagannath: My colleague Akhila Uday and I have hired a wonderful team. Akhila interviewed the candidates and they are worth the delegations. We check their potential with our exclusive interview questions and don’t hesitate to completely entrust the tasks to them. Yes, they simply inculcate the leadership qualities them as we fully trust them and groom them to become one.
What have you learned about personal branding that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
Anusha Jagannath: The world currently needs a huge amount of personal branding which will help in internal networking and also expand our horizons and get global visibility. Especially for native content creators, personal branding is a must.
How would you define “leadership”?
Anusha Jagannath: The leader is the one who works the most and inspires others to work. Apart from having In-depth knowledge and experience He/ she can be called a leader if he has the potential of listening to the opinions and strategies of his colleagues. Effective leaders communicate well, relate well as takes their organizations to greater heights.
What advice would you give to our younger readers that want to become entrepreneurs?
Anusha Jagannath: Do not chase money. Instead, strive to give quality products and services. Be benevolent and smart. Focus on growth and getting more leads. Money will come automatically.
What’s your favorite “business” quote and how has it affected your business decisions?
Anusha Jagannath: This quote is actually made by myself after I got an experience of this Amazing entrepreneurship through my startup:
“There may be one in a billionth chance that you would serve humanity through your business. But it is never futile to start one. That’s care. That’s a true entrepreneur “
This interview was originally published on ValiantCEO.
