Scholar-Journalist of the Week: From Idea to Reality: This is how I started my business on Instagram. 

“Starting a small business is never easy, but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. This I discovered first-hand when I decided to start my own business of selling customised photo frames on Instagram,” highlighted Nishika, a student with Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC), Jalandhar, Punjab in her recently published article: From Idea to Reality: This is how I started my business on Instagram. The Apeejay student pursuing BBA is a budding entrepreneur as well, who has started her small business as an act of passion towards designing a combination of photographs. It all began when she was looking for the perfect frame to display a photo of her family. After researching, she realised that there was a gap in the market for high-quality frames at an affordable price. And so, the idea for her business was born. In addition to her passion of making various collage designs for photo frames, her hobbies include calligraphy, collage designing and listening to music. Read more of the edited interview: 

What inspired you to start your own business?

I started this small business as an act of my passion towards designing a combination of photographs. Also, I was motivated by the idea of creating something from the ground up. Initially, I did not think about it. I made this decision only a year before.

Please tell us why Instagram?

Using Instagram for business can drive brand awareness, boost sales, and build and track audience engagement in a much effective way. It’s an excellent way to find customers where they’re already spending so much time.

Also Read: From Idea to Reality: This is how I started my business on Instagram

 Do you also aim to create an offline store for selling the frames?

I don’t think of operating an offline store because this business can be done best in online mode. Moreover, online mode gives the freedom to run your business from anywhere in the world.

How are your frames unique? Which one is your bestselling frame? What other products are available besides photo frames? 

The USP of my photo frames is ‘Best quality at an affordable price.’ The best selling photo frames are ‘Customised Vintage frames.’ Beside photo frames, I offer Spotify keychains, mini photo albums and wrist watches for men and women.

What has been your month-on-month profit so far?

It’s been 8 months since I started this business. Initially, my profits were below Rs 1500/ per month, but now it has gone up to Rs 3000-4000 per month.

Where do you aspire to see your business in the coming years?

I see myself continuing to develop my creativity and skills and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and leading a successful business.

How to beat the challenges of starting a new startup?

Assimilate as much information as possible, particularly about the industry you’re entering, the customers you’re aiming for, and the competitors you’ll face. Accept your failures, learn from them, and remind yourself that there is always room for improvement and development. Maintain a positive attitude, but be prepared for anything.