Sanuj Gupta: Becoming an entrepreneur has been an incredible journey, filled with invaluable lessons

Tell us about yourself?

Known for my simplicity in design approach. Juxtaposes the orthogonal nature of clean lines with a luxurious mix of materials colors and texture in order to create a distinct look for each project. Graduated from Arch college of Design and Business, Jaipur in 2019. Have worked with BG associates and Sthapatya Architects, Jaipur and The Workroom, Gurugram. Have a 4 years of work experience.

What lessons has being an entrepreneur taught you?

Becoming an entrepreneur has been an incredible journey, filled with invaluable lessons that have shaped both my professional and personal growth. Has been a transformative experience that has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, persistence, creativity, leadership, time management, networking, and passion. These lessons continue to guide me on my entrepreneurial journey, shaping my approach to business and life

If you could go back in time to when you first started your business, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

If I could go back in time to when I first started my business, the piece of advice I would give myself is to embrace failure as a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of fearing failure, I would encourage myself to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Every setback is a chance to reassess, pivot if necessary, and come back stronger.

A lot of entrepreneurs find it difficult to balance their work and personal lives. How have you found that?

Finding balance as an entrepreneur requires intentional effort, self-awareness, and flexibility. By prioritizing self-care, managing time effectively, setting boundaries, and being present in the moment, I’ve been able to successfully navigate the delicate balance between work and personal life.

What is the inspiration behind your business?

The inspiration behind starting an interior design business is often deeply personal and rooted in a combination of passion, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a desire to make a positive impact through design.

What do you think is your magic sauce? What sets you apart from the competitors?

Delivering high-quality workmanship and craftsmanship is essential for building trust and credibility. By excelling in these areas and showcasing our unique talent, expertise, and values, we can set ourselves apart from competitors and establish ourselves as trusted authorities in the industry.

How have you found sales so far? Do you have any lessons you could pass on to other founders in the same market as you just starting out?

Make the time to research and understand your target audience, including their demographics, preferences, and pain points. Invest in developing a strong brand identity that reflects your unique design style, values, and personality.Networking is essential for building relationships with potential clients, industry professionals, and collaborators. Focus on providing exceptional customer service and delivering a positive experience at every touchpoint. Listen to your clients’ needs, communicate effectively, and go above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Happy clients are more likely to refer you to others and become repeat customers. By implementing these strategies and lessons, founders just starting out as interior designers can position themselves for success in a competitive market and build a thriving business over time.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far in your business, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges interior designers may face is managing client expectations and communication effectively throughout the design process. Clients may have varying preferences, budgets, timelines, and levels of involvement, which can lead to misunderstandings or dissatisfaction if not addressed properly. To overcome this challenge, we as designers should establish clear communication channels, set realistic expectations, offer guidance and expertise and address concerns promptly,

What do you consider are the main strengths of operating your business in India and the specific state you are in over other states in India?

The strengths of operating an interior design business in India, as well as specific states within the country, will depend on various factors such as market demand, competition, regulatory environment, infrastructure, and cultural context. It’s essential for interior designers to carefully evaluate these factors and tailor their business strategies to leverage the strengths and opportunities available in their chosen location.

What (if any) are some weaknesses of operating your business within India and your state?

Potential weaknesses of operating an interior design business in India, as well as specific considerations for different states within the country, may include regulatory compliance, Infrastructure challenges, Price sensitivity, Cultural diversity, Slow decision-making processes and talent retention.

If you could operate your business in another state in India rather than the State you are in, which state would it be and why?

If I were to consider operating in another state in India as an interior designer, I might consider Mumbai or Pune as it offers significant opportunities for interior designers due to its thriving real estate market, rapid urbanization, and diverse clientele. Mumbai, being the financial capital of India, attracts high-end residential and commercial projects, while Pune’s growing IT and manufacturing sectors drive demand for office and residential spaces.

India has an incredibly diverse population. How has the affected your consumer base and business?

India’s diverse population presents both opportunities and challenges for interior designers. By embracing cultural diversity, understanding varied design preferences, improving communication strategies, addressing socioeconomic disparities, and adapting to regional market dynamics, interior designers can effectively cater to the diverse needs and preferences of India’s consumer base and thrive in this dynamic and vibrant market.

Infrastructure is really important to businesses. How have you seen India’s infrastructure improve recently? Do you see new opportunities opening up?

The improvements in India’s infrastructure present numerous opportunities for interior designers to contribute to the built environment and shape the future of urban living. By staying abreast of industry trends, embracing innovation, and leveraging their design expertise, interior designers can seize these opportunities and play a pivotal role in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable spaces that enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

And finally, if people want to get involved and learn more about your business, how should they do that?

Online communities and forums, professional associations, continuing education programs, online courses and tutorials and collaboration with technology providers. By leveraging these resources and staying informed about advancements in technology, interior designers can enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and explore new opportunities to grow and innovate in the ever-evolving field of interior design.