Meet Priya Kumar- A Mompreneur With Creative Flair
I met Priya Kumar in a Facebook group, when I was all new and naive. I was a damsel in distress, and she came to my rescue like a knight in shining armour. (Or, something to the same effect)
Her priceless advice helped a lot in shaping my career. She has been with me throughout my journey, and I am glad to have known her for the last five years and counting. Touchwood. (No jinxing)
It is tricky to interview people you admire a lot. It is even more difficult when they are your friend.
Priya has been my friend, mentor, guide, and motivator.
She is my third feature in the #WomenWhoInspire series.
So, how is she an inspiration?
Well, for starters she began her career journey when most people think it was impossible to restart.
She was 36 when she tried her hands at content writing. And aced it! She has worked with premium brands like Mahaveers, Bosch India, The Foto Perfect, Bliss Tree USA, Kankatala, Singhanias, Prashanti Sarees, Coimbatore Jewellery, Homes by Kikkli, Rajmahal, Sitaram Jewellers, and Eastern Arts Museum.
Her story has been featured in the multi-author book titled “In The Trenches- Hilarious Tales of Parenting Gone Awry”.
When she’s not writing, you can find her digital scrapbooking.
I got a chance to interview her. Here are the excerpts.
1. When did you start your professional journey? What inspired you to make the transition?
My profession was a beautiful accident. I was browsing through FB and came across a job post in a women’s group. It was posted by a digital marketer who was keen to recruit moms for an opportunity in her organization and required someone who loved writing. As I carried an ardent love for English from my childhood, I contacted her on a whim. She shared a saree photo and asked me to write a creative caption for it. I did and my sample made the cut was among the 200+ samples they received from fellow moms. This was back in 2017. I still work with them and enjoy a flexible schedule and financial freedom. So, to answer the second part of your question, the transition happened on its own.
When Priya is not writing, she's exploring her digital scrapbooking skills...
2. Has it been difficult being your own boss? What are the pros and cons of working on your own?
I am someone without big ambitions! I am happy to tell that with pride as I think that this trait is keeping me grounded till date. I go with the flow and take life as it comes. At the same time, the traits of punctuality and honesty inculcated in me by my teachers and mom make me keep my deadlines and promises, whatever it takes. I only accept projects that I love. So, being my own boss is not too difficult. The pros of working on my own are that I love the work culture! No one controls me and as a born procrastinator, I can have a blast (when deadlines are not hanging like a Damocles sword, that is.) The cons are dealing with difficult clients and maintaining my cool when a client comes with yet another ‘urgent requirement.’ Urgent requirements are the bane of my life as creative writing is not like instant food.
3. Do you think society is ready to adopt the culture of remote working?
Yes, society is ready. Who doesn’t love to sit in the comfort of their home (with frequent coffee and snacking breaks) and enjoy financial freedom too? But, about 50% of them love their comforts too much to be equally dedicated and passionate about their work. Unless this changes, most cannot shine at remote jobs.
A super short story written and illustrated by multi-talented Priya for her daughter
4. What is the most difficult part of freelancing?
The most difficult part for me is applying for projects with the confidence that they would be happy to accept my rates! Apparently, 80% of the clients online have worked with ‘expert writers’ who charge just 50-60 paisa per word. So, I am mostly informed that I am charging too much. I know the worth of my work, and advise them to retain such wonderful writers, rain or shine!!
5. How do you position yourself?
I am a creative writer with an ardent love for conversations. So, I position myself as a storyteller who believes in the magic of words
6. How did your family and friends react to your accomplishments? Was it easy to convince them you have finally arrived?
I don’t know for sure, but when I post my accomplishments online, the enthusiastic comments I receive from friends and family warm my heart. Even offline, I can say with confidence that the respect I receive has gone up a notch! This profession has given me so much happiness and contentment, that I have stopped seeking acknowledgment from others. My mom believes that I have arrived, and that is truly a crown-worthy thing for me.
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