International Women’s Day ’24: Debunking myths and learning what it takes to be a woman in business with Ruchi Saraf
What has been your greatest accomplishment at work till date?
I've been bringing Art based workshops in full force since 2018 and I'm glad I could coin the term "Paint Bar" in Kanpur for the first time. Today almost no intimate occasion is sans some art thrown in. People today demand some activity in the kitties, birthdays etc. and are genuinely opening up to learn or rekindle an old hobby. To change the way how people are choosing to use their time constructively is so gratifying. I have witnessed nearly 1500+ such moments of people from age 2 to 75.
Arts and craft have traditionally been seen as a hobby for girls. How do you see that changing today?
It's as absurd as thinking it's a woman's job to cook but most if not all the chefs at workplaces are men. Yes, a stereotype does exist, but when a child is 3 and we announce a workshop, it's just a child, not a boy child or a girl child. Till they're little, parents just look at it as an Art class, but the sooner they grow, unknowingly also starts the conditioning and stereotype of subjecting children to gender based hobbies. Today girls are sprinting horses and boys are making canvases look stunning. The onus is on us as parents and mentors to absolutely dilute these lines. Case in point is one of my very popular Valentines special Paint Bar that we did where couples were painting away till 2am in the morning, mind you, the girls gave up but boys/men were so engrossed like there's no tomorrow!
While starting out, did you ever feel being taken lightly for being a woman in business? (Specifically by an outsider you must have worked with.)
Of yes and I still do! They do believe in the creative genius that a woman brings but somehow there's a big prejudice that women can't talk money/business. I have instances where people are reluctant to take instructions from me and if we lose our cool on site, it's like women get nervous and angry. But perseverance wins above all odds. If you're firm and reasonable soon everyone around knows that here, work needs to be done.
Planning an event requires multitasking and women are said to be great at it. Where do you think they get it from?
Multitasking and more. I personally don't believe or advocate the concept of being a superwoman at all. I feel one should not give in the temptations of being a juggler. Hustler, yes! A hustler multitasks and brings smashing numbers on the table. I believe in my case, it came naturally to me by seeing all females in my family working till date. When you're raised in an environment where lines between bread making and bread winning are blur, you tend to be a go getter anyway!
What is that one piece of advice you would give to a young girl who has a knack for event planning?
I'll suggest just 2 things. A: Kill it with authenticity, don't get tempted and trap yourself in the cut-copy-paste rut. That's a solid way to lose respect for you and your job. The old saying of quality over quantity will never fail you. B: No age, no time, no dream, no Idea in life is ridiculous.
Share a message of inspiration for all women.
There are times when we find ourselves in the darkest, deepest pit. That exactly is your point of liberation. Make sure you don't miss that in your sulking. Cry, cry hard, but whenever you decide to show up after that, make sure it's the greatest show of all time!
