Biography of Prachi Selot: Founder and CEO of The Bulbul Art Studio- Entrepreneur
The Journey of Prachi Selot: From Artist to Entrepreneur
The Beginning of a Dream
Prachi Selot’s journey into entrepreneurship began with her
deep-seated passion for art. Growing up in Indore, she spent countless hours
painting and creating unique designs on bottles. This hobby, which started
simply as a creative outlet, would eventually evolve into a thriving business.
In 2016, after facing a setback in her chartered accountancy finals, Prachi
made a pivotal decision: she would pursue her dream of becoming an artist and
turn her passion into a profession.
Pursuing Education with Purpose
To enhance her skills and broaden her horizons, Prachi
enrolled at the Xavier Institute of Communications in Mumbai. Here, she pursued
a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Corporate Communications, which
would later prove invaluable in her entrepreneurial journey. Her academic
background equipped her with the necessary tools to navigate the business
world, allowing her to effectively promote her art and brand.
The Initial Investment
Despite her father's profession as a chartered accountant,
Prachi opted not to seek his financial help in starting her business. Instead,
she relied on her own savings accumulated from her articleship stipend and her
role as a visiting faculty member. This independence was crucial, as it
instilled a sense of responsibility and ownership over her venture. Her early
investments were modest, focused on the art supplies she needed to create her
designs.
Discovering Monetization
While teaching art skills to students at an NGO, Prachi
discovered the potential to monetize her creativity. The students painted
around 200 bottles, which were displayed at an exhibition, and to her delight,
every single one was sold. This experience was a turning point for Prachi; it
showed her that her art could be both appreciated and profitable, igniting her
determination to take her passion to the next level.
A Chance Encounter
Fate smiled on Prachi when she met Bollywood actor Randeep
Hooda in Mumbai. He was impressed by her bottle art and commissioned several
pieces for his apartment. His encouragement acted as a catalyst, prompting her
to set up an Instagram account to showcase her work. This platform not only
allowed her to display her creations but also connected her with potential
customers, leading to a surge in orders from friends and family.
Navigating Initial Success
As her online presence grew, Prachi began receiving
customized orders for various occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and
festivals. She devoted herself to creating one bottle a day, ensuring each
design was unique and thoughtful. This dedication paid off, as she earned a
decent income in her first year of operations, validating her decision to
pursue her passion full-time.
Expanding the Team
With increasing orders came the challenge of managing her
growing business alone. To handle the workload, Prachi hired a couple of
artists to assist her, and her team eventually expanded to five employees. This
shift allowed her to focus on client meetings and business development while
ensuring the quality and creativity of the products remained high.
Corporate Gifting Ventures
In her second year, Prachi decided to venture into corporate
gifting, which opened new doors for her business. Her first significant order
came from Wittyfeed, an online media company, which requested 100 customized
bottles for a company event. This experience not only boosted her confidence
but also marked her entry into the corporate world, where she emphasized the
importance of using recycled materials in her creations.
Challenges Along the Way
While many clients embraced her unique approach, Prachi
faced skepticism from some who preferred conventional gifts. Some viewed her
handcrafted bottles as too expensive compared to typical corporate gifts.
Nevertheless, she remained steadfast in her vision, educating clients about the
value of personalization and sustainability, gradually shifting perceptions in
her favor.
Entering Interior Design
In her third year, Prachi aimed to expand her reach into the
interior design space. She connected with interior designers and participated
in exhibitions, showcasing her designs for cafes, hotels, and homes. This foray
into interior decor opened up a new avenue for creativity and collaboration,
enriching her portfolio and broadening her client base.
Biography of Prachi Selot: Founder and CEO of The Bulbul Art Studio- Entrepreneur/Bulbul/age/net worth/investor/Prachi Selot/ The Bulbul Art Studio
Adapting to the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit, Prachi found herself in a unique
position. Working from home allowed her to focus on creativity without the
distractions of the outside world. Although corporate orders dwindled and
exhibitions were canceled, she continued her artistic endeavors and even spent
quality time with her family. The situation prompted her to innovate and create
new collections while adapting her business strategies.
Tracking Progress
Prachi's approach to business was methodical; rather than
focusing solely on profits, she kept meticulous records of the number of
bottles sold. This habit helped her assess her growth and stay motivated. Over
the years, her sales increased significantly, with her ability to create two
bottles daily, priced between one thousand and ten thousand rupees each.
The Role of Women in Business
As a female entrepreneur, Prachi recognized the challenges
that often accompany women in business. While she felt that confidence in her
ideas was paramount, she also acknowledged that being a woman could affect
perceptions in a male-dominated society. She experienced misunderstandings in
client interactions and learned the importance of maintaining professionalism,
especially in a business context.
Lessons Learned
Through her journey, Prachi faced uncomfortable situations,
such as unwanted advances from clients. These experiences taught her how to
navigate professional boundaries while ensuring that business discussions
remained on track. She developed a clear understanding of how to manage client
relationships, emphasizing that her focus was solely on the business.
A Vision for the Future
Prachi Selot's story is one of resilience, creativity, and
empowerment. She believes that the entrepreneurial journey is not just about
fame or recognition but about pursuing one's passion and making a difference.
As she continues to grow Bulbul Art Studio, she aims to inspire other aspiring
artists and entrepreneurs to follow their dreams with determination and
integrity, reinforcing the idea that hard work and authenticity can lead to
success.
A timeline of Prachi Selot’s journey from artist to
entrepreneur:
2016: After a setback in her chartered accountancy finals,
Prachi decides to pursue her passion for art full-time.
2017: Enrolls at the Xavier Institute of Communications in
Mumbai for a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Corporate
Communications.
2017: Uses her savings to invest in art supplies,
demonstrating independence and responsibility.
2018: Teaches art at an NGO, where students create 200
painted bottles, all of which are sold at an exhibition, validating her artistic
direction.
2018: Meets Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda, who commissions
her work, inspiring her to set up an Instagram account to showcase her art.
2019: Begins receiving customized orders for various
occasions, achieving a decent income in her first year.
2019: Expands her team to five artists to manage increasing
orders while focusing on business development.
2020: Ventures into corporate gifting with a significant
order from Wittyfeed, emphasizing sustainability in her products.
2020: Faces skepticism from some clients but educates them
about the value of personalized, handcrafted gifts.
2021: Expands into interior design, collaborating with
designers and participating in exhibitions for cafes and hotels.
2021: Adapts to the pandemic by working from home,
innovating new collections, and spending time with family.
2022: Continues meticulous tracking of sales, creating two
unique bottles daily, priced between ₹1,000 and ₹10,000.
2024: Navigates the challenges of being a female
entrepreneur, learning to maintain professionalism and boundaries in client
interactions.
