In 2019, I quit my job to follow my passion, and set up the eco-conscious, lifestyle store www.inkahaani.com, selling unique products with endearing stories underlying each. Stories of skilled artisans, intricate craftsmanship, dying traditions and communities in need of support. Stories of goods handcrafted with loving care and respect for the planet we live in. The dream is to inspire change, make a positive contribution to the lives of both sellers and buyers.
Five months down the road, the Covid era began. I thought inkahaani was well placed to cater to the suddenly booming online market, and for a while this proved true. We saw a spike in sales of cookware and wooden toys during lockdown, understandably so. Then began a lull, as jobs were lost, purchasing power reduced and uncertainty set in. Consumers flocked to giant online stores providing unprecedented discounts.
Enough said about business; this story is not about inkahaani, it is about me and what my 2020 was like! Here I was – having quit my job on passion fueled adrenaline, facing a market lacking sorely in energy. I sat brooding in solitude – was it a mistake to jump into business? … what were my next steps? … while also trying to bring balance into my household – with one member fresh at working from home, a tiny one trying to learn and play online, and me well on my way to a doctorate in frustration.
I love being with people, my family and friends are my booster shots and lukewarm interactions with them over zoom weren’t quite the real deal. I was overcome by a feeling of helplessness for a couple of months. And then I think I just got bored of being the person I had morphed into – I had to fight, I had to get my old self back.
Early one morning, I sat with a little notebook, and listed aspects of my life I was grateful about. To my surprise, I ended up with a really long list, one that made me feel quite silly about the misery of the past few months. I created buckets of things I had to work on, I went back to my routine of waking up early, got back to eating right and working out, figured out my pain points at business and started working towards solving them. I also started consulting on Business Process Improvements (my area of corporate expertise), expanding my horizons. A lot about inkahaani is changing too – I am looking forward to a very exciting few months ahead.
In hindsight, I am glad for 2020. It taught me valuable lessons, taught me to be grateful. It also helped me recognize the strength within me, and that I can change my life for the better despite trying circumstances.
It reinstated my faith in a brighter tomorrow, for I had just encountered a bend in the road.
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Such a powerful story Sue. May you find meaningful success in all that you endeavour..
Beautifully said Suzanna, 2020 was a bend in the road, and we’ve all found a way to navigate that turn. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story.
Such a lovely and inspiring story. Thanks for sharing yours with us Suzanna.