At just 25, Disha Saigal is a successful photographer and a restaurateur. We asked her a few questions about her entrepreneurial journey. Scroll down to know her story.
1.What made you chose the path of your entrepreneurship?
Some things, in life, you choose and some things choose you. Whilst I chose photography, the restaurant business chose me. It was my passion for photography that after college and a few specialised courses became my profession. As for ‘BaoCha’, being a restaurateur was a long term plan but the opportunity presented itself sooner than I had envisioned. It was my father who’d initiated the groundwork for the restaurant, but I took over soon after, as he focused on his primary business. Now being a photographer and a restaurateur are full-time professions, both of which I love and intend to flourish and grow in.
2.Tell us about the journey of your brand.
My namesake photography studio has been operational and in business for the past four years. I started with simple product & food photography, and slowly graduated to concept driven photo shoots and catalogue creations. For the foreseeable future, I aim to put in my best and give all my clients a 100% effort and take my brand forward.BaoCha has completed a year and has seen all seasons of trade. A restaurant business is an ever evolving mechanism that has to adapt and modify itself in accordance with consumer preferences as and when required.
BaoCha is a consumer driven restaurant, where we serve mainly Oriental cuisines. We also love innovating new dishes and make it a point to take consumer recommendations and reviews into consideration whilst planning our menu; which is why BaoCha has altered its menu three times over to incorporate various customer requests. We have also recently started a catering service, throughout Delhi and NCR, and have received plenty of positive feedback as well. We look forward to expanding in the coming year, in our catering services and with another establishment.
3.What were the challenges that you faced?
Learning the ins and outs of the restaurant world was definitely a challenge. I don’t come from a hierarchy of restaurateurs, so getting the hang of things took their own time.
Also, time management was a massive issue initially. Heading two firms, which are so diverse in their objectives can get a little hectic and confusing. But as luck would have it, this was only a preliminary glitch, one that I easily overcame as I settled into the rhythm of things.
4.What has been the turning point of your business?
Where photography is concerned, I think it was bagging the deal with Air Asia as their in-flight menu’s photographer. That really gave me the impetus to carry forward and further explore the world of photography.
Where as it was entering the field of catering and successfully delivering a few contracts, that gave us the confidence to establish BaoCha as an accomplished restaurant and catering service.
5.What are your thoughts on the current Indian market scene?
India is a goldmine of potentiality in every field. Where the restaurant business has fierce competition, it is my belief that if you serve quality and are consistent with your standards, you will sustain.
As for photography, the styles are ever evolving and India is a front runner in not only adapting and showcasing those styles but also introducing them.
6.How do you cope with work stress and pressure?
Before starting either of my businesses, I was a professional tennis player as well. Though I chose not to make tennis my permanent career, I find it works brilliantly as a stress buster. Helps me relax and focus better.
7.What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur?
As I see it, there are only advantages. Being an entrepreneur may be stressful, but all professions are. When you’re your own boss, you have a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders, but they teach you a lot as well. You have to live the life you preach in order to get others and even your own staff to take you seriously. I think that being an entrepreneur has enabled me to face life, head on.
8.Any advice/suggestion for budding entrepreneurs.
Just one – believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do.