Aarti Wadagbalkar, known for her exceptional acting skills and curious mind, stepped into designing sarees year and started her own label — Colourchaap. We caught up with her to find out more about it. Excerpts...
- How would you describe your journey as an actress and where did the thought of stepping into something new come from?
I have been in the field of acting for more than 13 years now. I have been working professionally as an actress from my college days but we all know the unpredictability of this field. One day there is so much to do and the next day, you end up with nothing in your hand. About two-three years ago, I had this idea of starting something new and I finally decided to implement it. That’s how Colourchaap was born.
- How would you define Colourchaap? How is it different from other brands?
Colourchaap has its own identity. Every brand has its own USP. I don’t want to do anything which the other brands around me are already doing. I don’t think it is right. The designs come organically to me. I just try to make sure that there is no repetition. Whatever you saw in the previous collections, you won’t see that in the next.
My next collection is based on Frida Kahlo, the Mexican artist. I will be launching it on July 6, her birthday. She inspires me so much and I always wanted to do a collection based on her. There are chances that people might not like this collection or they won’t be aware about who she is. I will try to share as much about her as possible and try to make people aware.
I was unsure about this whole idea at first. Will it work? What if people don’t like it? We were taking the biggest risk with this collection. In fact, I was going to cancel it at the last moment but I am so thankful to my whole team at Colourchaap for constantly believing in me and encouraging me.
- Being a celebrity, did you have it easy creating a client base for your brand?
There are a lot of factors which matter while getting clients. Colourchaap is an e-business. The orders, new launches or pitching of the clients, everything happens on social media. People follow the page and they are continuously aware of and curious about the new collections.
Actually, I must admit that it was a little easier for me to have a loyal customer base for Colourchaap because I had accessible contacts in the industry. I got amazing response in a very short period of time and I hope the future collections are also received well.
- What kept you going?
I can’t keep doing one thing for my whole life; it becomes monotonous and boring. I call myself a risk taker. I feel that is what life is about. You need to keep exploring, keep taking risks. You just can’t, and you shouldn’t, stop.
People knew me as an actress but when I went to the Kala Ghoda festival after starting my brand, they recognised me as the owner of Colourchaap and clicked pictures with me. It has become my new identity and that is motivating me.
- How do you plan on making the collection affordable?
Colourchaap has its own uniqueness and I think if the prices are a little high, it’s for that uniqueness. I know the class of people who buy from me. Every person has a different taste. Some people might find my designs to be very simple, some might think it won’t suit them while some would think it perfectly suits their style. Those who think these designs are perfect for them, will find the range affordable.
- How do you keep a balance between acting and Colourchaap?
Acting is my passion and I can’t erase that from my life but I also know that Colourchaap requires a lot of time and effort. So I am doing small projects. Daily soaps or movies consume a lot of time, the shifts are longer and the working hours are hectic.
I started working on Colourchaap with the thought that I will give it six months and once everything is on track, I will go to some other stuff, but Colourchaap is one year old now and I have been only working on it. I gave it one full year to see where it is now. From the designs to procuring the raw materials, packaging, everything is done by my husband, Ashutosh and I. Once everything falls into place, I will take up other things. It will need at least six to eight more months for that.
I am also starting a new YouTube channel, I’m into blogging and I have recently started interior designing also. People saw pictures of my house and they asked me if I would do the interior for their place. I wasn’t very sure but I did one project and now I am thinking of taking up more projects.
I feel that this is the time for me to take risks. If not now, then when? Plus, all of this is also the source of income and that also has to be considered.
- How do you plan on inculcating the new trends into Colourchaap?
I can guarantee you that there is going to be way more to Colourchaap than what you are seeing right now. There will be home decor products and accessories. I don’t want to give my customers something that is readily available in the market. I have my own zone of styling and I inculcate that in my designs. What I give to the customers is also from the same zone. I wouldn’t want to break that.
