Shagun Verma lost her loving father at a tender age. At an age when her peers are enjoying a carefree life, she has done what not many youngsters would dare to do. That too at a time when business ventures are finding it hard to sustain as the Coronavirus pandemic raises its ugly head. Not only has Shagun Verma taken the lead in launching her own startup, she has got all talking about prevention from Corona in a short span, giving her brainchild – Madhouse wings. A resident of Lucknow’s Thakurganj she has fast caught the fancy of the younger generation who are looking forward to trendy masks in the times of Corona. Many medical shops have been asking for her customized masks for which they have already placed orders. Starting low she has priced her designer masks at a humble Rs 100. If someone orders four masks then he or she is getting an offer of Rs 299 for four. Shagun lives by the adage that if you are talented then you are bound to find your way out. Running on faith and confidence this young girl aims at shattering the glass ceiling some day. Among the favourites are those which have emojis or the ones that represent the favourite series online. Celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Salman Khan, Anushka Sharma and Shahrukh Khan are a raging hit. Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Captain America, Game of thrones are trending among her buyers. Online games like PUBG, Call of Duty are selling like hotcakes. For the fairer sex, floral designs are the next big thing. Children and social media users makeup a major chunk of her loyal customers. With punchlines and specially customized personalized mask, the 23 year old is quite a talk of the town now. She had special masks for the Eid occasion as well. 400 plus masks have been delivered till now. For Shagun, her business partners are her mother and others in the family. Carving a niche for herself, she makes customized masks as per the demand of the person. Whle masks seem to be the flavour of the day, she will cater to a diverse genre of accessories like Mugs, T – Shirts, cushions, key rings, Bottles and stylized caps. Not just home delivery but her masks and other items will be delivered in shops in the Thakurganj vicinity and beyond as per request. Shagun speaks to us to decode the Madhouse factor in her life. EXCERPTS….
Tell us something about yourself?
My name is Shagun Verma. I am 23 years old. I am in the final semester of pursuing my Master’s degree in Advertising & Marketing from Amity University Lucknow. I have also done a Bachelor’s in Journalism & Mass Communication. I have a keen interest in Marketing and Social Media Management and Public Relations.
How has the lockdown phase been for you?
Being the eldest born child in the family it is my responsibility to start earning soon to make a living for my family. Initially, at the beginning of the lockdown, I was worried about my final semester exams, will I get a job, placements, etc. There are so many people who are losing jobs during the pandemic and the future also seems hazy in the service sector. All these thoughts kept me occupied with worries and stress. Not moving out of the house for so many days was also a lot more depressing for someone who keeps herself busy in all kinds of activities in college.
So where does one start when it comes to the idea of MadHouse germinating?
So having no plans becomes the best plan sometimes. I had probably planned for seeking a job in the PR sector and never had any plans for a business. But during this lockdown when the future seemed hazy because so many people were losing their jobs, salary slashes, and all miseries around, I decided to do something of my own. I then thought of the idea of personalized gifting solutions where we could send custom gifts to our friends and family. I did some research about the machinery and cost requirements, and managing to gain some courage I talked to my mom and uncle ( mama) about it who found it to be a good idea and that If I set up this during lockdown I can deliver it to people celebrating quarantine birthdays and anniversary. Then further I planned to focus it on customized face masks which is a new concept, my friend Aman helped me a lot in reaching it out to people and then people started liking it and become a successful idea.
How do you ensure quality at a time when any lacunae may be a no-no, owing to a viral pandemic?
Especially talking about the masks, we ensure that we have our masks & gloves on will making & packing the masks, well-sanitized platform while printing the masks and also to make sure that the masks are delivered properly we use Swiggy Genie’s contactless delivery ensuring safe delivery. We also insist on cashless payments for our products to reduce the risks of transmission of germs and viruses.
What is the sustainability strategy for the long run?
I am planning to expand the business in other cities post lockdown and also to introduce and launch a website and app for our customer’s ease. I am working towards providing our customers with more products portfolio and variations to fulfill all their requirements.
How do you see the competition in the market?
There is increased competition in the mask segment, especially during this period. The main idea is to provide the best quality to our target audience than our competitors in the market. Price is an essential component and competitive pricing becomes more important to make sure that the customer doesn’t switch.
Your biggest weakness, strength, and threat?
The biggest strength is my family and their support for me. Talking I terms of the business in the coming time everything is uncertain and cannot be predicted that what’s going to happen next and that can become a possible threat/opportunity for everyone, not just me.
An inspiration who egged you to enter the entrepreneurial ring? And why do you think he or she was such an influence?
I was never a person who would enter into business and that too at the start of my career at least. It happened with just a random thought that why not try this and all of a sudden sharing the thought with my family, my mother has been my inspiration who always supports my stupid thoughts and ideas without discouraging me that I might fail or I am too young to do this. My mom has brought me up and my sister all alone after my father left for his heavenly abode. She is a really strong woman and has helped me and my sister become like her.
Is it just the customized masks or is there a bigger plan in the long haul?
Madhouse is not just selling masks it provides customized printed gifting solutions to its customers. It provides customized Mugs, T-shirts, Chusions, Bottles, Keyrings. I am looking forward to expanding this to customized corporate gifting & stationary for the purpose of branding on a large scale. For this, I would be needing financial help (loan from the government scheme where they are helping the startups to grow) to expand my business.
How does a professional degree in Media and Mass Communication arm you for your current stint?
My degree in the field of Media and communication and Marketing doesn’t teach me simple formulas that x into y would bring ou so and so result. It has helped gain knowledge about the art of understanding people and the market, the art of speaking, and persuasion. It deals with so many fields and is open up to so many career paths that one becomes a jack of all trades. In this very professional environment companies want to hire someone who has not just one skill but many, someone who is a complete package, and this degree makes you one.
What is the gurumantra for the next generation who want to launch a venture instead of getting into the usual rut of a 9 to 5 job?
You are only one step away to make a difference. Take your leap. Targeting the right people at the right time is always essential in any business.
Does Shagun Verma have sleepless nights over that question that businessmen and women often have – What Next?
Yes, I do and I think this should never end as it keeps one motivated towards their goal and it also ensures that one keeps working with the same spirit and consistency throughout. The market is dynamic in nature and the thought of What Next is essential to keep your work growing, developing, and changing with the changing time.
How supportive is the family?
My family is super supportive. My mother (Ruchi Verma), my sister (Devanshi Verma), and my Uncle (Hitesh Verma) is my initial team who are helping me out in the business both physically, mentally, and financially. Their trust in me is the most important thing which gives me the courage to take steps and decisions and they make me believe that I have their back no matter what ups and downs I might face.
The main goal for the next half a decade?
To work hard in reaching our target audience. Vigorous marketing on online platforms. Developing my App and Website. Reducing my costs to provide products at affordable rates.
Your thoughts on your alma mater?
Amity School of Communications holds a very special place in my life. My HOI Dr. Sanjay Mohan Johri sir and my Faculties have helped and supported me a lot in becoming who I am today. They have always encouraged me in taking up decisions. I have learned leadership skills from working and managing events at my university. They have made me confident enough to voice my opinions. All this has helped me in shaping my personality and developing my knowledge in the field of marketing, media, and public relations.
Last question, money, fame, or serving through masks? Take your pick?
I want to make a living for my family and also to make my mother proud of her daughter.
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