Leaders

The interior designing industry has seen a major evolution over concepts and methods since the conventional days. With the world becoming a smaller place each day, the heart of the space holds a larger perspective and it's not a mere `room' that the customer looks at, when designed. People soak in the energy of the space and deliver results, their happiness and peace is directly proportional to the space they live in. a stong analogy being if we design a rom as a hospital room and same room if converted to a Puja room, the energy of both are entirely different.

Rimjhiim Charaan is the COO at 100Krafts, a leading lifestyle interior designing platform. In an exclusive interview with us, she takes us through her story behind the company.

Give us a brief overview of 100Krafts.

At 100Krafts we follow a unique customer-centric model that places the customer in the center and the entire process revolves round his requirements. This gives us an edge over our contemporaries in the industry. We intend to sell an `experience' more than the service, so that the customer wakes up to a magical experience every sunny day for many years of his/her stay in the house.

We try to change the mindset of people that is still stuck with false notions of the industry such as cost escalations and conventional methods. The team of experts at 100Krafts have a combined experience of 50 years and bring much creativity and competence to the table. From given budget requirements to the best customer handling, the team prioritizes each of the customer needs and co-ordinates with them through the entire process, pre-approving every step. Much thoughtfulness goes into the theme as we intend the best of client's lifestyle and personality. We make sure that every time the customer looks at our work, he feels proud to have hired us!

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience. What motivated you towards 100Krafts?

I have had a good educational background that nourishes me each day at the present as well. After passing with good grades from DPS, I decided to take up Economic Honors at DU. I got married after college and then settled down in Cyprus, Europe with my husband. I did my MBA there and got an opportunity to study with students from 26 different Nationalities, me being the only Indian in the classroom. This enhanced my knowledge and opened me to the world. After MBA, I set my foot into the industry and gained a lot of experience in marketing, finance and CRM.

I came back to India in 2008 and took a short break to raise my daughters while settling down in Pune. My school friend Ravi, also the founder of 100krafts motivated me to explore the interior designing industry and my natural instinct towards beauty and creativity immediately connected me to it. My husband Nitin and family supported me in this new journey. My past industry experience and skill sets also helped me being successful in my role as the COO and taking 100Krafts to new heights.

Tell us about the various roles & responsibilities your current role entails at 100Krafts

As the COO, I have to take care of the company's finances and business operations. I also engage into HR activities like hiring fresh talent into the team. It takes a lot to build a brand and the strategies have to be functional and in line with the broader agenda. My job is to create systems and make them run and I am hands on, in what I do.

“100krafts intend to sell an "experience" more than the service, so that the customer wakes up to a magical experience every sunny day in the house” day for many years of his/her stay in the house”

Throw some light on your leadership mantra. Also, how do you keep yourself aligned with the ever-evolving trends?

My leadership mantra is - being available, to problems, processes and customers. The industry that I work in, is rather a service-based industry than a product based one and demands a certain dependability over related factors. Thus, I make sure that the timelines are met, keeping all dynamics in place. As a leader, I keep my team on their toes. I act as their trainer, mentor and their tormenter as and when needed, since a team is the major asset of the company and its performance can raise concerns for the brand. I keep my team and myself updated with the recent industry trends through social media, magazines and you-tube. I also keep consistent with various business tools and execution strategies taking place in the industry. Both me and the CEO of the company have conducted several corporate training programs for the company to keep meeting the quality standards in service and deliverables.

Given the time-consuming nature of your role, how do you strike a balance between your work and personal life?

I have always been inspired by my mother, who was a working lady herself. I learned the importance of self-care from her. Being a women, multitasking is our strongest forte. I utilise my spare time into productive purposes and I strongly believe that whatever can be delegated, should be. I have built my personal and professional life in such a manner that they beautifully compliment each other. Besides, I have a very supportive family.

What would your words of advice be for young girls and women aspiring to become business leaders?

I would particularly advise them first to not settle for anything less than what they truly deserve.

Secondly, build strong support system of caring helping hands. Multitasking is draining and one needs dependable people. We can multitask in thinking however we should not live in the illusion that we can also execute multiple activites. so learn art of letting go and art of delegation.

Thirdly, women are the role models as well as the representatives of their family and a business woman becomes the torch holder for the brand as well. So Always work on your skills and creativity. Do not get trapped in high emotions and small talks.

Lastly, stronger women can be intimidating sometimes so that can certainly be a challenge! Leser people may approve and like you however take it in your stance and you definitely do not have to prove your metal and impress to everyone. The life's purpose is to do the karma keeping the dharma upholded.

Rimjhiim Charaan, COO, 100krafts

Women are the role models as well as the representatives of their family and a business woman becomes the torch holder for the brand as well. So Always work on your skills and creativity. Do not get trapped in high emotions and small talks.