Sanjana Ratnam, Founder and Designer, No-Ordinary Bride

She ain’t No-Ordinary Entrepreneur

“Selling ice to Eskimos” is an old joke denoting an impossible selling bid. However doing the Impossible is a habit which entrepreneur Sanjana Ratnam mastered when she started selling her own Western wear label in Western countries to Western audiences. After 10 years and counting Sanjana’s venture No Ordinary Bride has made an enviable mark for itself in the USA and UK. She has not only designed for some of the biggest international celebrities but her collections are also available in almost all the international high end boutiques.

We decided to bring her story to you, with her take on what it takes to succeed and what it means when an entrepreneur decides to take her own path?

Sanjana Ratnam in conversation with Shradha Sharma from YourStory

YourStory: Sanjana, you have established your name in the international fashion market with your venture No-Ordinary Bride. Give us an insight on what made this happen?

Sanjana: I wanted to design from a very early age and went to pursue design studies in the US. In a way this opened a lot of opportunities for me. While pursuing my design studies, I worked hard to understand the international market and build contacts and network there. Also worked in the US post my studies to gain hands on experience. From the start, I built differentiation in the market with our product and unique positioning – Indian hand embroidery interpreted for Western audience and taste. This was embraced by my clientele with open hands and since then there has been no looking back. Today we have a brilliant 80 member team in India and 4 in US who work with passion to continuously raise the boundary. I spend my time between India, UK and US.

YourStory: How would you define your entrepreneurial journey so far? Tell us about your lows and highs as an entrepreneur?

Sanjana: Entrepreneurship for me has been like a relationship- many highs and many heart aches. Its said a great relationship is an experience of all emotions and entrepreneurship is the same. I have enjoyed every bit of it and look forward to the journey with the same passion as when I started 10 years back.

YourStory: What excites you about No Ordinary Bride?

Sanjana: We are regularly working with young women to make their most important day very special. No Ordinary Bride believes that No Bride is Ordinary and with our collections Brides do transform themselves. Constantly innovating and raising the bar in terms of design keeps me excited.

YourStory: How would you define success in the fashion industry and how do you measure your achievements?

Sanjana: In the fashion industry it’s not the volume of sales that defines success but who wears your labels. I have been lucky that my designs have been worn by some of the big Hollywood stars, Socialites and “Fashionistas” alike. Retailing out of Renee Starauss in Beverley Hills has been one such high point. In fact Renee is doing a reality show, where 7 designers are participating and I am the only Asian designer and it’s good.

YourStory: You are the Ambassador for the “Dell Take Your Own Path” campaign. Has technology played a key role in your business and if so how?

Sanjana: Purchasing Bridal wear is an important decision for women globally. We have observed that purchase happens faster when girls come to the shop with their mothers. But with nuclear households in the US and mostly mothers and daughters staying in different cities, I realized that would be brides remained uncertain about what to buy. I thought about this problem and came up with the idea of having Video Conferencing facility in the shop. Post which we witnessed a dramatic shift in the buying behavior, girls could video conference their mothers and make them a part of the buying process. This also reduced the cost as mothers sitting in from any part of the country could be part of this very important decision of their daughters’ lives. My Dell Vostro laptop with in built videoconferencing helps me do this.

YourStory: I am sure being an entrepreneur, you must be all eager to further your horizons. What are your expansion plans?

Sanjana: I have always been interested in the South American market (Chile, Brazil etc) and hope to enter that region soon, also looking at actively positioning our new range in UK. I am also looking forward to doing a Bollywood movie. Karan Johar has brought the trend of theme based apparels into Indian cinema and I will be very happy to design for some interesting Indian projects.

YourStory: Your advice to all the upcoming fashion designers and entrepreneurs

Sanjana: It might sound clichéd but it’s important to have Self Belief to be able to achieve something. No mountain is high enough for a determined mind. Every distress can bring in an opportunity; keep your eyes and ears opened. Network with the right people and constantly try to build your edge through your products. As a fashion designer if you are able to create your differentiation, authenticity of style and approach then doors will automatically open up.

We at YourStory are super impressed with this young woman, her spark, candor and unique style which comes across as I sit with her for this interview. We wish her all the best as she continues to take the Indian design sensibilities global.

To know more about Sanjana Ratnam log on to www.dell.co.in/takeyourownpath

Dell- helping Entrepreneurs Take Their Own Path

an ostensible was designed with green mold

How to Celebrate Christmas

originated by:Anonymous, Ben Rubenstein, Zack, Sondra C (see all)

Ads by Google

Christmas Designs

Jewelry, Accessories, Decoration 100s of design ideas available
www.create-your-style.com

Article Edit Discuss View History

Christmas has become a very commercial holiday. Rushing around to buy presents, people tend to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Aside from big dinners and expensive gifts,there are other ways to celebrate that reflect the true meaning of the holiday, and give the gifts to the One whose birthday it is! And even if you aren't a Christian, you can still celebrate the season in your own way.

edit Steps

A Religious Celebration

See also: How to Celebrate a Strictly Religious Christmas

1. 1
   Reflect on the reason for Christmas by doing some research. In the Bible, you can find the Christmas story in the Gospel according to Luke, Chapters 1 and 2, as well as the Gospel according to Matthew Chapters 1 and 2. Consider reading these chapters aloud as part of your family's holiday.

   Ads by Google

   God can change your life

   Learn from this true life story How God can give you new hope
   www.LifesGreatestQuestion.com
2. 2
   Choose some activities that you and your friends or family will enjoy which fit with the meaning of Christmas and are also socially enjoyable. Consider preparing some special foods for the poor and needy, as well as giving gifts to people you know.
3. 3
   Learn some of the non-commercialized Christmas songs. There are some beautiful carols that you can sing together - maybe someone in your family or circle of friends can play the piano or guitar - if so, encourage them to play, and have a sing-along. Consider carols like "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Joy to the World," and "The First Noel." You can find the lyrics online if you don't know them.
4. 4
   Spend time with others to celebrate. Gather together at the homes of friends and family, and spend some time in fellowship with others who believe as you do during this special time.
5. 5
   Wish others a Merry Christmas. You don't have to worry that you will offend them. If they want to wish you a Happy Chanukkah, in response, thank them and wish them the same. Wishing others a Merry Christmas helps spread the cheer.
6. 6
   Give to others. Whether to your family and friends, or to others less fortunate, spend some time this Christmas in giving. We give in remembrance of the gifts of the Magi to the Savior, but at the very heart of it all, recall that we are to give because He first gave to us.
7. 7
   Spend time quietly being thankful for the gift of Jesus to the world that we celebrate on Christmas. This is the day that Christians have set aside to celebrate the beginning of the greatest gift mankind has ever received. Coming into the Christmas season with a grateful heart is essential if you really want to make the extension from Jesus's giving of His amazing gift to your giving and receiving.
8. 8
   Invite God to come and celebrate the day with you. Some people choose to do this by attending a Christmas Eve service. Some do it by sitting before the Christmas tree and silently inviting God to just be with them. However you decide to do it, for the Christian, making God a part of your day is vital.

Secular Celebration

1. 1
   Spread Cheer. When you hear Christmas songs, instead of being grumpy and resenting all of the commercialism, smile and whistle along. Being cheerful during the Christmas season really will help in spreading Christmas spirit to those around you, plus it helps you enjoy it more in the bargain.
2. 2
   Join up with friends and family. Even if you aren't a Christian, lots of people celebrate the day just because it's a national holiday and most folks get a day off work. Take advantage of this time to reconnect with friends and family, and enjoy the fellowship.
3. 3
   Create your own traditions. You don't have to engage in religious demonstrations in order to have fun Christmas traditions. Decorating a tree with Star Trek or superhero themed ornaments, or with little trains, or with Disney characters can be a part of it. Or have a movie night during which you invite friends over and serve hot apple cider and popcorn or cocoa and cookies. Show "A Christmas Story" or "The Family Stone," or any number of other non-religious themed seasonal movies.
4. 4
   Have a Sing-Along. Either have it at your home, go door to door, or go to an old folks' home and do it. Learn some Christmas or seasonal songs, and sing! It's fun, and even if your voice isn't great, hopefully, you won't be singing alone - you'll get some cover from your more talented friends! Try songs like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," "Holly Jolly Christmas," or "Silver Bells."
5. 5
   Do a Generous Work. This is in the spirit of spreading joy, kindness and beauty during the Christmas season. Maybe you can volunteer at a homeless shelter, or maybe you could help with a local toy drive or food drive for those who have less than you do.
6. 6
   Invite your friends or family over for dinner. You don't have to spend big bucks on gifts - small tokens are fine. Or just have everyone over for a nice dinner. Make it a potluck if you want to keep expenses (and workload) manageable. The important thing is just to get together with people you love and make the winter a little warmer by sharing the warmth of caring with them.
7. 7
   Avoid people who say you cannot celebrate the holiday if you are not Christian. Mention that Christmas is a national holiday in most countries (including the United States) and that that implies that everyone can celebrate. Also talk about the cheer, camaraderie, and general goodwill that goes around during this season.

7 Types of Blog Posts Which Always Seem to Get Links and Traffic

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Writing Content

Here’s a really good question: what kinds of posts should I write to get more links and traffic?

It’s a question every blogger asks themselves. I want to answer it here by outlining 7 content methods that seem to work wonders on social media while also generating a lot of grassroots in-bound links.

Can you bring these powerful post types to your own blog?

1. Resource lists. The useful list of resources requires two ingredients: time and a good eye for quality. If a resource list seems useful many readers will bookmark or vote for it on face-value alone. If your blog is struggling, a useful resource list can be an effective way to spark up your traffic and links. Here’s an example of a well-done resource list:

Productivity Toolbox: 37+ Tools for Taking Action and Getting Things Done

2. Lists of tips. Quantifiable lists of tips are really attractive to readers because they explain in just a few seconds what a visitors stands to receive in return for their attention. You see them everywhere — and that’s because they work. Here’s an example of a good list of tips:

Nine Factors to Consider When Determining Your Price

3. Good advice. A quality advice-post generally sticks to one topic and provides in-depth info on it. In order to maximize the benefits, you’ll need to provide advice people are hungry for. Avoid over-saturated topics and try to work out what your audience wants to do but doesn’t yet know how. A good advice post can bring you a lot of success. Here’s an example of one such post:

A Guide to Creating a Minimalist Home

Photo by Steve Webel.

4. Arguing a popular point of view. People like to have their world-view affirmed. If you can articulate something a lot of people agree with, those who agree with you will champion your post. Those who disagree will probably still link to you, because their response won’t make sense otherwise.

This method works best when the topic isn’t too divisive. A reader won’t abandon your blog simply because you like Facebook and they like MySpace. They might abandon ship if you argue that capital punishment is necessary and that view is something they strongly disagree with. Make sure you’re not going to lose as many readers as you gain. Here’s an example of this method done well:

Ding Dong, Digg is Dead

5. Anything with a killer headline. When others link to you, it’s usually done in the space of a paragraph or even a single sentence. Bloggers don’t want to have to spend too long explaining what a post is about. Your headline should do most of the work for them. Sometimes a really outstanding headline is all it takes to get traffic and links. Of course, you’ll receive much greater rewards if the headline is matched by a great post. Here’s an example of this method in action:

The Web 2.0 World is Skunk-Drunk on its Own Kool-Aid

6. Q&As with high profile people. Interviews with well-known bloggers always seem to get links, comments and traffic. The nice thing about this method is that the only work involved is writing questions and approaching bloggers. The success rates for getting interviews are pretty high as most bloggers love talking about themselves! Here’s a clever example of this method in action:

Bloggers Face-Off: Darren Rowse vs. Jeremy Schoemaker

7. Best-of lists. At this time of year you’ll see a lot of ‘Best of 2007′ round-ups, though best-of lists seem to work well at all times. They’re effective because people are constantly searching for the ‘best’ of everything. It’s a term that promises high quality. It also generates interest because ‘best’ is subjective — what’s best for you might be mediocre for others. Ranked lists always seem to generate links, traffic and debate. Here’s a good, recent example:

Best Blogs of 2007 That You (Maybe) Aren’t Reading

Can you think of any other types of blog posts which always seem to get links and traffic?