Tell us about yourself
From College to ‘fables’, as the name implies, it’s a long story. But one that cuts across cultures, places, diverse markets and even more diversified experiences.
In 1989 I started work as an Account Executive with Speer Communications, Bangalore (then a division of FCB Ulka). It was welcome to a world of ‘Madvertising’ in the city of my choice! Perfect. Living on my own, enjoying my dream until my parents stepped in to play their role and alter my dreams! I got married ‘at the right age’ to Rajeev and boom went Bangalore.
I was back in Delhi and soon after, believe it or not, in Moscow in 1992! Post Perestroika and a period of historical change that saw the Soviet Union / USSR crumble and Russia emerge. A period of turbulence but also of tremendous opportunity for global companies and brands. For me, it was shock and awe in a new country – hostile weather and no language skills. But once I had grasped enough conversational Russian, I went to work for Young and Rubicam (then the world’s largest agency and worked on international brands including Kraft Jacob’s Suchard, Tetrapak, LG, Danone and more.
After six years and armed with the experience of a lifetime, I moved to the shores of New Jersey, on the other side of the world. By then, my entrepreneurial streak had taken root and the US facilitated the journey. With my husband I set up ‘fables in décor’ in 2001 – and started a business of importing high-end home décor items from India into the US. The collection was niche and the segment South Western US. Within three years, we had over 250 clients from boutique owners in Aspen to Ranches in Montana. The business was exciting and the potential for growth certain.
But back home, our parents were lonely and dealing with serious health issues. Rajeev and I decided to prioritise and took the call to return to India. We understood that while the business can relocate, parents can’t. Coming home after 12 years was no small challenge but we were used to change! We settled down in Gurgaon and I decided to leverage my communications background to set up ‘fables’ in early 2007. Very soon my well-rounded experience in dealing with international clients and my ability to tell their story helped me create a niche.
Since then, fables has remained focused on providing high quality design, branding, printing and innovative corporate gift solutions to design conscious clients. Right from the start, we have been associated with some of the world’s biggest brands and companies and our clients include – PepsiCo India, The World Bank, Pernod Ricard, Akzo Nobel, Scholastic, Ranbaxy, ShopClues and Jubilant Life Sciences amongst others.
Motivated by passion and a clear mandate to produce exceptional, error-free work has helped me build fables into an agency of choice for top-notch clients. I approach my work and lead my team with a belief that our work and service must benefit our clients; only then can we hope to benefit ourselves.
Between fables and home, my husband and my two beautiful and creative daughters (21 and 13) inspire me with all the confidence and enthusiasm I need to keep the aspidistra flying.
Tell us about fables
We work with organisations across industries ranging from FMCG, life sciences, education, automotive, paints and coatings, wines and spirits to start-ups and small businesses.
Our services include design, branding and innovative corporate gifts. We produce high quality marketing collaterals and branding synergy for our clients across all visual communication – be it brochures, point-of-sale, reports, in-house magazines, presentations, websites or packaging.
Our experience extends to strategy and the ability to recommend design and production of coffee table books. Design and sourcing of innovative corporate gifts has been an area of growing importance and growth.
Tell us about your association with WeConnect.
I have been a certified WeConnect member since 2013. WeConnect, in its true spirit, has helped me connect with other women entrepreneurs, hear their stories and understand that while our paths may be different, at some level we are all connected in spirit and drive.
Why do you think women should participate in Think Big this year?
THINK BIG has gotten BIGGER and it is an opportunity for women to showcase their businesses, network smartly and expand business opportunities with their potential target customers in an important market.
Key Message: GET OUT THERE AND GET CONNECTED!
What advice do you have for women starting out on their own?
No work is too big or small. Focus on how your work can benefit your client and conduct your business with integrity.
If you could ask for one thing to help propel your business what would it be?
Business development.
What does the future hold for you?
That only the future will tell!
Website: www.fables.in
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91 9999800727
LinkedIn: in.linkedin/sonumittal
Think Big 2015: Women in Business Forum
India’s Platform for Women in Business
The third annual Think Big: Women in Business Forum will be held on 9 October 2015 at Hyatt Regency Delhi, where 400 participants, including women entrepreneurs, corporate buyers, industry mentors, investors, and media are expected to come together. Think Big 2015 will be a high profile event filled with interesting speakers, panel discussions and interactive skill-building workshops. The event presents great opportunities for business networking among investors, corporate buyers and women business owners.
For sponsorship and booths, please write to [email protected]
To register, click here http://www.meraevents.com/event/think-big-2015-women-in-business-forum
forum
This article was provided by WeAreTheCity Bangalore Committee Lead Puja Kohli.
