Sumi Thomas is a media professional-turned-entrepreneur, who is founding partner of DropCap Media, a pioneer in New Age content solutions. A professional writer and editor, Sumi Thomas worked with The Week magazine for five years before venturing into business. Her firm, DropCap Media, provides customised content solutions in the fields of print, online and social media to corporate houses as well as media behemoths like the The Times Group, Malayala Manorama and India Today, among others. SHEROES in conversation with Sumi -
Tell us more about yourself
I am a writer-entrepreneur, based in Cochin. I spent my childhood in the idyllic city of Salalah, in Oman. My parents were working there, and my sister and I studied there till class 10, after which we moved to India. India was a revelation for me, in more ways than one. I had all the naivete of an NRI kid, and I took a fair amount of ribbing in the first couple of years when I relocated. But I have come to greatly value the freedom (of choice, movement, thought, of cultural and philosophical diversity) that my country offers.
I have a degree in English Language and Literature, and a PG Diploma in Journalism.
I first worked as a website content developer (long before this was a fashionable occupation), before joining The Week in 2002. I was on the editorial desk, working there till 2007.
What was your inspiration behind starting up DropCap Media?
DropCap Media was born at a time when the social media revolution was just making inroads in the country. At that time, I was freelancing for many national newspapers and magazines, as well as doing some voiceovers... generally, the whole freelancer gig, picking up whatever interesting came my way. It was a fun, though unpredictable, life back then.
At that point, I began doing keyword blogging for a company with a lot of US-based clients. I used to blog regularly before that as well, but that was just me airing my thoughts via my laptop. This project got me thinking about brands using the digital platform, and how they can leverage it to great use. I did a lot of research and reading up before I decided to set up DropCap Media formally.
My husband is a chartered accountant, and he invested the seed capital. Later, my good friend Sreedevi Jayaprakash started working with DropCap. I found that she had a head for all things social media, and soon, she joined as Partner and Chief Editor.
Work life balance, how do you manage it all?
Like we all know, it's not an easy scenario. I have a great support system, from my husband who stands by me wholeheartedly and is great at sharing household chores (especially kiddo duty), to my parents who live nearby and look after my toddler while I am at work, and friends who pitch in with food on my craziest days and generally, keep the laughter flowing in my life.
Actually, when we say work-life balance, we seem to imply that work is somehow apart from 'life'. For me personally, it's not. DropCap Media is as much a part of my life as my family, my friends and my books. Going to office and working with friends keeps me happy and motivated. Yes, there are challenges involved, the challenges of everyday life... but like the people of yore used to say, 'where there's a will, there's a way'.
An advice you will give to someone starting a career in brand communication?
Understanding your client and what they are hoping to achieve is paramount. It's your job to create the perfect voice for your client; so ask as many questions as you need and get as much info as possible before getting started on planning and strategizing.
A message to all SHEORES out there.
Every woman has a SHERO in her. Most often, we are so busy 'managing' our lives that we forget to 'live' it. Live in the moment, make time every day for your passion, and practice gratitude.