It’s Never Too Late To Switch Careers - Inderpreet Kaur Shows Us How!

Inderpreet Kaur, a passionate Interior Designer shares her journey about pursuing her dream ambition. The hurdles she faced and the tough decisions she had to take while walking towards her childhood goal.

Here’s her story on career switch and making her goals into a reality:

1: Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey. How did it begin? Did you always wanted to be an Interior Designer?

After 13 years of a successful corporate career, I decided to quit and learn Interior designing: my childhood dream. Post, which, I went on, to pursue my entrepreneurial venture: 18, The Purple Lane. Once it came into existence, it gave me the much-needed flexibility in my work schedule and  provided me with the opportunities to accomplish my goals in the manner I desired. The greatest joy of working on my own terms was the time I could spend with my child, enjoying motherhood one step at a time.

2: How did you tell your family about your ambition? Did they have an idea about it or was it something afresh for them?

As a child, I always knew I wanted to do something creative and meaningful. I was inclined towards art and craft. I had even created a small brand called JAM & Co. combining the initials of my siblings and myself. At JAM&Co. we created greeting cards and canvasses for everyone's birthday in the family and among friends. So, my family had a fair idea about my passion.

3: Did you study Designing? Or was your formal education stream different?

After completing high school, I wanted to study architecture. However, due to limited information available in those days, I was told it contains a lot of mathematics and my mind would just freeze on the very mention of it. So, I changed my path and went ahead to study commerce. And that came like a breeze of fresh air in my life. After completing my MBA I started my journey in Operations and Project Management and did well. Later, when I decided to study interiors I actually realized that little information could be a very dangerous thing; Architecture is more of geometry and not so much of mathematics.

4: How and when did you choose your field?

My father is from Defence forces and as a kid, I changed my house every two or three years. The thrill of setting up a new home used to keep me awake and on my toes. I actively helped my mom all along to create a new home which was both warm and beautiful incorporating the local cultures of diverse India. That's where my understanding of Interior design developed. Now, when I look back, this practical experience was my first teacher.

5: Who encouraged you the most to follow your dream?

My mother. She was always happy in my involvement in setting up the new home. She always listened and encouraged me. Each one of my houses were very different from each other. I loved playing with textures and colours. My mother, would happily pass the credit to me for any appreciation our place would get.

6: How did your peers react to your decision? As a young educated woman, were you at an advantage, or disadvantage? How did you overcome hurdles at work?

When I decided to leave my corporate job, many of my peers came to me with a lot of advice to continue working. They said all sorts of things including how I will regret this decision later on in my life and shall never be able to make up for the lost time. Thankfully, for me I had my way charted ahead and today I can tell you not even once I have thought about getting back to where I left. I can’t be more happy for my career and life.

In my new career I had and still experience many hurdles. Like, where to begin the work from? Thanks to my wonderful friends and family who trusted me with their homes and gave me the needed exposure and confidence to move further. There is also an immense learning I've had from all my workers be it my plumbers, carpenters, electricians or my 3D view developer or even my timber supplier. I have always been eager and open to learning and the market at large has taught me a lot.

7: Are women better communicators and have higher empathy?

Women surely have higher empathy because, at any point in time they are multitasking due to the different roles they play- as a boss, colleague, mother, daughter, wife and more. Hence, it’s easier for them to really relate to different situations. That's an important quality that makes them highly productive at work and communication is an offset of it.

8: What do you see changing for women professionals in India? How would you encourage young women to consider writing as a viable profession?

Women today are more confident and aware of themselves and have clarity in what they are seeking. All women should give writing a try. It's a wonderful way to express yourself. I truly believe that each woman has a story to tell which can motivate many other women. So just write and share your thoughts.

9: What inspires you, as an educated urban woman?

Today each woman is an inspiration. We are all trying to find newer ways to do the same job. This makes each of us a trendsetter and thus each one of us has a story to tell the world. Having said this, I think it becomes even more important today to reach out to other women and motivate them. If women try, they can be a huge support structure for each other. Thanks to the social media our reach is infinite. My long term goals are to help many more momprenuers like me set up their work especially in my field and help them enjoy both aspects of life- being a mother and being a career woman.

10: How do you manage work and life balance? What advice would you give to other women professionals?

Setting up new businesses always takes the best of you. However, I ensure not to dilute the basic purpose of my startup. I begin my day early and at times respond to my mails even before waking up my daughter for her school.  My work takes a break once she is back and only resume work after she goes to bed. I try and take her with me for my site visits whenever possible.