Get work on grounds of merit, not gender-sympathy

Today, we have two broad businesses — corporate packaging under the brand Ingenious Packaging and special occasion/social stationery/gifting products under the brand name Eternal Grace. Our 18,000 sq/ft factory houses a complete screen printing set up besides full-fledged facilities required for manufacture of packaging and social stationery. Screen printing is an integral part of our packaging business.

I think in printing you need to get orders on grounds of pure merit (quality, creativity, innovation, delivery, pricing) and not on the basis of gender-sympathy. Because in printing/packaging, you have to prove your true capabilities; you have to deliver quality products with competitive price, you have to be committed to delivery. You have to be innovative, always.

I was extremely lucky because most of our customers approached me and not the other way round. Often customers come to us and say that they liked our work and would like to work with us. Once you know what you are doing, people can see your true capabilities; your work speaks for itself.

I am in office for about five to six hours a day. I am involved in strategic business development — what customer/industry segment to be focused. I have a creative bent; I can visualise what our customers would want. I guide my team on the creative part, be it Diwali gifts, Rakhi boxes, etc.

In terms of print business I think it is 90% joy and 10% stress. I never envisioned being in printing/packaging industry. We started off about eight years ago, and we are growing from strength to strength. I feel grateful that I get to pursue my passion and use my creativity.

Spare time activities: Singing is my pastime. I have had training in light music. I do yoga for fitness.

(Vani Raheja is the MD of Ingenious Appliances and Packaging, Gurgaon.)