As a woman, I often found myself torn between various roles and responsibilities, leaving little time to nurture my passions and dreams. However, the story of Activity Corner is a testament to how I was able to reignite my creativity and find financial independence on my own terms.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world went into lockdown in 2020, I found solace in my love for calligraphy, an art form I had nurtured for around 8-9 years. With just four students, I took the leap and started an online calligraphy workshop in June 2020, sowing the seeds of what would become Activity Corner.
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A Passion-Driven Purpose
“For me, money has always been secondary.” My primary goal was to share knowledge, help others, and empower people to stand on their own feet. I wanted to unleash the creativity within, not just for myself but for other women as well, to show them that they can achieve so much with just a spark of imagination.
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The Birth of Activity Corner
I had a clear vision – to share knowledge and foster growth through engaging activities. With this in mind, I named my venture “Activity Corner” and coined the tagline “We Teach, You Learn and Grow Together.”
To get started, I created an Instagram page for Activity Corner. The first step was making a poster for an online calligraphy workshop, which I shared with friends and family to generate interest.
However, I knew that offering just one activity wouldn’t be enough. So I reached out to friends and family members who were experts in various fields like drawing, mehndi, dance, and more. Gradually, I built a team of mentors who could conduct classes in their areas of expertise.
Step-by-step, the basket of activities at Activity Corner expanded. What began as a single calligraphy workshop soon grew into a vibrant hub offering extracurricular classes and workshops across diverse domains such as drawing, dance, yoga, handwriting improvement, craft workshops, public speaking, mehndi, and calligraphy.
Activity Corner was officially launched on the auspicious occasion of Rathyatra in 2020, marking the beginning of a creative journey for students of all ages.
What Activity Corner Offers?
At Activity Corner, we offer a wide range of extracurricular classes and workshops. Our offerings include drawing, dance, yoga, handwriting improvement, craft workshops, public speaking, as well as workshops focused on various art forms like calligraphy and mehndi.
To provide a platform for students to showcase their talents, we regularly conduct live competitions for both kids and adults. We have a team of expert mentors who lead these different classes, bringing their knowledge and passion to create an engaging learning environment. Our aim is to nurture creativity, personal growth, and skill development through our diverse range of activities.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Early Challenges
Embarking on any new venture comes with its fair share of challenges, and my journey with Activity Corner was no exception. The first and foremost hurdle was simply getting started – setting up the infrastructure and laying the groundwork for this creative endeavor. However, once that initial step was taken, new obstacles arose.
Teaching online was a novel experience, and it brought with it a unique set of difficulties. While being a professor by profession, I was well-versed in the art of teaching, conducting online classes presented a different challenge altogether. Keeping students engaged and making the classes interactive and interesting through a screen was a daunting task.
Moreover, the technological aspect of online teaching added another layer of complexity. Network connectivity issues and internet disruptions often made it difficult to conduct seamless sessions, testing my patience and adaptability.
One of the biggest challenges I faced on this journey was the lack of support from my paternal family. Yet, with determination and a willingness to learn and grow, I tackled these challenges head-on. Each obstacle was an opportunity to refine my approach, enhance my skills, and ensure a better experience for my students.
A Support System of Loved Ones
Throughout my journey, I found unwavering support from my family and friends. My mother’s constant encouragement, reminding me that this venture allowed me to work from home and balance my future responsibilities, gave me the strength to persevere. “The work you are doing is the work which you can always do even staying at home as taking such classes from home itself or can open your own venture, then can work according to your time as there is no required to go out and work after marriage, as life after marriage is a completely different scenario,” she would say.
My brother’s guidance in setting up the online infrastructure and creating visually appealing posters added professionalism to my endeavors. “Do everything systematically!” he would advise me. My father’s advice to increase my reach by creating a website also played a pivotal role in expanding Activity Corner’s horizons.
My aunt (mami), cousin sister, and other aunts (masis) were my constant pillars of support. In a heartwarming gesture, they registered for my very first calligraphy workshop, not only to boost my confidence but also to show their belief in me. They paid the workshop fees, with my aunt firmly stating, “A mentor is always a mentor!” Their unwavering support and understanding that a teacher deserves respect, regardless of the relationship, meant the world to me.
One of my close person would constantly remind me, “Post something on the page, it’s been long since the last update, and give time to this venture so that it runs smoothly with good reach.”
Embracing the Power of Social Media
Instagram and Facebook were instrumental in marketing Activity Corner’s workshops and classes. These social media platforms helped us reach a wide audience and promote our offerings effectively.
Through engaging posts and content, we attracted a talented and enthusiastic group of learners. The interactive nature of social media allowed us to build a strong community of supporters.
The overwhelming positive response and support we received on social media motivated us to continue expanding our offerings and reaching more creative individuals.
Social media played a crucial role in helping Activity Corner thrive and cultivate a vibrant community united by a passion for learning.
Adapting to the Post-Pandemic World
As the world emerged from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, Activity Corner faced a new set of challenges. During the lockdown, conducting online classes was the norm, and it allowed us to reach students from far and wide. However, as situations normalized, the response to our online offerings began to dwindle.
Despite this hurdle, a dedicated group of regular students from around the globe remained steadfast in their support, continuing to attend our virtual classes. Determined to maintain this international community and keep the spirit of learning alive, I introduced a series of online competitions.
These competitions not only provided a platform for our students to showcase their talents but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and friendly rivalry, motivating them to stay engaged and actively participate in our online activities.
While adapting to the post-pandemic reality posed its own set of obstacles, the unwavering commitment of our global student base and the introduction of these competitions allowed Activity Corner to navigate the evolving landscape with resilience and innovation.
A Message of Empowerment
Through my journey with Activity Corner, I have not only found financial independence but also a sense of purpose and fulfillment. My story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions and using them to create value for others.
To all the women reading this, I have a message: “If you have a talent or a skill, don’t let it lie dormant. Pursue it, share it, and create something meaningful. You never know where it might lead you.” Follow Activity Corner’s journey on Instagram, & join us on this creative adventure and unlock your hidden talents!
Note from the Blog Owner:
I am honored to share this inspiring story with our readers. It is through such narratives that we hope to empower more women to embrace their talents, break free from societal constraints, and carve their own paths towards financial independence and personal fulfillment.
Since it’s Women’s Month, I’d love to use my platform to promote and uplift women entrepreneurs. If you have a business you’d like me to feature, please share your journey with me through DM on my Instagram.
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