Interview taken by Vikram Kumar

Q1. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your educational background and professional experience ?

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Rabinarayan Sahoo, and I am from Dhenkanal. I come from a close-knit family of six, including my parents and three siblings. Growing up in such an environment taught me the values of responsibility, teamwork, and respect from a very young age. My father worked as a hotel driver, and his dedication inspired me to value hard work and perseverance. My mother managed our household with great care and strength and continues to be a constant source of motivation in my life. I completed my schooling at Sogar High School in 2011. I now have over ten years of experience in wedding photography, where I have developed strong technical skills along with a creative vision. I am always eager to learn, grow, and deliver quality work in every opportunity I take on.

Q2. Can you briefly describe your business journey ?

My professional journey began at a cyber café, where I worked for two years and learned basic computer skills, technical knowledge, and customer handling. Later, I worked as a supervisor in a construction company, which helped me gain experience in team management, coordination, and leadership. Alongside my job, I gradually developed an interest in photography. What started as a hobby soon became my passion. In 2016, I joined Aashu Graphics, where I learned professional photography skills and worked on various projects.

Q3. What motivated you to start your own business?

My biggest motivation was my love for photography. Working with a camera allowed me to express creativity and tell stories through images. As my passion grew, I realized I wanted to build something of my own. Starting my own business gave me creative freedom, independence, and the opportunity to turn my passion into a meaningful career.

Q4. What were some of the major challenges you faced in your journey to the top?

One of my biggest challenges was balancing family responsibilities while building my career. Supporting my family while learning photography required significant effort and sacrifice. Starting a business with limited resources in a competitive industry was another major challenge. Building trust, upgrading skills, and managing finances were difficult in the early stages. However, patience, hard work, and strong family support helped me overcome these obstacles.

Q5. Can you share a significant failure or setback and the lessons learned?

A major setback occurred when I entered the market without sufficient financial backup, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown. After completing an event, the sudden lockdown delayed client payments, while I still had to pay my team and equipment advances. This taught me the importance of financial planning and risk management. Since then, I maintain emergency funds, manage cash flow carefully, and structure client payments properly. This experience made me more disciplined and prepared as a business owner.

Q6. How do you stay updated on industry trends and innovations?

I regularly follow leading photographers and brands on social media to understand current trends and client preferences. I also attend workshops, watch tutorials, and take online courses to enhance my skills. Keeping up with new camera equipment, editing software, and client feedback helps me continuously improve and deliver better results.

Q7. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

Respect the work you choose and take full responsibility for it. Keep learning continuously and stay open to new technologies, including AI and modern tools. Be patient and consistent—success takes time. Believe in yourself during difficult phases and enjoy the journey. Passion and discipline always lead to growth.

Q8. How do you approach risk-taking in business?

I believe calculated risks are necessary for growth. Before making decisions, I analyze costs, benefits, and long-term impact. To reduce risks, I focus on proper planning, written agreements, emergency funds, and equipment backups. I also test new ideas on a small scale before fully implementing them.

Q9. What role has resilience played in your career?

Resilience has been the backbone of my journey. I always believed strongly in myself—there was no second option. The struggles I faced strengthened my confidence and determination. I treat failures as lessons and return stronger with clarity and focus.

Q10. How do you handle tough decisions, especially involving personnel?

I treat my team with respect and empathy. I see them as partners, not just employees. When difficult decisions arise, I ensure fairness, clarity, and professionalism while respecting individual ambitions. This balanced approach helps maintain trust and harmony.

Q11. What are your plans for the future?

I aim to grow my photography business steadily while enhancing my creative and technical skills. My goal is to build a trusted brand known for quality and client satisfaction. I also want to adopt new technologies and create a sustainable business that offers growth opportunities for my team.

Q12. Who has supported you the most in your success?

My family has been my greatest support system. I am also thankful to Ashutosh Patra, Nihar Ranjan Barik, and my teammates for their guidance and encouragement. Above all, I thank God for giving me strength and opportunities throughout my journey.

Q13. What final advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Stay focused and committed to your goals. Hard work, patience, and persistence are essential. Success may require sacrifices, but with dedication and belief in yourself.