Winning Column: Interview with Saloni Shah, Co-Founder, Attrangi

If not in the current profession, you would be?

There is a lot I aspired to be, as a child I wanted to be a teacher, however, when I grew up I entered media, but at this point, if you ask me what would I be doing if I wasn’t into Fashion Jewelry, I don’t have an answer. 

One tune you always hum?

I am a fan of old Bollywood songs, It’s got to be ‘Lag Ja Gale.’

One book to read when you want to motivate yourself

I'm not a reader, but The Secret definitely motivates me every time I see it.
 Even ‘You Can Heal Your Life’ by Louis L Hay is quite inspiring.

One dialogue of a movie that motivates you or you like the most?

It’s got to be from the movie A Cinderella Story, that I watched in my early teens, it reads, 'Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game’

The place you have never been to and always want to go?

I would have to name two. Turkey & Japan, both top my list and I can’t wait to plan a trip to these places already.

An animal that signifies you & why?

A dolphin signifies me, they adapt well to Air and Water and are intelligent. 

A Movie Character you most resemble or resonate with?

I connect a lot with Geet from Jab We Met. I try my best to live in the moment, enjoy each celebration and make the best of the worst.

If your life was to be turned into a movie, who would you like to play your part?

Jennifer Aniston, I absolutely adore her.

Luck or Hard Work, what do you think weighs more in defining a successful person?

Hard work can take you places if your luck is supportive, both are symbiotic. However, no matter how lucky you are, it is only hard work that can make you successful in the long run.

One best decision you ever made?

Starting Attrangi at a time when online selling was booming and destination weddings were picking up. We managed to strike the iron when it was hot, and now it is what it is today.

A strategy that you always use to take your decisions in Personal or Professional life?

Now or Never. I don’t know if its a strategy, but I definitely believe that if there is something you want to do, you have to do it yourself, so begin now. I also have the need to be independent, that is exactly what keeps me going. Apart from this I also don't believe in never settling and never being content. I always want more & I always want better, that keeps me going!

Whose advice do you seek when in a dilemma?

My mom. She is a visionary and also the most optimistic person I have met. She always sees things from a brighter perspective and always helps me visualize the better outcome of things.

What has been your biggest achievement? One thing that you want to change in yourself?

I still have so much to achieve, but I think having healthy relationships with almost everyone I know and being able to appreciate without expecting is my biggest achievement. These are definitely emotional achievements, but only if you are emotionally strong, can you professionally succeed.

A line said by your closed one that you never forget?

In school after the preliminary exams, when I got my reports, I was quite upset as I had only scored a 54%, it was then that my friend told me that it's okay, I had always been a 60 percentile anyway. That is when it struck me that I don't want to be an average student, I did whatever it took to prove her wrong and studied harder, that made me get an 87 percent in the final board exam. That induced, in me the fear of being average, being common, and till date that super negative line, only helped me only bring positive changes to my life.