We recently had the chance to connect with Rachita Panchal and have shared our conversation below.
Rachita, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Hands down my business!! Since the last time I got interviewed I have grown my business to a whole new different level. It has progressed to so much more than I could have ever imagined but at the same time it keeps me mentally and physically busy. I am always up to something which makes me loose track of time but connects me to my inner self where I feel the most happiest.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name of Rachita and my business is PicturePerfectEventsbyRach. I initially started off as a decorator and serviced all types of events including birthdays, milestones, babyshower, housewarmings, engagements, graduation, anniversary’s, etc. I also offered small scale indian traditional and western decor depending on what the clients needs are. Now, my business has expanded into all of the above plus Weddings, mainly Indian and Mix Indian Weddings, and this has unlocked my full potential. Weddings are a whole new ball game and there is something which I call onstage and offstage requirements. Onstage is what my clients see and offstage is what I do behind the scenes which no one ever sees. With this business comes a lot of organizational skills, detail orientation, visions, networking, designing, etc but I think being personable is my most important asset. My business is now a full event planning, designing, execution and coordinating service. Basically a one stop service for all my clients needs!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of being powerful is, when I started at a young age, volunteering as a decorator, stage prop creator, and planner for a nonprofit organization and eventually, thru the years, moved to the coordinating and MC’ing aspects with the same organization. There were no limitations at this organization and everybody volunteering there was really encouraging which gave me a lot of motivation to keep progressing. Having this opportunity really gave me a lot of insight on different perspectives, ideas, personalities and I gained a lot of experience and knowledge which I didn’t even realize until later on in life.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I wouldn’t necessarily say “Suffering”, but rather “Struggles”. I say there should be some struggles because that directly impacts how hard you are going to try and push yourself for Success. Now having said that! “Success” – if it were just that easy! You know there’s several quotes which I always say in my mind which help me push thru any type of struggles but this quote in particular I feel has always grounded me.
“Success comes to those that preservere”
If success naturally made its way to everyone then no one will ever want to work towards their goals or visions. There will be struggles. Everyone has short term and long term goals and at the end it’s not your failures that count. It’s how many times you rise up and overcome your struggles is what matters. I think, for me, facing multiple ups and downs thru out this entire venture has definitely taught me perseverance, resilience and patience. I strongly feel and preach that it’s OK to struggle, it’s OK to fail but learn from your experience or mistakes and get back up. As long as you don’t give up you are destined to succeed.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes!! It’s so funny you ask this. My friends and clients who know me are aware of the fact that I absolutely dislike putting on a show. I want my clients to see me for who I am. When I do events, whether it be weddings where the planning goes on for several days or a simple event where just a few conversations are necessary, I believe in building a relationship that is completely transparent, honest and as real as it can be. Being my real and true self, not just with my clients but also with my team and all the vendors I work with, creates a strong foundation for everybody.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I will regret not having started my business sooner. I guess that’s where your mind plays tricks on you with the added societal pressure right. Majority of the community I come from is encouraged to choose a career path which will eventually lead to a steady paycheck, everything else is considered a hobby, a noise or a distraction impeding your end goal. My focus was just this until COVID hit. Although I started early, it never occurred to me that I can turn my hobby into my business and still have make a steady paycheck. But it’s never too late so here I am now!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: PicturePerfectEventsbyRach
