Manasi Mehta
Hello! I am Manasi Mehta, a practicing Graphic Designer and the Founder/ Creative Head of Studio Samarpan.
I graduated from the University of the Arts London with a degree in Graphic Design. I started dabbling in art and design from the age of 6 and later decided to transform my passion into a profession. Studio Samarpan allows me to provide my design expertise to my clients and pass on my infectious enthusiasm. I have an eye for details, be it picking the right colour palette or creating the perfect design, ensuring I apply my 100% in every project I take up.
When I’m not teaching myself new design techniques, I’m usually on a flight, taking off on an impulsive adventure, fueling my other passion for travelling.
Company Name: Studio Samarpan
Location: Mumbai, India
Operating since: 2018
Company Website: www.studiosamarpan.com
Instagram: @studiosamarpan
What service does your company offer?
Studio Samarpan is a start-up design boutique. The Studio focuses on creating purposeful and meaningful design through a visual language that is innovative, honest and detailed. We offer services of branding for companies, which include creating mood boards, colour palettes, selecting fonts, and also packaging products. We are also expanding into UI/UX.
How did you get the idea or concept for your company?
Design was an aspect of my life that was very close to my heart since the start. While I was in London, I interned at other design studios but never felt like I was doing justice to my talent. I wanted to work in the design field, and be able to execute all the ideas I had in mind, and bring all the designs that I had thought of to life. The only way to do this was to start my own studio. The shift from London back home to Mumbai was difficult, and my launching my design studio as soon as I got back was the perfect timing. I thought settling back would be difficult but I now had something way more precious to look forward to.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company?
Growing up, I always knew I was going to be a designer, but I had never really thought of where I would work. Design for me was creating, experimenting and working out of your comfort zone. Very soon I realized that this was only possible if I had my own studio where I could pursue my dreams.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your company?
Living in London by myself for four years taught me a lot. It broadened my horizon and taught me to look at the larger picture. It taught me that bad days will come and go, I would get home sick some days, but in the end it was important to not give up. It taught me to stay in the game long enough. Running a company by myself is a totally different ball game, one I didn’t think I would encounter so soon in my life. But being in London taught me that it’s never too soon for anything. Watching my father and my uncle run their own business showed me what it’s like. You’re responsible for the wrong decisions but the joy you feel at the end of the day is not comparable to anything.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?
For me, being able to be happy with who you are is success. And I’m extremely happy with where life has taken me, whether it’s my work or my family. This is exactly where I imagined myself to be. Doing what I love and being around the people I love makes me feel successful.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
My mother plays a very important part in my life. Right from coming to London to help me settle in, to making sure I wake up everyday to run my business, I wouldn’t be here without her.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
The fact that you’ve even thought about starting your own company says how brave you are. If you’re passionate about it, if talking about your work lights up your eyes, then nothing can stop you. Go for it and don’t look back.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Creative
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..." Empowering.