When other kids were reading fairy tales, Bhawna Khanna was playing and building designs which finally led her to be an architect. Apart from designing expertise, she is also an educator and researcher in Mahabharat. Before starting her dream venture Studio Astrid India, her parents were not sure as she did not have money and experience in the architect domain. It was not easy to start from scratch, but it was always meant to be. She invested all her savings while working as a lecturer at prestigious design institutes, to install her Astrid studio design. Started from a single bookshelf, Studio Astrid India became a fully functional studio design. 

On this Women's day we are happy to share the success story of the young entrepreneur, Ar. Bhawna Khanna who started from a one-man army to a team of 10 people, is now recognized by many awards, and paving the path for success each day.

FailWise: Tell us about Studio Astrid India.

Bhawna: Studio Astrid Pvt Ltd is a Delhi-based Architectural and Interior Design studio led by me and my team of designing experts. With more than 6 years of experience and expertise, we portray innovation and creativity to merge the essence of both the client and their space. A driving sense of innovation originality and the desire to re-imagine the habitual standard powers, Studio Astrid Pvt Ltd recreates the newer and fuller experience in Design Industry. In 2016, we just started with a bookshelf, did many furniture assignments in 2017, word of mouth led us to interior consultation and turnkey projects in 2018, followed by architectural and set designing projects in 2019 till date.”

FailWise: When was your eureka moment when you thought of becoming an entrepreneur? 

Bhawna: One day, while traveling back from office to home, I realized that I was not born to draft only Sections and elevation, which I was doing for six months. That bus journey was a life-changing moment. That night, I kept tossing for hours, and the next day I decided to start something on my own.

FailWise: What were your fears and challenges while starting Studio Astrid India and how did you conquer them? 

Bhawna: The initial fears were limited experience; no godfather in the industry and of course no capital to start off with minimal resources. But I decided to never give up, no matter what and this attitude made me through it.

FailWise: What is the best lesson you have learned from your journey? 

Bhawna: Patience is the Key! Also, keep learning from your failures, and believe me it is truly said that there is no competitor of yours other than you. So, keep learning and growing and be your better version every day. Every assignment is vital and we carry it with utmost dedication and sincerity, from installing a small book-shelf to a space crafted to perfection.”

“We believe team work always leads to dream work. In our studio, we all are like a family; we accept each other’s viewpoints and perspective. Our trust and dedication towards each other make us strong and unique.”

FailWise: Tell us about those attempts that were not successful, but you learned a lot from them? In simple words “what not to do”!  

Bhawna: Never give up and always trust yourself, no matter what. Not every day is the same. Take failures in a positive way and keep working on your skill sets.

FailWise: What keeps you motivated and inspired even at your low times? 

Bhawna: “One day less, One day nearer” – this is my quote. 

FailWise: If time travel is possible and you can meet your younger version, what advice would you want to give to your younger self? 

Bhawna: It is important to invest your time in the right direction. Not everything and everyone is worth your time and energy, instead use it to be a better version of yourself. Time is Money!

FailWise: Did you face any gender-associated obstacles?

Bhawna: Being a young woman entrepreneur, it is really challenging to leave your mark in society. Initial challenges were getting leads via different platforms, coordination with labor, vendors, and clients, and synchronizing everyone on the same point.

FailWise: Any message that you want to give on Women’s day.

Bhawna: Let’s generalize gender accomplishments and success stories. Instead of celebrating Women’s day once a year, let’s celebrate womanhood every day. Let’s work on opportunities, equality, and safety for women each and every day.

FailWise: Awards, accolades, or any recognition that you and your venture received.

Bhawna: In 2018, I was awarded the title of the young entrepreneur of the year by Spark Excellence awards. In 2019, our project got featured in Fashion Wave magazine. In 2021, my story got featured in Storyofsouls.com and my article got featured in Delhi Magazine.

FailWise: Where can we find you on the internet? 

Website : www.studioastridindia.in

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studioastridindia/

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ar-bhawna-khanna-47496ba3/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studioastridindia 

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