“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”

-Alan Kay

Very often does one get worked up when there is an upcoming event in one’s family which is often a make-or-break situation in India. The very nature of celebrations being ‘Grand’ is not just an occurrence but a norm today. And maybe that’s why Monks’ Mediaworks came to our notice.

A young and newer outlook in tow, here’s a team that is set to change the very dimensions of events- corporate, live entertainment, weddings and brand activations. What caught our attention is the commendable collective experiences of each member of their team.

Startoholics had the opportunity to interact with the team consisting of Bhavesh Chellani ,Sagar Nair( the Co-founders) and Ankit Gupta(Head of Operations). These are the excerpts from that conversation.

Could you shed some light on your life before Monks’ Mediaworks? What motivated this start-up?

We had been working together ever since the second year of college. It started with being in the same project groups in college. We used to make last-minute presentations and felt a sense of accomplishment.

Individually, we’ve always been inclined towards events, which is one of the reasons we started working professionally together. The first project we worked on was Sunburn Festival 2010 in Goa, which involved us being on ground for about 2 weeks. This led to the start of a good professional understanding that has eventually resulted in us working on numerous events, a year- long stint at Star India Pvt. Ltd. And finally starting a company together.

Tell us something about the first step towards Monks’ Mediaworks. Did you receive any funding from angel investors?

The idea was initially born on a train ride back home from work. We were both confused about where our careers were headed to. In conversation, we thought it would be a good idea to try and start something together. Something big. Something despite being done-to-death, would interest people. We wanted something of our own. The thought of inviting investors never came to our head, we’ve decided to stick to what we have and grow from there.

How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors?

We’re much younger than most of the established people in the industry. People who we hope to compete with soon. Our belief is that the way events are done nowadays is a somewhat stagnant and straightforward process. Innovation has taken a step back for guaranteed results. We believe every traditional activity can be approached in a different way and we will ensure that this shows in the quality of work we provide. Our original concepts and beliefs are something we hope to use in every project, whether it’s our own or for a client.

What challenges have you faced in your entrepreneurial journey? What has been the toughest decision you had to make lately, if any?

The biggest decision was to quit our jobs. Leaving the assurance, a monthly salary, the daily schedule and the network you’re a part of.

Most people have ideas that they wish they can execute but can’t due to pressure from work, family etc. We decided to start off young, where our burdens are lesser and our scope for growth is tremendous.

Also, believing in the strength of your passion is something that you can’t do without. If you don’t believe in your interest, you cannot pursue it.

What are your plans for promoting Monks’ Mediaworks? Also, do you have any tie-ups?

As of now, we’re sticking to digital and word of mouth publicity. The personal connect that these two platforms offer is what works for us. Putting an ad in a newspaper doesn’t tell our potential clients what we are about. A conversation with them is what will allow them to believe in us.

We’re currently working with a digital agency, Chimp&Z Inc., who are doing fabulous work in their field. Our friends at Belzack Creatives have designed our logo and brand identity, which has been instrumental in the buzz created about Monks’ Mediaworks.

We also work with Concept Prints for our printing solutions. The team at Fuego Photography will make sure that our events are captured forever.

The best part about our tie-ups is that most of them are friends, working the same way we are, setting the same targets as we. It’s always good to work together as a team, even though your line of work may be different.

How many events have you organized till date and where?

We’ve just come out with our brand, so Monks’ Mediaworks is still looking to announce their first client. We have some projects that are still in the pipeline, so we’ll reserve those for once they’re finalized. Together though, we’ve worked on various events such as Sunburn Festival Goa – 09, 10 & 11. Sunburn Mumbai 2012, Filmfare Awards 2012, Planet Pitbull 2011 etc.

What more do you wish to include to take Monks’ Mediaworks to the next level?

We’d love to work on Intellectual Properties and BTL activations. We believe both have incredible potential and are highly unexplored areas in our country. Both are very quality-oriented and that is exactly the kind of work we’re hoping to do.

Has Monks’ Mediaworks got the feedback and growth you expected since launch?

Again, we haven’t got a chance to gauge our growth since we’ve just launched. However, the feedback and response we’ve received has been tremendous. Friends and acquaintances we haven’t spoken to in years have come out to congratulate and complement our work. We’re really in no position to complain. We’re loving the response that we’ve had so far.

How important is the role of Social Media, according to you, for the success of any startup?

As mentioned earlier, I think it’s a fundamental need for any startup as of now. No other platform offers a fixed set of people to talk to at any particular time or place. Social media is currently the best way to go out, search for the people you’re hoping to talk to, and actually getting in touch with them rather than a print ad or a TV spot which may or may not reach out to your audience.

What one piece of advice would you like to give to the soon to-be startup founders?

Do your homework. No business is easy to start. Ask yourself if this is what you want to do for the next 40 years of your life. If you can say “yes” without hesitating, there should be no reason for you not to chase your dream.

Here’s wishing Monks’ Mediaworks a successful journey with a destination that is as beautiful as the wonderful work that they are doing.

This voice does hold promise. Don’t you think so? Leave us your feedback .

And already marking off the event-list’s headache? Well here’s the easy way out – Monks’ Mediaworks

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