INTERVIEW OF AARUSHI (FOUNDER OF BRIDGED)!!!

Hii Aarushi. Thank you for joining us today. Would like to give our audience a little introduction about who you are and where are you from?

Okay. So there's not really much. My name is Aarushi, I'm 17. And I'm currently based in Mumbai,

Cool. Okay. So, before we move on to serious questions, I would like to ask some fun trivia questions. Just sort of break the ice.

Yeah of course.

Okay, so the first question is, how would you describe yourself in three words?

Empathetic, introverted and observing.

Wow, you're introverted. You don't look like an introvert.

No, I know. That actually, I think I'm like an on and off switch for like, you know, meetings or interviews or like, you know, with my organization, when I'm meeting up with a team, I try to make sure that everyone is comfortable, even if I'm in an uncomfortable situation, but in the real world. Yeah. I'm an introvert, I’m kind of the person who sits in one corner.

Okay. So now let's move on to some serious question. So the first question, I like to ask us, could you tell us about your venture Bridged? And how did the idea come through?

Okay so like I mentioned, I am a slam poet. So I've been doing poetry and slam poetry for, around five to six years now. And I think, you know, like I mentioned, I am an introvert. And it was not like, I was able to talk to people virtually, or, you know, get people comfortable. I truly was like, the true definition of Introvert. I didn't talk and actually, I think, to be very honest with bullying and stuff, since I moved a lot, and I got bullied. I think that is how I started writing poetry. And I started to, you know, do slam poetry to firstly gain confidence. And then later on, when, you know, I started to feel like the audience shows me out, and they understand and kind of relate to what I'm saying. It kind of felt like an escape to me. And kind of, I was able to be a voice for other people, because I think I've learned this the hard way that not everyone can pen down their feelings. And if I have that, you know, innate talent, I would, be that voice for people because that's something I've actually always wanted to be. So I started doing that and I started registering for competition started earning money. So what I linked that to my passion for charity, which I think is just part of my family. And I started creating these like care packages, and giving them to people in need. And doing that whole cycle. I kind of realized that there's, so many artists out there that would do something similar. And being an artist myself, I realized that it's hard to reach out to clients and talent agencies and getting a break is very difficult. Even getting yourself comfortable in that scene. So that's why I created bridged to kind of create quite literally a bridge between clients, artists, and charity. So basically what we do is we connect the artists to clients and the income we get through that we take 80% of that, to create these care packages, or donate to charities of the artists, or like we choose every month.

The idea, it was so impressive to me personally. Because I did go through your website, and I did research on you. And I did read some of your post. So it really, you know, I felt it.

I'm so glad, you know, other than artists getting an escape from their own problems. I think once it becomes a habit, it's more so because of the audience's reactions and the ability to even touch one person. you know, whenever anybody asked me this question, I always quote my grandfather, when he said that" if you don't have someone to do something for you, be that someone for someone else". Because there will be so many people out there that you know, would want the same thing you do. But they're just waiting. So even though it's, you know, it would seem like a miniscule problem .I see So many people, dedicating entire lives to their passion, and for them to not get an escape or for them to not get a median is just kind of upsetting.

That's wonderful. Okay, so the next question I would like to ask. In your LinkedIn ID, you have mentioned that you are a neuro passionate, right? So does the passion towards neuroscience have any link to what led you to bridge?

So, not precisely, I tend to keep those two passions different. But I think somewhere, all of my passions are links and also I’m a competitive shooter. So somewhere along the way, I think everything is linked. So the one link that I built between neuroscience on my passion towards neurology, and I say more so psychology, and which is the the link of art therapy, where without even realizing so many artists, once again, use their art forms as an escape, or like, as an expression ate medium. And, you know, even though it's not done with a certain procedure, it really promotes the whole ideology of art therapy. So, yes, somewhere, I did not think of it when I was developing the idea of bridged. Now that I in retrospect, when I reflect back upon it, I think that is a pretty solid lane, between psychology and neurology and Bridgeted basically creativity.

Okay, that's wonderful. I really love the answers you're giving it's so deep like art therapy, one can find themselves through art therapy, right.

Right of course

Okay, so, the next question I want to ask is of all big companies and NGOs are prominent source of charity, right? And these days individual also have become aware, and the need to uplift the underprivileged. So I wanna ask what do you think is the competitive edge that bridged showcases like, how is it different from other fundraisers?

So okay, so I got this a lot in the industries, I think, up till now, I'm kind of yet to see something that connects. You know, I’ve seen a lot of organizations that connect mental health and art that connect, you know, they're holding these art galleries and stuff, and I think all of that is great. But what I tried to do is, it is true, that though our generation arguably I think the best generation, in my opinion, in terms of, you know, taking care of social issues, even though they're getting really aware towards charity, from a personal point of view, not everyone is keen, towards charity. So there's a lot of people out there that feel like, you know, it's not my individual responsibility. And if sure if one day I'm to come across something like that, well and good, but I personally will not. I've seen a lot of people like that. And, you know, honestly, there's nothing against that, because that's normal human nature, I think. But Through bridged going back to the question through bridged, I tried to do is connect people to, like, you know, to what they want exactly, which every artist wants, you know, you're an artist, and you're showcasing your work, you want to be recognized by the public ,by talent agencies, or by your music. So you want to be recognized, and if through that, you're getting an approach to, you know, do something for charity without first handedly doing something. I don't think that's an offer anyone would say no to , I personally won't, and I don't think any of my artists friends will, I don't think any of the people in my network on LinkedIn or otherwise would. So I've seen a lot of organizations that take a one way approach. And though, you know, I used to say in the beginning, and I see even now that the idea of bridged isn’t. And that's why not everything could be executed Right away. They were, you know, I had to take one way, and then implement the other way. But I tried to make a three way approach but you're able to do something without, you know doing it independently. So that way, I think I tried to take care of both materialistic and charity wise needs. Let's hope it goes far as of now, I think it's going well.

It actually is. Okay, so then the next question is, why the name bridged?

When I explained this, every time every answer ironically, I bridged. So it's as it sounds, it's a link between all three domains. And also, another thing is that once, it still connects to the point link, but I think you kind of build bridges between people throughout. So there will be people who do not do art themselves, but they are art fanatics. And it leads to, you know, precious friendships precious relations out there. So you know, the age will code, that you're kind of, you know, lining up panels of good to build bridges between each other. So I think that's the main thing, but I actually put a lot of thought so bridged just came like it came and like nothing else after that. , so it didn't feel right enough. Anything else I thought after that, before the Instagram name, I really did put a lot of thought into it this does the bridged sound on fine. But yeah, so that was a bit copyrighted saw billions of Instagram pages. And I was like how's the bridged sound fine. But bridged I think I have to stick by it. I think it was a good name choice. I'm quite skeptical over the decisions I make. but I think this decision was fine where like, you know, you're linking things and you're building bridges between people and also on, you know, what I've personally seen with myself that I went from someone who just writes poetry, on paper, I will even lose that paper because I would not care enough of it. To actually being someone you know, who saves everything and presents it to people. I still don't feel my work is good enough, and I've seen a lot of people that put their work out there and they do not feel like its good enough. But what I think is that through you know, sharing your work or through putting yourself out that you explore so many different domains of art, like how they often see, you might have heard from, you know, our parents’ generation that there's these careers, you could either go into this, this or this. And now you have, like, you know, a billion of job options. So I think the world of art and creativity is similar, where you will think of going into a very stereotypical domain, and we'll find, you know, a billion subcategories, underneath it. So I think that's why it's important to put yourself out there and kind of build a bridge between, like, just a shaky bridge, at first, I have to say, but you know, you're just building upon it, and it becomes stronger the bond between you and your artwork and you and your audience. So all of us get put on a shaky bridge, and then, you know, build it as we go.

Definitely, it's such a simple name, but it has such a deep meaning behind it.

I'm glad actually, I doubt everything I do. But this is one thing where like, even if I overthink it, I will still find a way to you know, get my head around it. And like it.

I mean, I think it's just about the thing that clicks. But like I was even talking to a friend today about tattoos. And I personally, despite anything cannot get a tattoo because I'm so indecisive. You know, yeah, so just say about clicking.so I’m glad that I find a way to present myself that there's no other name for bridged.

I'm glad that you chose that name. Okay, so the next question is, so you did a summer internship at for Fortis healthcare and in marketing, right.

Yeah.

So, could you give us some insights about it?

Oh, yeah. So I think the internship with Dr. Cynthia Parikh from Fortis, clearly helped out with bridged. And like, we spoke about previously, the aspect of art therapy, though that was not the course I took , like, it was briefly covered during that course and we spoke about art therapy, and I kind of found, because up till then I did not know, on just how much we use art therapy, you know, indirectly. So I think that internship gave me the opportunity to kind of realize that, just how distinct the link between mental health and artists, I used to actually think that I'm the only person that can pen down my thoughts but then began to realize that and with a marketing, once again the indecisiveness thing comes in where I joke around for this, I don't think anybody would look at my resume would think that I want to be a doctor. Because everything is so HR and marketing, kind of. But I think the thing with marketing is that it helps me out with actually pitching bridged, because I'll be honest, I'm still the only person handling everything with bridged And it's not because, you know, it's not time or like, we haven't been there long enough. I think we've been there for like a good six months. But the reason is because I set these unrealistic goals for myself, and I keep on one upping those goals, but I think that's another thing with marketing as bridged taught me. Where you set a goal for yourself. And even before you reach that goal, you already have a goal to you know, beat. So, just aiming for the stars, I think, the happy Sharpie internship taught me that.

Brilliant, so actually, you said that you're the only one who manages bridged. So which lend me to ask you this question, being a 17 year old. There is always extreme pressure from schools for exam and even like interpersonal struggle at finding the right colleges and preparing for competitive exams like, especially doctor, you have NEET and everything.

Yeah

How do you find a time to manage bridged and your academic life?

I always mentioned that I'm an IB student. And I don't know what that says but I think in terms of the dynamics of the curriculum, I think it really does encourage us to step out of our comfort zone. So I do understand it's a lot of work for sure. But I see this time and time again, for anybody that knows me. that when you have something that you love, you're going to find yourself living 26 hours a day, and finding enough time to sleep, finding enough time to study ,my teacher are very annoyed with this, I don't study.

I'm one of those people that, I listen to things. So the thing is, if I saw something, and I will remember it. So I find studying. And it's very ironic, because I'm a writer and find reading very, very difficult. I cannot do it. So I will either learn from videos, or if I really have to or, and I'm also the person who doesn't pester my teachers, they want me to ask questions, I don't. But I made it up till 12th grade. And that's all advice that I would give to anybody. But I think up till now, and listening has helped out but with bridged I put myself into a rhythm. And I kept that rhythm going. So we've done a musician feature up to now where you know, every time every single day, I will receive a video, I would edit it, I would, wake up, put it on, on the main account at 8am sharp I’m also punctual that way, where I would be very, very early. So, I kind of found those mediums to make everything easier. But I don't know how but I think the key is that I take a lot of tricks in between from things, so I will do a feature, or I will, you know, do a competition. And then I would let things die down a bit. And from a marketing aspect I in retrospect it does not seem like a good idea. But I think another thing that it does is it kind of builds excitement within an audience that is right on to your material. And what I've seen that actually builds up excitement within the artist’s community, for what next? We do. So, I think that way, it works out well, like I would take that day to catch up on everything else that I'm trying to do. And then once everything else is kind of settled down, I would force myself to do something published again. But lately, there's another thing so like I mentioned, I think nobody that would look at my resume will say I want to be a doctor. But I've actually been trying to develop a medtech company for a while now. So and it seems ironic because from one side it's it's a creative domain and on one side, it's like an actual product but that is actually one of my main focuses right now. But in terms of the work pressure and just handling everything I actually use my personal time to do something that I love because if you really love something, it wouldn’t seem like work technically. And it's something that you do at your own expense. So, of course, I think for anybody that's wanting to start something, like put a lot of thought into the fact that do you think you would be able to do it as far as you know yourself? And if it ever seems difficult, of course, get someone on board? Because if I don't have someone on board, I have a lot of breaks on board. If I had a team, I wouldn’t have so many things. So yeah, I think it's just about finding what fits and so its answer went on very long.

Completely fine.

But for sure. IGCSE shocked me a lot. I did change schools between grade nine and grade. So for my IGCSE board exams, and I only had like two months or so to give everything. So that really shocked me and it also showed me the importance of you know, doing everything at the right time. But like, if I've been thinking about doing something for so long, just give it a go. So I don't want to regret, you know, going to college and being like, you know, I didn't start anything and I wanted to. So I think everything works out in the end. And if it doesn't, you would find a way. And if it really doesn't, then you will stop. But you have to at least give it a short.

That's actually very impressive. Because I know what it feels like to be an IGCSE student, I can't relate, but I can definitely see from the point of view, because my best friend has been studying since two to three months continuously.

And it's weird how I actually find it very intriguing how all the Boards Teach like such a different but in the end, we all end up in like the same shed.

So let's move on to the next question. So have you had any failures? If so, what has been your greatest failure? And how did you recover, move on from it.

So A year before bridged started, pretty much a year before , I try to do the same thing that I'm doing for bridged for this organization called socioteen I started with like, you know, a couple of friends. And it didn't, you know, I think between Team disturbances or just everybody, because at that time I was in grade 11. And everybody else was in grade 12 or, you know, going to college. So it was an immense amount of pressure. And of course, with the pandemic stuff, it was an immense amount of pressure for everybody. So I completely understand where I failed, but I think in doing that time, I kind of found it a bit offensive with the lack of better words, someone to truly critique the idea, because I did not understand startup culture, I did not understand entrepreneurship. I just went into it headfirst, you know, thinking that I put an idea out there and everybody else would keyword the same way that I do. But in retrospect, that's impossible. I don't think anybody even your team members would share the same amount of passion that you do for a project that you thought of even it could be possible to share more passion than you do. But there will always be a difference and how much someone cares about a project when you compare it. So I think what I underwent with the organization is a complete change in attitude and understanding towards startup culture, entrepreneurship, really what is out there. And because there was another aspect to social chain, which was on, it was basically a mental health app where you talk to peers, and it wasn't like, you know, backed up with any train psychologists or anything, and I remembered, launching it, and one of my friends she was law student calling me up and saying you will get sued. and it's a shock, but I don't generally talk about it, but, you know, he was like, you will get sued, if something happens, the entire thing will come down to you know, I spoke to these people, and they didn't give me right advice. So I think that really opened my eyes towards just how people perceive an idea and just how many things are acceptable or unacceptable. When it comes to being a teen entrepreneur, where you do not have, you know, the full educational background you just, you know a passionate person that wants to create a difference. And even though you might be well versed with the material, when it comes to you know, certain things, qualifications in degrees really matter, because you know legalities. So thankfully, with bridged, there's no such legal aspects, except when it comes to contracts and stuff. And that's something that I think, you can handle as a 17, soon 18 year old. but, of course, with sociteen, which was, the precursor for bridge, just a lot of, I don't know, like, I call it culture shocks and just, you know, a change of attitude, like I mentioned, that you have a change of attitude ,change of perspective, because with everything and just a way, you know, a defense, or, some like a way to change an idea to still fulfill the purpose, but in a way that, might not hurt sentiments. So, I actually came across, I have to mention, I came across this post, a tweet , I think, on LinkedIn, or something, where someone said I am sorry, I don't know her name, but shout out to her. "A leader without emotional maturity is as appealing to me as kheer without raisins." And it was, you know, she added an element of humor, but it means so much when a leader really does need to have emotional maturity, not just for their team, but also for their product, because I feel like a product really reflects, you know, the founders, ideologies and mindset, because, I mean, when it comes down to a team, but in the initial stage, you can really gauge how a founder is just by looking at their product and just analyzing it. So yeah, I mean, just to sum it up in one sentence, a lot of personal growth and change was needed to reach to be sure , you know, pretty much every day, I hear people being static about the whole idea of bridged where we won't take money to teach people, and they're like, why are you doing it? I'm like, I'm not doing it myself. So I think just how people view the world was a major thing that I had to learn.

Haters just know how to criticize, so don't really take it.

Yeah, they don't have anything else to do, you know, other than criticizing.

Yeah, I feel like and honestly, I find it better when there's a lot of critiques. Then supporters, of course, supporters are immensely important. But when you have a lot of criticizes you, you know, most of it up to like 98% of it will be baseless, but 2% of it will, you know, cause you to reflect upon your own project, and find flaws that you wouldn't find otherwise. So I feel like criticism is very important because you if you're your biggest supporter you have support, but you don't have critique. So yeah.

Okay, so the next question will be of course, you are an entrepreneur, you did come with the idea, which is bomb.com .So like, and do you think there is a formula or a pattern for like to start and a successful venture?

I have a friend, my best friend. He is a part of so many startups. And they're so successful. And when you ask him why he got into any of this business, because he wants to, and I think for me, you know, lately, one of my biggest inspirations, he would actually not turn down an idea if anything will make it better. And I'm working with him for the Mac tech app. So there is not a solid formula that, I feel like all those ads on YouTube for the course, there's no hate towards them. But all those courses are just gimmicks. They're entrepreneurs themselves, making money out of curiosity, there's not a solid formula for how you can earn money, there's not a solid formula for how you can be an entrepreneur and I think anything and everything in that none of it is based on plan or based on, you know, something, you try to go plan something, something or the other will go wrong. And if you are someone that sticks to paper, you will be stuck. And I mean, I will never say go into something without an outline, of course, at least have like, you know, now that I've made this account, what do I want to do, even if it's as small as, I want to follow myself, or I want to follow this account from my personal account, even if it's as tiny as that you should have an outline. But of course not be like, you know, within 10 days, I want 10,000 followers on Instagram, and I will get it through so and so procedure, that will never work because firstly, the internet is a very good place. Secondly, humans, people, which is our audience, you really cannot know, you know, how they react to things you will go in with a material that you absolutely love your friends absolutely love and you will end up getting only like 30 likes on it. And I haven't tested it out. I can't say but personally, I'm very doubtful about you know, you post at 9pm and you will get so and so hit, because traffic is most at that time. it also depends on appealing the audience and some things from like BuzzFeed they get like, you know, 1000s of likes on their posts, and that's about building a brand image so that So obviously like you know, one something clicked. It’s upward from them. It can you know, like how we learn science and stuff it can sort of die down and can rise or drop. But for a while when something clicks to an audience, it will go upwards. Let me frame it that way. If you can gauge when something will click, that is your formula for entrepreneurship, sadly, you cannot gauge when something will stick. And therefore, there's not a formula. That is my chemistry equation. Always believing in yourself is like the first step.

I think like I mentioned socioteen, it was pretty much the same idea. I was the same person. I don't think I believe in that idea as much, just because I let the criticism get to me. So I think the biggest thing is that even if you do not have an answer, for each and every question, go ahead with it. Think even if the answer is, you know, because bananas are yellow, even what I meant to say, even if it's an idiotic console, you will find an answer. As long you think do I? I actually asked myself this every day. Four years ago, had there been something like this which would I be a part? My answer will always be yes. And that is my sole reason to keep going. Where do I want this product? Yes. Therefore, some Aarushi out there will also want that product so go ahead for that Aarushi.

Remind me of RM, I don't know if you are an army.

Oh, okay. Yes I heard but not really a fan sorry. That's actually a compliment. Thank you

Yeah I see, I believe we are kind of ripping off the topic, but from music industry. The BTS army is like the chillest but the most loyal and then I feel like, you know, with every situation, there will be someone that will take something to an extreme. So we really can't judge you know, based on those people. But they are overwhelming so I feel like people judge I had this conversation same with with my best friend a few weeks, few days ago, where, you know, if certain people were not that stuck on, you know, BTS just showing them the most immense kind of unblinded love, I feel like that agencies would be a little nickel lenient because they will feel like, there is another way that the army will love BTS I don't think they hear people when they said, We just love BTS and don't push them. I think what the agencies think is like, oh, we did this, and you know, they were shown so much love. So we'll keep stuff this way. But at the end of the day, they're working way too hard. So I think even from like a non-army perspective, it's painful to see those working 22 hours a day. And so I think for that reason, I don't support it. I would support the band, but just because I don't want my support to count as like something, you know promoting the agency for promoting their high standards.

I know. Okay, so the next question is, like, shaping one's idea into reality, right? Taking an initiative is always a tough task, as you just said, and during the process, we often question our every step, is this right? Is this wrong? Like we overthink every step, right? What is some dialogues that you had with yourself, that you believe were important in shaping of Bridged?

The biggest would be, you know what I said in the very beginning, where like, if you want someone to do something, and it's not there, and you search assertions, not there be that thing, or be that person. So I think that's the biggest thing. And then everything else I think it's more of experience based, where I don't think charity hurts anyone. , and I've seen a lot of artists continue to do what they do, even after their hard pieces, you know, personally, I've seen them, you know, sit in a dark room, to simulate that experience, just so that they could write the same way so that they could touch hearts the same way. So, I think that experience was what I seen within people really, really shape everything. And then at the same time like I mentioned, it really did come from, you know, someone being trapped, or someone being bullied. And I always said that, if I could save one Aarushi, I would, I would do anything to do that. Because I think bullying and everything takes a huge toll on you. If you do not have the right ways, or you do not fix everything at the right time. So I'm grateful to have something that sort, but for a lot of people who don't have something of that sort, I think what I tried to do is to make them feel like they're heard Or there are people out there that, know where they're going. So one of my main idols within slam poetry is Sarah kay, for no emotional reason. I just really liked the way she spoke. And I’ve always dreamt of this, and I think I would continue dreaming of this. But if even one person could, you know, frankly honestly from the bottom of their heart think, you know look at me somewhere and think I want to be like this girl. I think that's the reason why I did twitch. And that's the reason why I'm doing this app, and I think that’s the reason I want to be a doctor, everything leads up to that one wish for me. When you will look at people from LinkedIn and research to their profiles. And you think I wish, I was even close that, so that sort of admiration I think everyone out there wants. And regardless of someone if someone looks at me that way, I would like for people to feel you know, I think it changes your view on life. Like how I look at my best friend and just with utmost admiration, just for what he does. I think similarly that .I mean, the question was about quotes, there's not really a quote, but I think it's all other than like the one quote, I think it's all just dreams and ideas and just hopes, memories collated into one. And then also the fact that, nothing will happen if, unless you want it to happen. And I say this to my mom a million times, because my mom loves baking. So, it’s been her dream to open a bakery of own. And she, you know, she leaves the house, and she sees so many bakery’s around. And she's like, how, or why would anybody buy my products, when there's so many bakery’s around and they're all very good, because they're selling. And I always say this, that if, you know, for example, Elon Musk thought that way, he will not be or even any of these basically, you know, left their house and had the same thought they will not exist, they will not be earning that money, they will not be making that passion, they will not be having a billion of courses where people come in and learn. So, there will always be an audience. Even if that audience is an audience for four of the similar products. If someone goes to big bazaar, they also order reliance, they also go to Costco, they also go to Target if you go the audience purchases, it is our responsibility to provide, if we think what we are doing is providing if we think that, you know, I would have bought this product. Using you will buy it, someone else will buy it, if someone will not buy it. You don't want to buy it either.

Wonderful. Okay, so the next question. And the last question I would ask you about bridged is, have you thought of expanding your platform in the near future? If yes, can you give us an outline of the plan?

Yeah. So the first goal would be to get a dedicated team. And then after that, what I was thinking is that, so there's two more on the way, but I get published in anthologies. And I've always thought that, that it's such a nice way where like, I would not publish my own book even though that's, like I'm the sole author ,it’s such a dream and I will not publish my own book, when it's anthologies like this, but I can now be a part of a bunch of artists and writers. So I think that were one of the main things in terms of the writing division would be having like a publishing branch. And at the same time, since we look at all creativity aspects, holding workshops sounds a bit clichéd, but holding workshops with people that are sort of experts or passionate experts within the field, and from music. If bridged expands in that manner, having sort of like a studio or you know, a releasing label sort of thing. I'm just saying that I It would be nice to have a separate aspect for musicians. So I think workshops, publishing or advertising divisions, but each art form after that is possible would be the primary goal and then from there on, as things get a bit larger, I think ideas will come.

Wonderful.

Thank you

So my question is like being an entrepreneur, and you just said that two more plans coming forward, right? But being an entrepreneur coming up with your own idea, you always have that mind block, so my question is how do you generate new ideas?

That's a good question. I think being a writer, I think we go through what we call writer's block all the time. And in that way, I think what's best is that ideas come at the most random times. So, you know, seeing it that way, where you get a random idea, appreciating every random idea because after a point, it gets you know, you will sit down with a pen and paper and think and think and nothing will come to you. And then, you know, suddenly it will. So I think, leaving it to, you know, life in general, even though I understand that a lot, relies upon new ideas within entrepreneurship. To firstly, like, when you have mind block just circulating those ideas that you already have. And also, I think that's the advantage of having a consulting team, for sure is very important. So, I mean I don’t have a team, but I consult my network as in like “oh, what would you like to see next with bridged?" So that’s the main thing, but I think, like I mentioned, writing down every tiny idea. Because you have a billion of tiny ideas, maybe a week, every week or every month, you will come up with like, quite a large idea. Right and with entrepreneurship, I don't think everything, you know, contrary towards story will say, I don't think everything is like this, I think once you get established, it's very slow and stretched out, and nobody knows what you're doing. But you just going at it every single day. Like they don't get all the way through within a day within a month even. But, they keep going. Perseverance. I think that way, even though I think that's one of them weirdest answers for how you come up with ideas. I think perseverance and just trusting the process, trusting yourself trusting your team is important. And I think it's easier for medium famous companies, where you know, you have an approach you have a team, so you have an audience. And you're able to connect with the audience much more, but you know, a larger company, if they haven't been connecting with the audience all the way through, it's difficult for them to build up ideas. And as I always say, that do not aim for your company to be huge, because being a huge comes with, you know, many disadvantages might come with the advantage of team and recognition. But when it comes to handling everything, comes with a lot of disadvantages. So I think staying medium or low popularity is better, because you'll be able to connect with your audience. And I think connecting with your audience would show you what the audience would want. And then I think at that point doesn't mean as your idea. It becomes audiences wish it was executed.

Brilliant answer. I love it. Okay, so the next question is, what are your plans after high school?

I mean, it's kind of weird when I say that I have everything planned out. And at the same time, see that nothing is certain. But as of now, my plan is that after high school, I would go to an undergraduate, university, probably State College for financial reasons. , but I think the other thing that entrepreneurship has taught me is, do I always been like this? I think it's just strengthened my belief in doing something with your own investment which you know, you're the person circulating the money so you're the person earing, you're the person been using it up. So that way, I think for independent financial reasons, from a state college, I think I will do my undergraduate in neuroscience and then go on to med school.

Yeah, that's everyone's dream right to be financially independent and not dependent on parents.

And I think you realize just how difficult not just earning money but also like communicating with people making your place in life is and you kind of get into that thought process where you know, I've reached till here , I can of course go ahead. So I think it also increases your confidence in yourself. I've seen a lot of people get very egotistic after starting their companies that are going up. But as long as you stay grounded, and you kind of feel like, there's a very thin line between confidence and ego and stuff. But as long as you feel like, you know, I reached here there’s no point in underestimating myself. So I think giving your best, doing and willing to give your best will be good enough.

Great Okay. The next question is who is your biggest inspiration? And were your parents supportive of you?

Firstly, yes my parents were really supportive, even though in the beginning, it used to be, they would tease me, not for weird reasons. But just because it’s ironic how far maybe I've gotten in terms of individual growth. Where you know, I went from being someone who's very timid to being that person or even if I'm the person getting interviewed for a job or internship interview, I will make the interviewer comfortable, I became that person. So they're very supportive.

yes, I think for multiple reasons, I'd say my grandfather, because I mean he wasn't close to anything that I'm doing. He was a Navy officers. He wasn't remotely close to, you know, what I plan to do what I'm doing, but I think inspiration in terms of how he carried everything in his life. And just how he put everyone in front of, you know, situations was a big emotional inspiration to me. And I think in terms of like, the professional world, inspirations change all the time. So like Dr. was my inspiration in terms of neurology But she still is, to be honest. And then, at the same time I find inspiration, my best friend, just because of how passionate he is. So I feel like professionally my inspirations change, just based on what I want to do at that point. But emotionally, in terms of how you live life and how, at the end of everything, when you retire, how you'd want your life to be, I think my entire dream of how I want my life to be when I'm at 60, or 70, has come from my grandfather. And I think that at the end of the day, nothing materialistic remains. So I don't know, even though I would want it to last, generations and generations, none of us know how long it would last, none of us know how long that would last. But we do know that, at the end of everything, we will want to sit down and be like, at least I influenced one person. And for me, my dad influence was my grandfather's, that’s my inspiration .you know, forget rich for a second, but I have certain doubts about you know, being a doctor, because it's such a daunting field, especially the sub specialty or sub specialty that I want to go into is one where you would see people at the brim of, you know, life and death all the time, you see very young children suffering, you would see very old people unaware of anything, and that thought is very scary to me, because I'm a very emotional person. I had promised that I would be a neurologist. So I think it's not that promise that's keeping going. But it’s what's keeping, like, you know, he had that passion, and he saw that passion in me. So there must be something I think trusting his judgment was another thing. Which you know, puts me far enough where like if he can put that much faith in me, I think I could put even 1% of that faith in myself.

Yeah grandparents are the biggest supporters for us.

Okay. So the next question I wanted to ask is, which I found is really important, because you have done internships, you have your own company, and being an IGCSE? Student. It's a lot of pressure. How do you manage, like, me time? And how do you take out time for yourself and for your peers?

To be honest In terms of friends, I am probably a very bad thing to have, just because I don't know, this is a point of improvement within me, but I'll be very honest, I'm kind of reckless with a relation. So I would prioritize certain things. And, you know, I will care about what people think. But nothing for me would go past those priorities. And though sometimes I tend to prioritize the wrong things. I would still not let anything go ahead of it. So for me, academics is a priority probably my third or fourth priority, which is not good. But I mean, family would be my first and foremost priority. So I feel like if my mom does not approve of some post on bridged I will not post it. So, that way, but then once again, like I mentioned, you know, towards the middle that me time is actually rich time for me. So, because I feel like with bridged, I'm doing what I would have done a couple of years ago for me time, which is writing poetry, doing music, I think as a person, I'm creative, when it comes to me time. So where I find comfort in these artistic expressions. So, I think that also goes for watching other people do artistic, you know, representation is not me doing it. I think even also like, when people send me their songs do something and they say that oh, Aarushi is it good enough? And I say, you know, everything is good enough. But sometimes there will be certain things that don't fit the tone. So I would correct that or I would you know, I once recorded a piece of violin, so I played a violin, and I recorded a piece just to add on to their music. So I do those thing, then it just becomes me time at night. And then within relations, I think I keep my family relations above everything. And friendships, I have to be honest, this is where the introvert part comes in, where I don't have many friends but I am lucky enough to have friends that have similar passions, so I would find myself in a situation where you know, they are very busy. And that allows me to get busy. So I am kind of a person to sort of link my timetable with my friend’s timetables. Okay, this person is not online, I will take this time to study and then when this person will come on and then we will talk. but I'm lucky enough in that way to have my friends who don’t talk much, So they're very busy. A lot of time, that way. But still, regardless, the same parental complain you know, you're on your phone too much.

I mean, I feel like a lot of us forget relations. I feel like a lot of us got reckless with our academics. But we still it's weird that we find a way when I think you know, when the thing with opening up schools came up. And a lot of them being very upset about your schools opening not because you know, a lot of the teachers and parents think this person doesn't want to go to school, they might be cheating, that is not true at all. So, you know, an entire comfort level has changed when we entered 12th grade level with the pandemic coming in. Online School was very difficult and now when you go to offline schools, it will become two times as much difficult because even it’s something we are used to but we can't focus. And it's not that we're not focusing within online classes, it was that our comfort level has been, you know, sitting on our bed or having a phone next to us, not for usage purposes but it is just there. So, this is another thing that I've said time and time again, your comfort level changes, none of us expected the pandemic in 2019 but our lives changed completely But that is, you know, a representation of how strong people are, where you're put into a difficult situation, you do find a way, even a lot of things go for a toss, then you do find a way and you do adapt, but then expecting that same change from a student in a very high risk situation is a bit too much to ask for. So I think, all in all I demand that type of support from people.

But there's another thing with entrepreneurship, which I've learned with bridged that, if you don't pay attention to a miniscule detail would probably miss a huge, huge opportunity.

Okay, so this is a last question. Before wrapping up the interview, what tips and advice would you give to anyone who has a startup idea or is just looking to start an initiative?

Three words, go for it, you know, it's good, It will never be a regret, I can assure you that it would either be your biggest achievement or your biggest success in life, you know, the thing you are most proud of, or it could just be some a stepping stone for something that you will, you know, at the end of the day be very proud of. So, it is only a step in the right direction. So, if you have something execute it, everything else will fall in place, you will find the right people you will find everything you just have to trust the process and it sounds you know, every time I give this advice, everybody's like, that's too optimistic of you aarushi , But in my opinion its quite realistic, where am I saying that you will not, you know, get failures, I'm saying you in 100 things, sometimes we will get 99 failures , but I assure that all those 99 failures will, you know, get you a bit closer to what you want to do, it's like an asymptote where you will never reach ground, you will just, you know, nobody can ever reach the peak of success or even like, mukesh ambani . But you will always drift a bit closer to it. So, up to the point where like, this is the optimum point of your project, and you know, from this point, it can only sustain it will not go here or there, because it is like the maximum your idea. So, unless you add up something to it, but trying anything, will never, go against you, it will only help you meet, you know, better better people. And, you know, it will only make you understand more about your service. And the end of the day, what else do we want? Like we, I mean, especially as entrepreneurs we want to do, I mean, from several conversations, what I've picked up is one of the main reasons why someone does something is that I wanted to explore more, you know, of my passion through my project, and if I could help people reach their passions, or if I could practice my art. So, you know, you would hear this time and time again, I will say to that, you know, you just execute it. And try not to regret anything, though there will be several things just try not to get disheartened. And, yeah, I mean, there's not much you can say, it's just that, something will sound very interesting to you. It might not be, you know, perfect for that time. So it might be that, you know, 20 years ago, nobody would have thought that, you know, the environmental situation would be so and so. But now that the Zero Waste companies are coming up, now is the perfect time. I mean, probably a little late also, where, you know, these database companies should have started a lot before. It's a brilliant idea. Right? But 20 years ago, if someone came up with this idea, it will not be promoted. Is it a bad idea? No. Is it also a bad thing? No. I mean, if we started 20 years ago, we wouldn't even be here right? We wouldn't have such a bad situation. But, you know, like you spoken about, there'll be critiques, there will be people, even your audience, you know, doubting stuff for a year and a half, two years straight, you will not get consumers. And that is another thing. Well, you know, though I don't deal with funding from the starting process. And it just circulating funds, all I can say is if you have a certain amount of funding, because I've done f1 in schools, so I know that you have like 50,000 for funding, and you need so many so many domains. So do not, you know, use up everything at the very beginning. Because you need to expect the worst. So, there's two or three things Firstly, believe in your idea. Secondly, expect to worse. Thirdly, keep your standards very low. Because though your idea might be brilliant. And if it within like 24 hours, it shoots up, you know, you'll be happy you would pop a bottle of champagne or something be very happy. If it doesn't say pop that bottle of champagne, because you started. So celebrate every small victory, stay grounded I think that’s something that changes a lot in founders, and just go for it that’s the biggest thing.

Those are some wonderful tips and advices. For someone who want to start their own initiative, it would be so it'll be really helpful, you know, for young minds to start their own.

Another advice is, the advantage of having a network that is similar to you is if

You have an idea. Be part of organizations that are similar to your idea, because you might learn a bit of skills that you lack, that you would genuinely need for your organization, you know, that there might be some things where you think that oh, my ideas is very unique, it might not be, and that's fine, it's fine if your ideas are unique, but do not stay within any impression that you know your idea is the best. Because there will always be someone with a better idea executed or not executed out there. So just believe in your idea believe that no matter what may come you know, I will stick with my idea. So if you can see your idea in that way you go for it, if you have a bit of doubt, get yourself into that rhythm work with people that are doing something similar. And you would learn a lot about that industry that you're about to set foot in. And you'll also meet people, you know, similar to your age. So I feel like nobody understand a 15 year old entrepreneur better then another 15 year old entrepreneur or you know a 17 year old entrepreneur that started at 18 and failed for two years. So I'm not saying that a 35 year old entrepreneur will not understand what a 15 year old entrepreneur is going through, I think the field of startups is so vast, where people will understand your situations, people will understand, the problems that you run into, they will be able to give you advice, but in terms of academic stress, in terms of family stuff, in terms of people not believing in your idea, not having enough experience pitching, not having a degree, all sorts of problem that you run into is, you know, even if someone started at 15 and is now 35, their world was a lot different. Our worlds are different five years down the line, if I want to start something, the world is very different. So you know, staying in touch with someone similar to you similar to, you know, your life is very important, because just to be understood, even if they will not be able to give primary support, they would make you feel heard. And I think this is something that I’ve executed every single company that I've been a part of, I use to hold these sessions for team members. And you cannot tell the founder something, but you can tell the HR. So for all the HR out there have a rant session where your employees, or you know, the people working with you will love the founder. But there are some problems that you run into, that you just can't handle, right, you just need to vent out. So I think it keeps a nice atmosphere within the company where everything is transparent. The person that needs to know about the problems knows about the problems, they know how to go about it. And everybody else you know, gets their heart empty for the next week of problems because there will always be problems.

Exactly cooperation rather than individualism. That's a spirit of a company. So we are wrapping up my interview. Let me tell you this was like one of the best interviews I've ever had.

It was so fun and touching.

I wished you could go on and on and search up all the possible Big Questions

I wish I could have prepared more questions.

Your questions you know were really great. You did a great job.

Thank you. Okay, so with that, thank you so much for joining us and picking up your time.

Thank you for having me.

I wish this story of yours will inspire a lot of people and hopefully one day your venture will become really successful. Okay, so with that you're wrapping up the interview. Have a great night.

Thank you. Bye. Thank