LIVING THE i LIFE: ‘Adhere to the rules for others’ safety as well’

Boundaries between the office and home have blurred. I’m either always thinking about work or always chilling. I’m unable to balance things at home. For my work, I need to meet clients and source fabrics. I thought it would not be ethical to push orders. The last thing in people’s minds is to get new clothes. Everyone is in sweatpants, so I figured I wouldn’t promote the fabrics. I also work at my father’s leather company. I asked my father not to go to our unit. We self-quarantined ourselves before the news came out. So, for us, the lockdown has been going on for a week more than others. Sometime around April, I started a wardrobe styling process.

Customers got a chance to experience the creation of a garment. I wanted to interact with the community and sustain myself. I styled them with the garments that they already had. We used to get onto video calls and chat. So far I’ve helped 10 clients. Their styles have been different, but I pushed them out of their comfort zone. I’m a Bharatanatyam dancer. I love to read as well. I’ve attended many workshops and seminars, from dance to management. For me, the lockdown has been a learning experience. I don’t get to do this usually because of the time on my hands. There’s no pressure per se, but it’s an interest of mine. Until the first week of June, I wasn’t pressured by the lockdown. I had the company of my parents. I had a lot of friends saying they were unable to tackle the shutdown. By keeping myself involved just for the joy of it, I felt like I was on a holiday. It’s a cycle - if the brand goes down, there will be a time where it comes up. That’s changed now. We had an easing of the lockdown, where I went to work. Now going back to the old rules is rather difficult. But looking at the larger picture, it has to be done. Not just for ourselves, but for others’ safety.