I was busy with my work when one of my colleagues mentioned that a leading Indian personality planned to host an exhibition for Indian products in Paris shortly. We got the details about this exhibition and discussed the idea for a while. He was keen on selling Indian snacks like Pani Puri, Bhel Puri etc. But I knew that my mom spent all her free time making handicrafts using her crochet skills.
I had already sold a few of her purses to my friends. They had appreciated her eye for detail and the neat finish of the purses. I discussed the idea with my mother first. She had a few handicrafts with her. She said she will create as many handicrafts as she can before the exhibition. But both of us knew that it would not occupy even two tables in the stall. We thought about it for a day and decided to go ahead with the idea of selling some Indian snacks too along with handicrafts.
Remember what I told you earlier. I was working when all this was shaping up. So I could explore this opportunity only during my off-hours and weekends. But my colleague was very supportive and helped me book a stall in the exhibition centre. We were lucky. Very lucky. When we registered ourselves only one stall was available. The rest had already been booked by others.
My mom had already started making more handicrafts. She was doing her best to create as many handicrafts as she could. We then realized that things are pretty expensive in France compared to India. My mom was anyway going to ship all her handicrafts and some snacks to me. So we decided it would be best if she could ship all the other requirements for the stall too from India itself.
Frankly speaking, I had no time to take care of the details. So I was relieved when my mom followed up on my ideas and got things done in India. I could rely on my mom to do her work perfectly. She got the banner printed, packed the snacks properly and kept the handicrafts separately. She ensured that the entire package reached me well before time.
They were going to host the exhibition on a Sunday. And I was eagerly waiting for it now. Of course, I was hopeful. I would have been very happy if we had sold all the handicrafts and snacks. But my parents said, “You’ll get a lot of exposure and learn many things during the exhibition. But be prepared for any kind of outcome. Be realistic. Don’t get carried away by your dreams and ambitions. Okay?”
That kept me grounded. Yes, the overall experience was good. My colleague and I managed to sell 70% of the snacks. We could sell only a few of my mom’s handicrafts. We earned back only 1/3 of our investment and most of it came through the snacks. Of course, I was disappointed. That’s natural. No?
But I did learn a whole lot too. I now know how people respond to crochet and handmade crafts. Several visitors who visited my stall appreciated the handicrafts. But you know what the real problem was? The weather! It is pretty cold in Europe most of the time. So people prefer handicrafts made out of wool. And unfortunately, my mom uses cotton or polyester yarn to create handicrafts. I think that was the major reason why people did not buy the handicrafts.
But I interacted with all my visitors in French. There were several other stalls out there in the exhibition. But our stall was unique. And that made me happy. I liked the entire experience and loved it when so many people appreciated the handicrafts that we had displayed. How I wish we had known about the material that they preferred a little earlier. But we learn all these values only from our experiences. No?
I’ll have to make some plans for my future too. Right now, I have a job. So I am working. But my contract is coming to an end. So I will have to start looking for a job after that. I intend to start something of my own slowly later on. But overall, my experience in France has been amazing. I have learnt several life lessons here – while pursuing my degree, during my internship and then while I was working.
Three months later….
I was relieved for a short while after my contract got over. But now I was back to square one. I had to search for a new job all over again. I didn’t have a choice. So I just did what I had to do without thinking too much about it. I started appearing for interviews – both over the telephone and in person too.
The interviews were good. But I did not get any job offers after that. No, I have not lost my confidence. In fact, I feel more confident than ever now. I am considering different ways of making money, am keen on working in the stock markets and want to help my dad with his business. The world is changing pretty fast. And I’d like to create new trends in his business with my exposure and experience. I know I have to potential to do something fruitful with my knowledge and skills. So I don’t think confidence is an issue.
I booked my tickets to return to India after doing my best to find a job here in Paris. But the Carona Virus outbreak ruined all my plans. I cancelled my ticket because international flights are banned for the time being.
What else could I do? I had to stay back. No? But I look forward to going back to India as soon as the ban is lifted. I want to explore new opportunities after I reach home. Yes, I have learnt several valuable lessons during this phase. I have become independent. I can do my bank work on my own. See, I made moong, tomato rice, channa masala, mushroom curry, pesarattu, baingan bharta and sweet potato fries. I try out new recipes and wash my own clothes too.
Entrepreneurship in emerging economies is a good course. So I am studying that now. Every morning I work out. In the evenings I watch a series called “Money Heist” on NetFlix if I am free. Also, I know each nook and cranny of Paris now. So I can advise tourists and guide students who want to pursue their higher studies here.
Yes, this lockdown has had a huge impact on our economy. But it has also strengthened family bonds. There will always be ups and downs in any economy. But at the end of it all, it is very materialistic in nature. And materialism can never compensate for love. Look at it from a completely different level. People will find new ways to sustain themselves even during pandemics and will seek long term solutions to prevent them in future.
And we, working-class people, know the worth of working from home so we will work more effectively too. It is always such a pleasure to have our loved ones around us, isn’t it? Yes, I’m waiting to return home. Very patiently. Yes. I know you all are waiting for me to return too. I will. Soon. It’s just a question of time now…