Geeta Patel, a driven and determined individual, embarked on a journey that would lead her to establish her own startup, Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design. The seeds of this venture were sown during her time as a teacher at an institute that offered interior design courses. However, unforeseen circumstances led to the closure of the institute, leaving Geeta and her students disheartened.
It was during this challenging period that Geeta’s students, recognizing her talent and passion for interior design, encouraged her to start her own academy. Their unwavering support and belief in Geeta’s expertise ignited a spark within her, planting the seed of an entrepreneurial dream. In the year 2015, Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design was born.
Overcoming Hurdles and Nurturing Dreams
Geeta’s journey to establish her startup was far from easy. She faced numerous hurdles along the way, but her determination and resilience pushed her forward. Having completed her basic education in Mumbai, Geeta initially pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc). However, circumstances led her to take a break as her family migrated to Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Unable to find the same subjects in the local university, Geeta enrolled in an Ayurvedic college, driven by her aspirations to become a doctor.
Unfortunately, the Ayurvedic college faced financial difficulties and eventually closed down. Undeterred, Geeta embraced her role as a mother to her newborn son while continuing to pursue her studies. She enrolled in the CIC (Certificate in Computing) program in IT from IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) and achieved remarkable success, earning a distinction.
Although Geeta excelled academically, she felt the absence of an undergraduate degree, which posed a hindrance to her plans of pursuing an MCA (Master of Computer Applications) directly. Despite this setback, she explored other avenues, venturing into group tuitions and English language coaching. Her teaching experiences proved fulfilling, but Geeta’s passion for interior design continued to burn within her.
Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
While teaching at an institute, Geeta found an opportunity to teach interior design students, further igniting her creative spark. However, as fate would have it, the institute faced its own challenges and eventually closed its doors. It was at this pivotal moment that Geeta’s students, recognizing her potential and expertise, urged her to establish her own interior design academy.
Inspired by their belief in her abilities, Geeta took the plunge and founded Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design in 2015. With her extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, she sought to provide aspiring interior designers with the necessary skills and guidance to excel in the field.
A Roller Coaster of Professional Growth
Geeta’s journey to entrepreneurship was marked by a series of unexpected turns and professional growth. She took on various teaching opportunities, including teaching English and coaching students in the NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) board. Her passion for teaching intertwined with her love for interior design, leading her to undertake small design projects alongside her coaching work.
Geeta’s dedication to teaching and her expertise in the English language did not go unnoticed. She was appointed as the Head of the English Department at an institute, and her accomplishments even extended to writing a 300-page book on English speaking.
Introduction: Academy For Interior Design
Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design is an innovative startup that aims to provide aspiring interior designers with practical, hands-on training to make them market-ready. An experienced interior designer herself, the academy offers a unique curriculum that focuses on real-world applications and industry-relevant skills. With a minimum time commitment and an affordable fee structure, the academy has garnered a great response from students, and its graduates are excelling in their professional lives.
One of the significant problems in the field of interior design education is the lack of practical, hands-on training. Many institutions focus primarily on theory-based learning, leaving students unprepared for the challenges they will face in the industry. Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive curriculum that immerses students in practical training from day one.
Additionally, the academy focuses on enhancing students’ overall skills and professionalism. It includes market surveys, presentation skills, personality development training, and the creation of physical models. Students are encouraged to become technically proficient and gain exposure through factory visits, workshop visits, and exhibition visits. Experts from different departments are invited to share their knowledge and insights, further enriching the learning experience. The academy also provides training in graphics and 3D rendering software, which are in high demand in the market. To showcase their work, students are required to submit a portfolio, and upon completion, they receive both an NSDC Diploma certificate and the institute’s certificate.
Revenue Model and Future Vision
Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design operates on two fee models: a nine-month program priced at 90,000 INR and an eighteen-month program priced at 180,000 INR. Each batch consists of 25 students, and to date, the academy has successfully taught over 250 students. With a goal to enroll more than 100 students annually, the academy envisions a future where it expands and establishes its own university.
Geeta Patel’s larger vision is to create a university that aligns with her unique teaching methods, free from barriers and with extensive practical infrastructure. To achieve this vision, Geeta recognizes the need for substantial financial resources and is working diligently towards that goal.
Marketing and Growth Strategies
To promote the academy and attract students, Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design employs various marketing practices and tools. Alongside traditional methods such as distributing flyers, the academy leverages social media platforms for digital marketing and branding. By showcasing actual images of their facilities and providing detailed content about their offerings, the academy effectively communicates its value proposition. Additionally, videos of live sessions, visits, and presentations are created and shared across multiple platforms to further engage with prospective students.
The team at Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design is the backbone of the institute. Geeta Patel emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals who share her passion for teaching, can work compatibly within the team, and embrace the institute’s culture.
Overcoming Challenges and Working Through Obstacles
The most challenging part of the journey for Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design was undoubtedly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the institute unable to open its doors, Geeta faced the challenge of maintaining the momentum and ensuring the continued education of her students. Despite having only six students at that time, she refused to lose hope and adapted to the situation. Geeta taught her students online, on-site, and even at their homes to ensure their progress and keep their learning journey on track. After 18 months, she was able to restart the institute and embark on a fresh start.
One ongoing obstacle that the academy faces is the growing preference for online learning among students. Many have become accustomed to the convenience of accessing education from their fingertips. Geeta and her team are working diligently to encourage students to step into the institute and experience the benefits of practical, hands-on training. They strive to create an engaging and immersive learning environment that surpasses the limitations of online instruction.
Awards, Recognition, and Success Stories
Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design has received numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding contributions and achievements. Geeta herself has been honored with prestigious accolades such as the Shikshan Ratna Award, Powerful Femprenuer Award, Entrepreneur of the Year in the Service Industry Award, Nari Shakti Award, Sardar Patel Award, and certificates of appreciation for her contributions to various projects and initiatives.
Geeta shares a heartening success story of a student who had only two months before going abroad but was determined to learn interior design under her guidance. Geeta took up the challenge and made a commitment to teach the student within the limited timeframe. With a focused and intensive approach, she successfully completed the entire course in just one month, much to the student’s delight and satisfaction. This success story exemplifies the academy’s commitment to delivering quality education and meeting the unique needs of its students.
Funding, Incubation Center, Mentors, and Government Support
Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design was initially self-funded, with Geeta investing her own resources into the startup. By utilizing her personal finances, she was able to establish and sustain the academy.
Geeta acknowledges the importance of staying updated and continually improving her knowledge and skills. Although she doesn’t mention direct mentor support, Geeta actively seeks self-improvement by leveraging different modes of learning, including online platforms. This dedication to personal and professional growth enables her to stay ahead in the dynamic field of interior design.
Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design has benefitted from its association with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The academy serves as an NSDC study center, enabling them to provide diploma certification in Interior Design. This government support enhances the credibility of the academy’s certifications and showcases its commitment to providing industry-recognized qualifications to its students. As Ggeeta Patel’s Academy For Interior Design continues its journey, Geeta Patel and her dedicated team remain focused on their vision of transforming interior design education.
Balancing Work, Family, and Social Life
Geeta Patel shares her approach to maintaining this balance. She emphasizes the importance of perfect time management, self-discipline, goal setting, and achieving them. Geeta’s love for her work plays a significant role, as she enjoys what she does and doesn’t feel overwhelmed by taking on multiple roles simultaneously. Geeta values being a multi-tasker and believes in excelling in various areas. She embraces the ability to handle multiple responsibilities and diversify her skill set. This approach allows her to adapt to different situations and contribute effectively in various domains.
Geeta reflects on her personal growth and development, acknowledging that she has transitioned from being a hardworking person to a smart working person. While she used to manage everything alone as a one-man army, she now realizes the power of teamwork. Geeta has built a strong team that works collaboratively towards the growth of the institute.
Geeta emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with the evolving market trends. She is currently focused on enhancing her knowledge to align with the demands of the industry.
