With over 20 years of experience in the graphic design industry, Lajju Adalja (LJ), the founder and creative director of bbfmDESIGN, has built a legacy of impactful and innovative designs. After working with a few agencies and gaining invaluable experience, she realized her true calling was to create something of her own. This led to the birth of bbfmDESIGN—a creative agency that specializes in branding, logo design, packaging, advertising, exhibition stall artworks, brochures, company profiles, and creative consultation.
The early years of running her own business were filled with challenges, but they were also immensely enjoyable. With a passion for design and a keen understanding of client needs, Lajju carved out a niche for herself, offering services that resonated with large corporations and Bollywood productions. Over the years, bbfmDESIGN has built strong and lasting relationships with clients, many of whom have stayed with her for over a decade, a testament to her dedication to providing outstanding design work.
Today, bbfmDESIGN is a thriving creative agency that continues to focus on delivering impactful designs while fostering long-term client relationships built on trust and excellence.
Services/Products/Solutions:
At bbfmDESIGN, the team specializes in a range of creative services that help businesses define and communicate their brand identity effectively. These services include:
- Branding: Crafting unique brand identities that reflect a company’s ethos and connect with its audience.
- Logo Design: Creating distinctive logos that leave a lasting impression.
- Packaging: Designing packaging that stands out and enhances product visibility.
- Advertising: Designing ads that capture attention and drive results.
- Exhibition Stall Artworks: Designing impactful exhibition displays that create an immersive experience for visitors.
- Brochures and Catalogues: Designing marketing materials that communicate effectively with potential clients.
- Creative Consultation: Providing expert advice to businesses on how to convey their brand message through various communication channels.
Education & Early Inspiration:
Lajju’s passion for design began during her studies. She completed her Commercial Art course, where she was awarded Best Student and Best Campaign for her final year work. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, as her work was chosen for exhibitions in prestigious art galleries, including the NCPA in Mumbai. Lajju also pursued Textile Design, which gave her an opportunity to showcase her work in renowned galleries. She later took up an Interior Design course, further expanding her creative skill set.
Her journey of learning and winning awards during her education played a pivotal role in shaping her career and gave her the confidence to pursue design professionally.
The Spark to Start bbfmDESIGN:
Lajju’s first job, where she handled over 300 corporate clients, gave her immense exposure to the world of design for large corporations. She worked on projects such as annual reports, calendars, and The BBFMway: A Creative Journey of Passion and Perseverance
brochures for five years, followed by two years at another agency that specialized in movie campaigns. This invaluable experience allowed her to understand client thinking and business needs, which ultimately inspired her to take the plunge and start her own design agency.
Despite the challenges of starting out, Lajju felt compelled to follow her dreams and create a design agency that would specialize in branding and client relationships—two things she believed were crucial for business success.
Location & Target Areas:
Headquartered in Mumbai, India, bbfmDESIGN serves clients across the country and beyond. The agency’s creative work has helped businesses from various industries stand out and successfully communicate their brand identity. The company’s client base includes both startups and established businesses looking for unique and impactful design solutions.
Clients & Competitive Strength:
bbfmDESIGN’s client base includes corporates from various industries, ranging from large businesses to smaller enterprises. The company’s competitive strength lies in its ability to deliver impactful designs that help clients differentiate themselves in the market. The agency prides itself on long-term client relationships, with many of its early clients still working with them, demonstrating trust in their designs and commitment to delivering quality work.
Larger Goal & Vision:
Lajju’s goal is to continue offering dedicated service and trustworthy design solutions to clients, helping them communicate their brands effectively. Her vision is to expand bbfmDESIGN beyond borders and establish it as one of the leading creative consulting agencies in the industry.
Looking ahead, she envisions herself and her agency guiding startups as well as established businesses on how even small interactions with their customers can have a significant impact on their brand.
Challenges and Overcoming Them:
Starting bbfmDESIGN was not without its challenges. In the beginning, it was just Lajju working on all projects herself. To make things even more difficult, she won six international projects within her second month of starting, meaning she had to handle everything single-handedly. Despite the pressure, she managed to deliver quality work on time and maintain strong client relationships, which was a turning point in her career.
Boldest Decision:
The boldest decision Lajju ever made was to take the leap and start her own design agency, bbfmDESIGN, with the confidence that she could succeed. She was inspired by her own belief in her talent and supported by the encouragement of her husband, who motivated her to take that plunge.
Obstacles as Growth Opportunities:
While Lajju doesn’t see the challenges she faces as obstacles, she considers them to be growth opportunities that help her evolve as a designer and business owner. She believes that every situation—whether positive or negative—provides valuable lessons and contributes to her journey of self-improvement.
Awards and Recognition:
While Lajju has not actively sought awards, the biggest recognition for her has been the loyalty of her clients. Many of her first clients are still with bbfmDESIGN, proving the agency’s ability to deliver impactful, high-quality work and build trust with clients.
Work-Life Balance:
Balancing work and personal life is important to Lajju. She ensures that her weekends are work-free and dedicated to spending quality time with her family. She believes in the importance of keeping a healthy balance between her career and personal life to maintain overall well-being.
Spending Time Outside Work:
Outside of work, Lajju enjoys spending time with family and friends, socializing, and engaging in meaningful activities that bring her joy and relaxation. She values her time away from work and considers it essential for staying motivated and energized.
Hardworking or Smart?
Lajju considers herself a smart person, focusing on working efficiently and effectively rather than simply putting in long hours. She believes that working smart—by prioritizing tasks and staying organized—has been key to her success.
Learning Right Now:
Currently, Lajju is exploring the world of AI and learning how it can be integrated into design processes. She is excited to see how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency in the design industry.
Idols and Motivation:
Lajju draws inspiration from her father, who is her idol, and her husband, who is her biggest motivator. She is passionate about what she does, and that passion keeps her motivated to deliver high-quality work to her clients and maintain an active, driven approach to her career.
Success and Its Meaning:
Lajju defines success in simple terms: when her clients are happy, she is successful. The measure of her success is not in accolades or awards but in the satisfaction and trust of her clients. Her success mantra is: Focus. Determination. Deliver.
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs:Lajju’s advice to young entrepreneurs and startups is to believe in their work and, most importantly, love what they do. When you are passionate about your work, success will follow.
