Ananya Bhattacharjee, InteriorMaata: Pandemic and lockdowns made people understand the importance of a beautiful home – Times of India

Ananya Bhattacharjee began her journey as an interior designer in Vadodara in 2017 with her first YouTube channel. Her business was doing well, when the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic suddenly threw things out of gear. She used the opportunity to rethink and rebuild her business into a virtual operation and leveraged her YouTube channel InteriorMaata to connect with her customers. She claims to have served more than 80 clients with her studio in the first year of launching her channel, using nothing but YouTube videos to share her work with customers. With just days away from International Women‘s Day 2022, TOI Tech-Gadgets Now spoke to Ananya about her journey and learnings as content creator on YouTube.
What is the key focus of your channel?
I want to help people learn interior designing in an easy way.
What led to the inception of your channel and the support you have received from YouTube?
I started my YouTube channel when I was at a low point in my life. I was going through depression and low self esteem; honestly that good-for-nothing phase when you question your life a lot. But then in those times, I started my YouTube channel, using my husband’s old camera and a 5 year old laptop and here I am today.
I am what I am today thanks to YouTube. My YouTube channel not only helped me grow my business but also, as a designer allowed me to explore my creativity. Today, I believe I am a better designer and operate two successful businesses.
How has been your journey as an interior designing content creator?
I could have never asked for anything more. When I started my journey, there were hardly any other creators who were developing similar content. The ones that did exist were from other parts of the world. But, today you might find a wonderful YouTube channel creating similar content like mine. People are now more conscious of and aware about home decor than ever before. Moreover, with the pandemic and lockdowns, people understood the importance of a beautiful home.
How has the content creation ecosystem in the country evolved post-pandemic?
With short-form content gaining popularity, you don’t have to spend months on one video but instead can only spend 30 minutes a day on your content and that can in itself create a sustainable social media career for you. YouTube Shorts are definitely my favourite.
Any message you want to share with your fellow women content creators this Women’s Day?
Believe in yourself and never underestimate your inner power. You can do whatever you want just by believing in yourself and your work. And, someday your story could become an inspiration for others, too.