The Business of Balancing: Ananya and The Small Shop

Ananya Pritam, a current third-year student studying at Ashoka University, has much to say about balancing a small business while successfully maintaining an unblemished academic and extra-curricular record. A dedicated and driven individual by nature, Pritam is determined to pursue a major in Economics with an unwavering focus on the subject. Furthermore, hailing from the bustling city of Bombay, her journey is uniquely flavoured with the vibrant culture and dynamism of this metropolis. This is an inspiring story of an Ashokan, who quite literally does it all: Basketball, Academics, Finance and running a small business!

Through interactions with the sports enthusiast, Ananya emphasised that, even beyond the classroom, her personality is not just restricted to numbers and statistics, but is also a basketball aficionado, finding inspiration in the teamwork, strategy, and discipline that the sport demands. This passion for basketball serves as a mirror to their aspirations in the world of finance – a realm where teamwork, strategic thinking, and discipline are equally pivotal.

With an eye fixed on the horizon, Pritam envisions a future in finance, aiming to carve a niche for herself and ultimately embarking on the entrepreneurial path to start something of her own. Her journey is one defined by relentless dedication, a fusion of academic prowess and sporting spirit, all set against the backdrop of the bustling financial hub of Bombay.

Needless to say, the academically oriented Economics major was greatly enthusiastic about her personal venture, titled “The Small Shop”. Her vision is to advocate for a space where affordability meets quality in Imitation jewellery. In the dynamic realm of fashion, one thing remains constant: the allure of jewellery.

According to Ananya, be it a statement necklace to elevate a simple outfit or a pair of elegant earrings to complete a sophisticated look, jewellery has the power to transform. Yet, for many fashion enthusiasts, there’s a perennial struggle to find a brand that offers both quality and affordability. Thus, Pritam aptly recognised this market gap and set out to fill it. The vision was clear: provide jewellery that marries affordability with uncompromising quality. And the result? A range of imitation jewellery that promises to adorn, endure, and excel in style. While established brands like Accessorise dazzle with their craftsmanship, they often leave customers with wallets as empty as their jewellery boxes. On the flip side, budget-friendly options from the likes of H&M may be easy on the pocket but often disappoint when it comes to durability. Despite maintaining a successful trajectory and account of over 350 orders in only about a year, the sharp-witted student finds it rather hard to encounter obstacles in the absence of any external accountability to keep the business consistent. When asked about balancing the demands of an academically rigorous bearing at Ashoka University, accompanied by a thriving small business, Ananya stated her apprehensions about running a business alone, as it’s easy to become entangled in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. She was perturbed by the verity that consistency can wane, and motivation may waver. However, her antidote to these hurdles is, and remains time management and ruthless prioritisation. The young founder believes that staying disciplined and focusing on what truly matters is the only way to navigate the demanding terrain of entrepreneurship while juggling academic commitments.

This astounding story of a student entrepreneur in an academically competitive institution like Ashoka University goes to show that, although the premise of the educational establishment pushes its pupils to step out of their comfort zones to pursue their career ambitions, it is also a conducive environment for growth and personal development. With sustained logistical, financial and intellectual support from the academic faculty, university leadership and peers, students at Ashoka University are motivated to undertake productive business modules. Students like Ananya Pritam continue to exemplify balancing education and personal development at the University campus.

(Written by Ahana Walanju, a Political Science major from the undergraduate batch of 2025 at Ashoka University)