Wednesday 09 Oct 2024

Beyond the lab coat: Balancing studies and content creation with passion

SHERWYN COUTO | AUGUST 28, 2024, 12:18 AM IST
Beyond the lab coat: Balancing studies and content creation with passion

Vidhi Rane, a dynamic 22-year-old final year student of Bachelor's in Pharmacy at PES Rajaram and Tarabai Bandekar College of Pharmacy. Beyond her academic pursuits, Vidhi leads a vibrant life that showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and creative prowess.

By day, Vidhi is immersed in the world of pharmaceutical studies, diligently working towards her degree. But her nights and weekends transform her into something of a culinary magician — under the brand 'bakeawishgoa', she has carved a niche as a part-time baker renowned for her brownies.

Yet, Vidhi's talents don't end there. She is also a content creator, weaving her passions into digital narratives that span food blogging, lifestyle insights, and glimpses into the world of fashion.

The beginning

My journey into content creation began quiet naturally in April 2023. Initially, I faced challenges in balancing my studies, baking and creating content. There were days when I struggled to manage my time effectively, especially during exams etc. However, my determination to share my passions kept me going. I connected with a friend who helped me get my first collaboration, this gradually evolved into a more structured approach as I expanded into lifestyle and fashion content.

Overcoming challenges

One of the biggest challenges I encountered was finding my voice and niche in a crowded digital space. The content creation world is highly competitive, and standing out requires creativity, consistency, and a unique perspective. There were moments of self-doubt and times when engagement on my posts wasn’t as high as I hoped. But these setbacks taught me the importance of perseverance and the need to constantly innovate. And not to forget the support from my friends and family have also helped me a lot throughout this journey.

Developing rhythm

Over time, I developed a rhythm that allowed me to manage my multiple roles effectively. I learned how to plan my content, engage with my audience, and collaborate with other brands. Now, my content creation process feels more natural and rewarding. It's exciting to see my audience grow and to receive positive feedback from those who find value in what I share. Although, there are a few days where I struggle to create content for the page.

Expanding into diverse categories

Currently, my content spans various categories like food blogging, lifestyle, and fashion, allowing me to express different aspects of my personality. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I also recognise that this journey is ongoing. I'm constantly learning and evolving, always looking for new ways to improve and expand my content.

Personal Authenticity

Staying updated with industry trends is crucial for maintaining relevance and producing engaging content. However, I’m always open to trying new things, whether it’s a different  series I recently completed of trying street food in Goa or posting random videos.

Quality over quantity

Navigating the pressures of social media algorithms while maintaining a balance with my personal life is definitely challenging, however my main focus is on quality over quantity, instead of chasing trends or posting just to stay active, I focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with my audience. While likes, comments, and shares are important, I also measure success by the quality of interactions and the impact my content has on my audience. This helps reduce the stress of constantly chasing numbers.

Experimenting with my flow

I experiment with different content and posting schedules to see what works best, without stressing over short-term fluctuations. This helps me find a rhythm that works for both my audience and myself.

I’ve also found a way to keep up with the demands of social media while maintaining a healthy balance with my personal life. It’s an ongoing process, but one that’s essential for long-term sustainability and well-being in the content creation space.

A word of advice

If someone is looking to become an influencer or a content creator, I would suggest they go with the flow, do what you like, find your interests and emphasise quality over quantity in your content.

Embracing the journey

I wouldn’t do anything differently as I trust the process and let things go with the flow while I embrace the journey and learn new things everyday.

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