Name: Mr. Ankit Kesarwani
Company & job title – Founder & CEO of “Fodrix Private Limited”
Little about your professional journey?
I was supposed to be a software engineer, immersed in the world of codes and algorithms. But deep inside, my heart yearned for adventure, for the thrill of exploration and the joy of capturing moments through my lens. But I felt like it was too soon to start. So, I decided to gain some experience.
After a year in the corporate sector, where I sought to understand the nuances of business, my passion for travel and photography remained undimmed. It was during my travels that I encountered a common struggle among fellow adventurers – the challenge of finding reliable local photographers to capture the essence of a place.
This realization ignited a spark within me. Why not create a platform that connects travelers with local photographers, making it easier for everyone to preserve their memories in a meaningful way?
With this idea in mind, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. The road was tough, filled with uncertainties and challenges. But fueled by my passion, I persevered. And soon enough, my vision became a reality. As the Founder and CEO of Fodrix, my role involves steering the direction of the company, bringing together my technical expertise and a genuine love for travel and photography. Fodrix, serves as a bridge connecting travelers with professional photographers across India, enhancing the overall travel experience by providing easy access to quality photography services.
Each day, I am reminded of the power of following your passion and turning your dreams into actions.
How did you come to your current role/position?
I transitioned from a software engineer to a Founder through a journey inspired by my passion for travel and photography. While working in the corporate sector for a year, I recognized a common challenge faced by my friends seeking local photographers during their travels. This realization ignited the idea for Fodrix. Driven by the desire to simplify the connection between travelers and photographers, I founded Fodrix as an online platform. My entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a genuine solution to a common problem, propelled me into the role of Founder and CEO, shaping Fodrix into a dynamic platform connecting people with professional photographers across India.
Who has impacted your life the most, and why?
From my engineering days, I was captivated by Sandeep Maheshwari’s insights into business by watching his videos. Engaging with Maheshwari’s motivational content during this period played a pivotal role in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset and approach. Alongside this impactful influence, the values instilled by my father in our lower-middle-class upbringing have also played a significant role. His principles, coupled with the wisdom from Maheshwari’s guidance, have formed the foundation of my values, motivations, and entrepreneurial journey. This amalgamation is vividly reflected in my role as the founder and leader of Fodrix, showcasing the impact of diverse influences on my professional and personal development
What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your life and how did you overcome them?
I encountered formidable challenges when launching Fodrix, from overcoming personal hesitancy to approaching strangers in Goa to transitioning to deal closures on the beaches. During the initial 14 days of persistent effort, I dedicated myself to long hours—staying awake late into the night and starting work early each morning. The first breakthrough emerged with the successful closure of a deal worth Rupees 3999/-. This early triumph not only marked a significant milestone for Fodrix but also showcased my unwavering determination and resilience in the face of hurdles. The story highlights the essence of the entrepreneurial journey — embracing discomfort, learning from experiences, and persisting until breakthrough moments are achieved.
What are some valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?
In my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve learned to embrace risk, maintain unwavering consistency, and never give up, even in challenging times. The resilience to face obstacles head-on and the determination to persist underscore the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship. These lessons emphasize the importance of a proactive and tenacious approach, reflecting my commitment to building and growing a successful venture.
What do you see as the biggest challenge for brands in the digital space?
For me some of the biggest challenges are –
- Staying visible among lots of other brands online
- Getting people to pay attention to your content
- Keeping up with all the new stuff happening online
- Making people trust your brand, especially with so much fake news around
- Mixing creativity with what people actually want to see online
How your services help to resolve the pain points of your customers?
Effortless Booking: Simplify the booking process for customers, saving time and hassle.
Quality Assurance: Ensure high standards by vetting photographers, addressing reliability concerns.
Tailored Packages: Offer customizable photography packages to fit various needs and budgets.
Effective Communication: Facilitate clear communication between customers and photographers to align expectations.
Continuous Improvement: Gather feedback for ongoing service enhancement, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Transparent Service: Provide transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee, instilling confidence in customers.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy reading books about business. Learning new things about how to succeed in business is something I find really interesting. When I’m not reading, I like to hang out with friends, maybe over chai or coffee, and spend time with my family. It’s important for me to have a good balance between work and enjoying life with the people I care about.
What key qualities or skills do you think are essential for success as an entrepreneur/chief officer?
For aspiring entrepreneurs or future chief officers, I’d say it’s all about having a clear vision and being willing to take calculated risks. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. Don’t be afraid to fail, because every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay adaptable and open-minded, and never stop seeking out new opportunities for innovation and growth. And most importantly, always stay true to your values and never lose sight of your passion and purpose.
