From Part-Time Hobby To Full-Time Company: Pooja Haria’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Looking to throw a party that expresses your personal style and taste? Looking for home decor that is not your run-of-the-mill stuff? Looking for a reliable party planner? Well, look no further, ‘Confetti’ is here to address all your party needs from customised party props, to decor and accessories.

The scope, and earnings from affordable art is minimal. The doubt of sustaining oneself crept into my mind. When people around you start doubting it, you start questioning yourself, asking if it is worth it.”

What started out as a hobby, has turned into Pooja Haria’s full-fledged thriving business. She says, “I started by making small hand-made hair bands and affordable paintings. During Diwali I used to make customized diyas. I wanted to put my work out there and see the response. Eventually it turned into a company with employees. I started Confetti in 2012.” An art and craft enthusiast, Pooja was an avid user of Pinterest; and her idea board was called Confetti. And that virtual board is now her company in the real world. As she explains, “Confetti is a mix of different kinds of colours and celebration.” A philosophy that is reflected in the service she offers.

Any path that deviates from the tried-and-tested, is bound to be rocky. Such was the case even with Pooja. She elaborates, “The first 2 years we weren’t into events, only selling handmade items. The scope, and earnings from affordable art is minimal. The doubt of sustaining oneself crept into my mind. When people around you start doubting it, you start questioning yourself, asking if it is worth it.” However, Pooja didn’t let this self-doubt cripple her.  Instead, it motivated her to work harder. She worked on the side as a content-writer, and invested the earnings in her company’s growth. Her patience and diligence paid off. Confetti got into events, and since then things have only looked up.

I am introducing a concept called ‘Party in a Box’ which would provide affordable do-it-yourself party props for house parties that can be re-used.”

As Confetti is still in its growth phase, Pooja does the heavy lifting by handling multiple departments like accounts, marketing, designing etc. But expansion plans are underway. Pooja speaks of her ideas for the future, “My main aim is to make party planning affordable to house wives. I am introducing a concept called ‘Party in a Box’ which would provide affordable do-it-yourself party props for house parties that can be re-used. I am also planning to sign up with photographers across Bangalore to create an in-house set for different photo shoots that happen.”

One who took a leap of faith to pursue her hobby as a full time career, Pooja says, “Move away from your comfort zone to learn more, and that will make you grow. Nothing is too big for a person to achieve. That is very important, especially when you’re an entrepreneur, since you tend to doubt yourself more often than not.”

Never give up on your interests, you never know where they might lead. Pooja Haria is the perfect example of that. Sometimes your life’s purpose is right under your nose, you just have to believe that you can do it.