My journey with Sparkle Gift Cards began in April 2023. At that time, I never imagined I would
become a social entrepreneur. I moved from planning PR strategies to creating a business plan,
managing finances, designing the logo, and establishing brand guidelines. The journey has been
overwhelming and fulfilling. I always wanted to do something more meaningful, something that
could touch lives and make a difference beyond just earning a living. I feel I've partially fulfilled that
dream. There's still a long way to go, but I cherish the start of this journey.
Why Sparkle Gift Cards? You may ask
It’s a social impact venture. A section 8 company created to bridge two gaps
1. The gifting dilemma
2. Fund raising for the NGOs
If we could channelise our monies or the act of gifting towards more meaningful channels, then why
not. We have created this beautiful product for this world, to make one realise that gifting can be
profound and not just a materialistic gesture. With the support of corporates, our friends from the
PR community and well-wishers, in just six months (we launched the product in August) we have
managed to raise close to INR Six Lakh Rupees for the NGOs we have collaborated with. And this is
just the beginning!
It hasn’t been a smooth ride, but it has been the most fulfilling professional journey of my life and I'd
like to share some lessons from my experience as a social entrepreneur (if I may call myself one):
S - Start: Take that leap of faith. You never know what might happen. When an opportunity arises
and someone believes in you, go with that belief and take the plunge. Starting will pave the way for
you, albeit it may be challenging and unfamiliar. But when you reach your goal, the view from the
top is beautiful, much like reaching the summit of a mountain.
T - Train: Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. You'll face ups and
downs, but keep pushing forward. Learn new skills along the way and adapt. Many things I
encountered weren't part of my original plan, but I'm grateful for the new knowledge in technology,
finance, people management, vendor relations, and networking. Carry these learnings with you;
keep learning.
E - Eliminate: Sometimes, you'll need to let go of certain ideas or paths. Embrace the idea of
eliminating what doesn't work and creating something new. That passion project, design, or story
you were so invested in might not be the right fit, and that's okay. Move on; something better will
come along.
P - Process: Trust the journey and the process of self-reinvention. Without my team, I wouldn't have
realized my full potential. Trust in the process and take that leap forward. Make things happen.
Sparkle Gift Cards is my dedication to the 20 years of learning from my bosses and colleagues. It's for
the people who deserve a better life. If this initiative can improve someone's life, I'll consider it a
success. Join me in this mission and spread kindness. Please buy your next gift from
https://sparklegiftcards.com/