Nandini Maheshwari, Editor of Born Rich (INTERVIEW)

Nandini Maheshwari is the Editor of Born Rich, a blog that features luxury goods from around the world. She is a Co-Founder of Instablogs, and spends her days finding things I can’t afford but love to stare at. Maheshwari spoke with us about the role trend spotting plays in her daily work.

11 Question with Nandini Maheshwari and Trend Hunter

1. How did you get involved with Born Rich and what motivates you to continue?

I have been writing articles for college magazines, and outside. Lifestyle has been one of my interests from the early days. Though, you might argue, who isn’t fascinated with the world of luxury, but that’s where my passion lies. So, when we came up with this idea of starting a blog network (Instablogs), I knew that I would write on a luxury blog in addition to managing the team. So, essentially I have been part of the Bornrich team from day one.

My passion for Bornrich, and the feedback that I have received from my readers, and fellow bloggers keeps me going.

2. How significant are the topics of cool hunting and trend spotting to Born Rich?

At Bornrich our aim is to provide our audience a daily dose of insights into what’s new in the world of design, technology, luxury and more. And, whatever is picked up by our writers and editors is based on what we consider as "cool," so cool hunting is an inherent part of Born rich. Besides, we also report on over the current and future trends in our industry through a round-up of what’s been hot all year round, in different segments of our industry.

3. How do you define a trend?

I think trends are based upon intuition, driven by consumers, and picked up by early adopters. Trends mean the latest in your industry that’s unique in purpose, and is capable of bringing a change.

4. How do you define cool?

Anything with a cutting-edge design or done in a unique, and interesting manner can be dubbed cool. Apple for its products, Twitter for its service, Richard Branson for his spirits, to name a few.

5. Do you need a culture of innovation to create something that is cool?

Innovation is not simply restricted to discovering something that has never been done before, but it’s more about how differently you are doing it, and if it is doing any good to the society, solving any of the problems. But, yes every business needs to constantly keep innovating to create new solutions. Smart and effective ideas are the key to succeed in any business, and the only way for both consumers and businesses to survive.

6. What is the best way to create an infectious idea, product or service?

Pour your heart into whatever you are passionate about. Purpose and passion drive success. Take Starbucks as an example.

7. What is the key to innovation?

A good idea doesn’t just drop out of the sky. It comes from creative people who have faith in their ideas and who work on their projects with passion. Following your consumers, and observing what excites them, provides you fertile ground of thinking and innovating.

8. What is the most important trend you see in your industry?

The greatest luxury trends have to be those which save the consumer’s time, while not compromising on the luxury. Like for example, when it comes to first class travel, airlines are vying to outdo rivals in offering luxuries. Also, the future luxury consumer will seek excellence in both behaviour and product, so adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is another emerging trend in the luxury industry.

9. How do you reset yourself to be creative? (e.g. do you have any rituals, do you set aside time for creativity, etc.)

I think I have two unfair advantages over others when it comes to resetting myself from day to day chores into being creative again. The Instablogs office is in Shimla, which is a one of the picturesque towns located in the Himalayas, and is also known as Queens of Hills…

Working in such a place ensures that you are always filled with positive energy and can be creative all the time. I am lucky that I am running my own business. So, I bring my two-year-old daughter, Aanya, every day to my work place. Whenever I blank out, I play with her, or take her for a stroll, and try to be free and relaxed. This energizes me and helps me unleash my creativity.

10. Professionally, what do you want to be doing in 10 years?

Actually I am shortsighted, which means can’t see stuff that’s far away. Jokes apart!

In ten years, I see myself still blogging in whatever scenario I am in to. But, yeah, I do expect a change of scene. Bornrich is one of my long-term interests, but I can see myself working on another idea like Instablogs. On second thoughts, I will be 10 years older by then, and retiring early is also on the list ;)

11. What are your most important hobbies?

I like to watch classic movies, listen to music—romantic, pop and, blogging—really, when you are 24x7 into doing something, how is it possible it doesn’t figure into your list, right?