Spirit W | Challenge yourself to overcome your fears: Lunchbox's Dimple Mehra

Mehra has her own company by the name of Lunchbox Services, which helps clients to launch products and services in existing and prospective markets, help upgrade their image and sales figures, network with companies that they can benefit from association; undertake CRM-based requirements and fulfill HR and management needs. She started her venture in June 2011 with no initial funds. Her existing clients are the sculptor, Mahua Ray; Cubit Inc, architects specialising in lifestyle; Rajesh Yadav and associates, ranked second in hospital management in the country; Diavisz, a high end diamond jewellery firm; Digold, an export house for diamond jewellery; Teah silver refinery and Id exhibitions known as Hoopla in Indore.

Mehra started her career with her father, who was in textile production. She has worked with companies like Interpublicity, INIS Enterprises, Blankslate AdCom Pvt Ltd, Ogilvy One, Kankei Relationship Marketing, and Singapore International School as head PR.

When asked, what were the two things about this stream that made her pick this up as her profession, she said, "Quest to do something different from the crowd and the challenges that this field has."

Speaking about the challenges that she faced in this industry, Mehra said, "There have been many. I welcomed all of them as a part of life and I am happy that they did happen. Each challenge has helped me grow as an individual and as an entrepreneur."

She strongly believes in one statement, "Under-promise, over-deliver' and takes it as one of her strengths. Mehra says, "Training my juniors to replace me is also one of my key strengths."

Pointing out some of her work that she is very proud of, she said, "My mother never told me till date if she was more proud of me or my siblings and honestly I never asked her. I feel good about all the projects that I've undertaken so far. Each one of them brought its own challenges and feeling of fulfillment."

Women leaders like Ektaa Kapoor and Vidya Balan have inspired her with their vision and ability to prove themselves despite tough competition and criticisms. Apart from these, there have been many women leaders who inspired her.

She is against the statement that women have an edge over men in the media space and believes in a very practical statement ' "Client will associate with you only if you can make a difference to their business.' She is of the opinion that many a times discipline is what the media industry lacks.

When asked one major change that she would like to see in her work area she said, "Yes! My company and I always encourage our clients to reason more. And I wish that this becomes an industry trend. This will help clients to benefit and see growth in their businesses." Mehra has started a club on BlackBerry, named Humanity, which helps raise funds for underprivileged children.

Five years down the line she believes and sees herself growing more with clients.

Sharing some of the highlights about Lunchbox Services, she said, "My company is formed on principles of acting as a business companion and not as a media vendor. We work as brand builders, which means that we recognise our clients' business needs and cater to only those requirements that will help them grow at that moment in time." | By Aanchal Kohli [aanchal(at)adgully.com]