Design Asia Editor
Silver Swastik Interiors, an interior designing firm based in Ichalkaranji, Maharashtra, stands out with its customer-centric approach and creative solutions. The owner, Komal Choudhary, has a remarkable journey behind the creation of this amazing venture.
Born in Rajasthan, Komal’s family moved to Ichalkaranji when she was young. Her father, coming from a farming background, faced numerous struggles to establish a business in the small town to provide for his children’s education and daily needs. Witnessing her father’s dedication and hard work, Komal made a promise to herself that she would make him proud by achieving her dreams.
Growing up in a society where girls’ education was not considered mandatory, Komal was fortunate to be part of a family that valued education and ensured she and her siblings received the best education possible. With a keen interest in art and DIY, Komal had a passion for painting and being creative. She was a studious and extroverted individual who loved exploring new things.
Eventually, she decided to pursue a career in interior design as it presented an exciting and challenging opportunity to enhance her skills every day and explore new possibilities. Komal possessed natural leadership qualities and desired recognition for her talent, which motivated her to start her own firm in 2019. Through hard work, determination, and support from her family, she established herself as a successful interior designer and businesswoman.
Silver Swastik Interiors specializes in residential, commercial office, retail, café, and restaurant designs. The firm aims to make a positive impact on society by providing creative and affordable design solutions, improving living standards, promoting sustainability, and supporting the arts. Komal emphasizes that the unique selling point of their designs lies in their ability to provide creative and high-quality spaces within clients’ budgets, respecting their financial limitations. Additionally, they offer DIY art as a gift, adding a personal touch and creating lasting memories for their clients. The incorporation of nature elements and Vaastu principles helps create positive and harmonious interior spaces. Overall, the firm adopts a customer-centric approach that combines affordability, quality, personalization, and positivity in the interior design solutions they offer.
Komal’s educational journey includes completing a BCom degree and an Interior Designing degree from GLS University and INIFD respectively in Ahmedabad. To further enhance her skills, she pursued an Interior Styling course from LST University in London, UK. Following her studies, she gained valuable experience through internships and secured a job in Kolhapur. Despite residing in Ichalkaranji, Komal chose to commute daily by local ST bus to Kolhapur, driven by her passion for facing challenges and expanding her skills. She believed that her job in Kolhapur offered more opportunities for growth and development in her field compared to the limited options available in Ichalkaranji. After getting married in May 2019, she had to leave her job and decided to start her own firm.
Starting a business requires investments, and Komal faced financial struggles without any external assistance. She began freelancing with lower fees for interior services and gradually completed a commercial and a residential project, leading to an increase in inquiries. However, the pandemic presented new challenges, causing many clients to reduce their spending, and she lost some projects. Despite being pregnant, Komal continued working until the second lockdown occurred. During that time, she focused on marketing and online projects. Remarkably, she returned to work just one month after delivering her child, showcasing her unwavering dedication and passion for her profession.
According to Komal, identifying opportunities in the market requires a combination of research, observation, trends, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. She recognizes that digital marketing offers significant opportunities for businesses, with platforms like Pinterest and Instagram being ideal for
designers to stay in trend and showcase their projects. Being extroverted and skilled at making clients feel comfortable is a valuable asset in building relationships and fostering trust. Maintaining a calm demeanor in front of clients creates a positive and professional environment. Komal’s combination of extroversion, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence has contributed to her uniqueness and success as an entrepreneur.
Komal also acknowledges the importance of sustainable and green architecture in interior design. Such practices offer numerous benefits, including energy cost reduction, improved indoor air quality, and a promotion of a healthier and more sustainable way of living. She incorporates green interiors into her designs, directly benefiting her clients in multiple ways.
To create designs that reflect clients’ unique style and meet their practical needs, Komal believes that interior designers must have a deep understanding of their preferences, lifestyle, and personality. Understanding client psychology and requirements is as vital as technical skills and knowledge in interior design. This understanding helps create designs that are visually appealing, practical, and functional.
In conclusion, Komal Choudhary’s journey with Silver Swastik Interiors showcases her determination and passion for interior design. She has established a customer-centric firm that provides creative and affordable design solutions while prioritizing affordability, quality, personalization, and positivity. Komal’s commitment to self-care and work-life balance serves as a reminder for interior designers to prioritize their well-being to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
