Nabila Damra – On a Stationary Road to Success

Nabila Damra, “Growing up, I’d admire the way Dad ran his own business venture.  I always wished to own a company someday. Even at the college fests, I’d organize my stalls on a small scale. Everyone would compliment me saying ‘You manage it all so well. You are made for this.’

So, after my Masters in Psychology completed last year, I decided to do something on a larger scale – start my own venture! Shockingly, all the compliments turned into questions within the blink of an eye. ‘Why would you not want a job after studying so hard?’ ‘Business is too risky, what if it fails?’ said everyone.

But, amongst all the fret there was one voice that was shouting from within me- ‘Indeed, you may fail at this. But not even trying will be the biggest failure of it all.’  When I told this to Dad, he stood in my support! And that’s when it all began.

Soon, I started researching the fields that I can expand into. After giving it quite some thought, I latched onto Gifting and stationary. The quirky pens, highlighters, and keychains have always fascinated me. Being a stationery lover myself, this felt like the perfect field. So, I began researching for vendors and suppliers.

Initially, it was hard to find the right source and products. I had no idea of how the customers would react to the range we had. Indeed, some products worked out some didn’t. Some of our exhibitions would be filled with customers while some wouldn’t. Not going to lie, managing and getting through the lows did get overwhelming at times. All the risks and hardships that my friends anticipated did come my way. Nonetheless, I didn’t give up and shall never.

From a girl who’d save up to buy her favorite pens, pencils, and sticky notes, but never opened their packaging with the thought that ‘they are too beautiful and precious to use’. To become a businesswoman who celebrates every time a product on her website displays ‘Out of stock’. Stationary and business have always been the secret to my happiness and I’m sure, in no time they’ll be the secret to my success too!”