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Praneeja Roy

Praneeja Roy

Founder of Roy Events

I started Roy Events just around 2 years ago; it’s a luxury event planning and floral design company.


Tell us about the venture/ business/ initiative you have started...

We design events ranging from luxury weddings, soirees, birthdays, and corporate events. Planning and organising events has always been my passion and have been organising events ever since I can remember.

What is your definition of success? What advice would you give to your younger self about "success"?

For some businesses the meaning of success would be either monetary or making an impact. It is important, however as an event designer my definition of success is somewhat different, its not motivated by money but creativity. Being in the creative industry I believe success is executing and getting the opportunity where you can be the most creative and execute out of the box events! Success can also be measured by the emotions, the client feedback I get after having organised my clients happiest day. Advice I would give to my younger self would be that success is something you should always be striving towards, it has to be goal oriented and should not be compared to anyone else’s success as each business has its own journey.

What challenges have you encountered on your journey and how have you overcome them? Is this a common challenge in your industry? How can we tackle it?

There have been a few challenges in my journey so far with simple issues like time management to bigger issues of trust and credibility of the company. Within the wedding and event planning business, trust is big element. Clients trust you with their biggest day and they would want to go with someone who they believe in completely. Over the years have found the best way to tackle this is by being honest. It is the best way to overcome it as once you get in front of your ideal clients, that’s when the business will come to you.

Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? If so, are there any examples you can give and tips you can share with other women on how to overcome it?

Almost everyday! It is something I am trying to work on everyday. It is impossible to not have experienced imposter syndrome when you are an entrepreneur as the journey itself can inflict lack of confidence and doubts in your ability. There are days before a big event and I cannot sleep the night before just worrying about how it will go!

There are a few ways to overcome imposter syndrome, firstly get yourself some entrepreneur buddies and a mentor/coach. I have both and it is so helpful as your friends who are not part of the same journey will not understand the struggles of running a business. Finally make it a point to do something way out of your comfort zone at least once a month.

Are there women you look up to? Who are they and why are they inspirational to you?

There are many #bossbabes out there that I look up, women who have created empires while remaining true to themselves is something I inspire to be.

To name a few Huda Kattan a mogul in the beauty world who created something out of nothing, Serena Willams greatest female tennis players of all time and promotes body positivity, Michelle Obama who is inspiring all the young girls to spread their wings and soar!

What are your thoughts on work-life balance? Do you apply any techniques to achieve work-life balance?

Time blocking! You need to time block and have a set routine where you work a few hours a day and maintain a work-life balance. When I started the business I use to think I need to work 24/7 to become successful and get the clients. However now thinking back at that strategy, you cannot be creative or productive with little sleep and feeling burnt out. Being an event planner I work most weekends, which means missing out on personal events and celebrations. So every week I try to time block everything I need to get done that week, from the biggest to the smallest of tasks like scheduling time to hang out with friends and netflix!

How did you know it was the right time to start your own venture/ initiative? How would you advise someone who is just starting out with a project outside of their regular 9-5 job?

As cliché as I can be, there isn’t a right time to start your own venture! You just have to take the plunge. Time management and keeping yourself motivated when you run your own business is a big challenge. Initially when I started out I had moved from a buzzing office environment to working on my own in my room! So the change was drastic.

If you are starting something new have a business plan, strategy in place, without a plan you will feel directionless and wont know where to start.

What have you learned about leadership, entrepreneurship and mentoring others?

In the past few years I have encouraged some friends to take the plunge, entrepreneurship is very much risk oriented than anything else. As a mentor I have learned you have to have clear communicating skills, supportive of others and their ventures, honesty and self-belief. Having started my business at the age of 24, I would love to help more young entrepreneurs to take that step towards starting their own business.

What mistakes do you see people make when they first start their own venture/ intiative/ business and what advice would you give to women so that they can avoid making these mistakes?

I think the biggest mistake to make is not starting with a plan and knowing little about your ideal customer. Secondly thinking you need to take on every client you get initially as it is business, I did that. It didn’t necessary mean it was adding value to the company. Undervaluing your service or product, just because you are new doesn’t mean you have to sell it cheap! Knowing your worth and believing in your product will get you ahead.

Are there any resources/ books you would like to recommend for the women who read your #AspiringWomen article?

I think if you are just starting out would recommend Make it Happen by Lara Casey, Sophia Amoruso – #GIRLBOSS would be a good starting point.

Is there anything else you would like to share with other women on their journey to success?

Believe in yourself but there will be times where you have to deal with failure. But never forget success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.

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Share your experience or nominate an aspiring woman you know!