Weekends are all about downtime. After a week full of work to meet deadlines, everybody needs some breather to relax and recuperate. From watching a favourite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are designated as family and me time. Aditi Khandelwal, co-founder, Kicky & Perky, talks to BrandWagon Online about her weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.
What is one thing that you like to do when you are not working?
Running Kicky & Perky is my passion, but I also prioritise self-care and joy outside of work. My love for art manifests in various ways – from visiting art exhibitions to diving into the latest reads, and even tuning into insightful podcasts.
Currently, I’m engrossed in Malcolm Gladwell’s ‘The Tipping Point,’ which offers fascinating insights. Music and watching engaging YouTube content are my go-to relaxation methods. Yet, what truly fills my heart is the quality time spent with my family, sharing laughs, and creating lasting memories. To find my centre, I turn to yoga, meditation, and the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. These diverse pursuits keep me inspired and grounded.
How do you spend your weekends?
My weekends are the perfect retreat from the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. They start with diving into team reports, data analysis and strategising for Kicky & Perky’s week ahead. The rest of the weekend is all about spending time at home with family and friends. Home is where I reconnect with myself, enjoying home-cooked meals, movie time with the family, and intense gaming sessions with my brother on the PS5. Sundays are for café-hopping with friends, where our conversations flow from the mundane to the philosophical, fuelling me for the upcoming week.
What is your favourite gadget?
In the digital era of entrepreneurship, my phone and MacBook are my lifelines to Kicky & Perky’s world. They keep me connected and productive. Recently, I’ve embraced learning digital design through my iPad and Apple Pencil, exploring new realms of creativity. I also rely on productivity apps like Slack to collaborate with my team. And my fitness tracker motivates me to stay active and healthy amidst my hectic schedule. These tools are not just gadgets but gateways to innovation, efficiency and balance in my entrepreneurial journey.
Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?
Had I not been drawn to the entrepreneurial world, marketing consultancy or law might have been my calling. The allure of strategic problem-solving for diverse brands or the rigorous logic of law captivated me. Each, in its way, would have allowed me to leverage my strengths in analysis, creativity, and advocacy.
Where would you like to go on a vacation?
I’m a mountain lover at heart, finding solace in the tranquil beauty of Gulmarg and the adventurous spirit of New Zealand. These destinations, with their breathtaking vistas and opportunities for reflection and adrenaline-pumping activities, rejuvenate me deeply, reminding me of the beauty beyond the boardroom.
Is there a TV show, movie, or advertising campaign you highly recommend watching?
In storytelling, I’m drawn to narratives that challenge norms and inspire. Our own ‘Self- Love’ campaign at Kicky & Perky is a testament to embracing one’s true self, a narrative I deeply cherish. The ‘Bread Exam’ campaign, too, is a standout for its clever and meaningful approach to raising awareness for breast cancer. In movies, ‘Legally Blonde’ remains a favourite for its portrayal of Elle Woods’ journey against stereotypes, embodying intelligence, determination, and grace. Adding to this list, The Pursuit of Happyness explores a captivating real-life journey of struggle and eventual triumph in seeking fulfillment, echoing the essence of what we strive for at Kicky & Perky – that true happiness lies in the passionate, persistent pursuit of our dreams. Worthwhile television picks including the ingenious ‘Sherlock,’ touching ‘Crash Landing on You,’ and creative ‘Abstract: The Art of Design’ also provide unique insights into the boundless realms of human spirit and imagination.