Moksha Hegde, 31,
Entrepreneur
What’s your pandemic passion?
Blogging. I first tried it in B-school in 2015 but couldn’t give time to it due to work.
How did you pursue it?
During the lockdown, I was stuck at home and needed an outlet for my thoughts, fears and feelings. I started blogging a couple of times a week, and then, every day.
What encouraged you?
I earned for the first time via my blog.
How did it help you mentally?
It became my safe space.
Has the opening up of things taken your attention way?
From three hours every day, I now get 30 to 45 minutes in a day for it.
Do you think you’ll continue to pursue this passion?
Yes. It’s more than a hobby. I’ve also made friends from the blogging community.
Rohan Vashistha, 26,
{{/usCountry}}Rohan Vashistha, 26,
{{/usCountry}}Song-writer, music producer, DJ and mix engineer
What’s your pandemic passion?
Baking. I first baked in 2017 with mixes, but soon gave up. During the lockdown, I tried making my own mix from scratch.
How did you pursue it?
The first time was a success, so I tried new recipes and baked four times a week at least.
What encouraged you?
It helped take my mind off things. It acted as an escape for me.
How did it help you mentally?
Baking is like meditation for me. And there’s a great reward in the end.
Has the opening up of things taken your attention way?
No. I bake every day now.
Do you think you’ll continue to pursue this passion?
It’s already part of my daily schedule.
Iknoor Kaur, 27,
Brand & communications strategist
What’s your pandemic passion?
Painting. I used to paint in school but, after that, there was no time due to work or space for it.
How did you pursue it?
When I moved into my own place during the pandemic, close friends gifted me an easel and I started painting.
What encouraged you?
Its creative energy and how satisfying it is. And the fact that I had dedicated space for it.
How did it help you mentally?
When I paint, I put my phone away for hours. It’s therapeutic.
Has the opening up of things taken your attention way?
It’s not every day but I spend one weekend a month painting.
Do you think you’ll continue to pursue this passion?
Yes. It is the best thing I’ve got out of the pandemic.
And the winner is…Iknoor Kaur
“Don’t pressure yourself on monetisation”
“Iknoor goes into her zone and goes with the flow, which is inspiring but is still practical about how often she can paint. If she orchestrates her schedule around that one weekend a month, the energy she gains will last for weeks,” says Ankur Warikoo.
“Moksha should set up a newsletter. She will get feedback, and brands will monetise her blog. Rohan could upload pictures of what he has baked,” he adds.
How to pursue hobbies despite a busy schedule
•Don’t pressure yourself on monetisation. •Ensure you have feedback. • Learn from the best.
Turn your hobby into a career
•Form a community.•Monetise mentions of brands in line with your passion. •Sell a service. For example, Moksha can offer content writing services. •“Advertise” different things. For example, say you have an Android phone.
Tie up with brands for affiliate income.
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From HT Brunch, March 13, 2022
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