Meet the member: Rachida from Rama Publishing
A journey that started on the other-side of the world in Melbourne, stationery obsessed Rachida wanted to create a daily planner that was enjoyable to fill in and not overwhelming, and here came the daily planner. Creating luxurious and enjoyable stationary for everyone, Rama Publishing is the place to go to get organised for the New Year. We talk to Rachida about her secret past as a radio host and how the name Rama Publishing came around.
DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND IN THREE WORDS?
Touch of Magic
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT WHILST RUNNING YOUR BRAND?
Our biggest achievement has been getting our first positive review. We were thrilled to hear how much they appreciated the effort we put into the packaging and the product.
Also, never giving up when times have got tough is something I’m proud of – you realise how much your business means to you during these times and how resilient you are.
WHAT DOES THE NAME OF YOUR BRAND MEAN / STAND FOR?
We didn’t want to spend hours trying to find the “perfect” name so we took the “Ra” from Rachida and added the “Ma” from Matthew, my husband and Co-founder. We had no idea at the time that Rama is an important Indian god but we have learnt a lot from our customers in India and we hope it will be good omen.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK FIVE YEARS AND TELL YOURSELF ONE THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Chill out and try to enjoy the ride, everything will work out.
ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF NOT MANY PEOPLE WOULD KNOW?
I was a radio host in Melbourne when I was living there one year ago. I love talking about interesting topics and I was lucky to find a position at a local current affairs show called 3CR. I was part of their breakfast show and it was so much fun. I love the fabulous people at 3CR who are dedicated to highlighting social issues and giving a voice to the voiceless.
FAVOURITE DOWN TIME ACTIVITY?
Although I consider myself an extrovert I do love spending time on my own and there is nothing better than sitting in a cute café, having a pot of tea and getting lost in a good book.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR WEEKEND?
Spend quality time with my husband i.e. not talking about Rama. We spend a lot of time together working on the business so it is nice to reconnect over a nice meal in Angel, our favourite area in London.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR AND WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
We launched our website in March 2018 but started working on ideas for the business in late 2017. We have some exciting new products in the pipeline for 2019 and cannot wait to share them with the world.
YOUR GULITY PLEASURE FILM?
Legally Blonde! The ex-law student in me loves this movie so much but I also think it has a strong moral: you shouldn’t let other people dictate your future.
ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Sugar and I am unapologetic about it.