COVID-19 in London: For high-end to local brands, individual business interests are not priorities right now

Even a few months ago, if someone told me the worth of a toilet paper would surpass that of gold, I would have laughed it off. But today the tables have turned, and how!

It’s like somebody found the Pandora’s box and opened it, unleashing mayhem, suffering and pain into the world. Today, we have been forced to live a reality that none of us would have imagined for ourselves. Whatever you call it – nature’s way of serving justice or dragging us back to minimalistic way of living – the best thing to do in this scenario is to adapt and adjust.

From a business point of view, the process of adapting and adjusting to this new normal has definitely not been easy. Since coping with the pandemic required consumers to cut back their consumption and only stick to the basics, most businesses have only been providing essential products or services.

Whether it is a high-end brand or local, individual business objectives have taken a backseat right now. Everyone is working towards a common goal – to somehow succeed in overcoming the difficulties caused by the pandemic. Everyone is doing their bit to support the others to overcome the crisis together.

As we come to terms with the crisis, it would be unfair if I didn’t reflect upon the consequences this pandemic has brought with it. Businesses in the UK have been forced to suspend regular operations and employees are being furloughed. As an entrepreneur, the situation across the country has left me with no choice but to adapt.

Like most businesses in the UK, I too had to shut down production of sarees, hold back orders till the lockdown is over. Thankfully, I have a day job to sustain myself through these scary times. However, there are entrepreneurs who are entirely dependent on their businesses and are struggling to keep themselves afloat.

Also, since my business requires me to work with artisans and weavers of Bengal, I cannot help but worry about how this crisis has threatened their livelihood. With everything practically on a standstill, these artisans are the most vulnerable economically.

Fortunately, even in these dark times, I have a lot to be thankful for. I am grateful for my support system that kept me going, apart from the talented weavers and artisans from Bengal who helped me bring a slice of Bengal to London.

I have been fortunate to have patrons and clients who are like an extended family and my relationship with them goes way beyond business. They keep me inspired even today when I have nothing to offer them. They have been kind enough to check up on me or share their interesting ideas with me. When we are going through tough times, we should count our blessings and I hope that happy days will be here for all of us again.