CHASING RAINBOWS…
Bluefoot.in was launched with the purpose to give visitors and relocating expats a concentrated experience of India. Kaveri’s novel concept provides an unforgettable experience, be it in the form of a workshop conducted in a simulated environment, or an immersive cultural tour of real life in
cities and villages.
Q when did you first think of launching bluefoot.in?
A. My father’s job in the Indian Air force kept us moving constantly, right from when I was born. Then, my first job was in the IT industry with Siemens in 1996, at a time when multi-nationals were new. It was an educative experience, but somewhere deep down I felt I needed to do something more tangible, where I could see the immediate effect of my work benefitting people. I noticed a need that I didn’t then think I would one day work to fill: and that was the need to bridge cultural divides. I saw many foreigners coming here but failing to see the real India: burning their fingers and vowing never to come back. Why should anyone only take home bad experiences? Many years later (2009 to be precise), Bluefoot was born, with its key vision go address this need..
Q what is bluefoot.in all about?
A. We give visiting and relocating foreigners an experience of India that instantly familiarises them. The programme is both immersive and interactive. So if it is a visit to the Dhobi Ghat, you don’t just stand at a distance and watch. Rather, you can actually experience washing clothes with the washermen. With Bluefoot, you can also crash weddings, witness black magic ceremonies or milk a cow: depending on your mood! We also organise customised workshops for people who want to acclimatise to India. There are a series of experiences on the menu—cooking lessons, sari draping, language classes, martial arts or if it’s not on our list, we work it out for you!
Q tell us about your family?
A. I was born in Indore, but I moved base constantly with my father, from the forests of Assam to the deserts of Iraq. So most of my childhood was spent soaking in beautiful cultures. I have a very large, close knit extended family of aunts, uncles, and 21 cousins, and we’re scattered all over the world. The apple of my eye is my 22-year-old brother, who is among the youngest commercial pilots in the country. He flies with Indigo Airlines.
Q what’s your personal style?
A. I would have to say smart casuals. I am a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl. I like to move fast and suddenly, so my shoes are most often close to flat and definitely comfortable!
Q which designers do you wear and admire?
A. When I want to get out of my smart casual comfort zone and feel dreamy, I turn to The Small Shop and pick up an Anshu & Jason Cherian. I also like dresses by Gauri and Nainika Karan.
Q what’s in your beauty bag?
A. A Clinique concealer, beauty flash balm from Clarins, The Body Shop eyeliner and lip and cheek stainer, and a Roots comb.
Q what do you do in your free time?
A. I read books, listen to music, and paint. I also dedicatedly practice martial arts Kalari Pattu, it not only invigorates me but also gives me my self-confidence.
Qwhat’s
on your wishlist?
A. I wish for the courage to chase my fantasies. Perhaps start with a visit to the South of France where I hear a great Guru lives, who teaches people how to do this!
Qwhat
is the book that has left a lasting impression on you?
A. The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, translated by Edward Fitzgerald.
QDO you believe in love stories and the concept of a soulmate?
A. I do 100 per cent. Without love the world would flip off its axis! I believe some souls have special connections. And they are blessed if destiny brings them together. Yes, I am a complete romantic at heart!
Qhow
difficult was it to become an entrepreneur?
A. Very hard! It meant giving up a secure job, a good salary, a predictable income, it was tough. It took courage and a lot of strength to stay afloat through the initial bad days. After two years, it remains hard. But the rewards are so exhilarating that the tough times seem like a small price to pay.
Qwhat
is the one thing that ticks you off?
A. I don’t allow things to affect me too deeply. Thankfully, I’m blessed with a sense of humour that allows me to laugh most things off. But the lack of sensitivity and compassion are things that I don’t know how to handle.
Qwhat are your hopes for the future?
A. I hope to keep finding newer and more beautiful rainbows to chase for the rest of my life.
Qwhat
makes you a Cointreauversial woman?
A. I have learned that one need neither rebel against, nor conform to the expectations of society. One ought to disregard all norms and cut their own paths to live life being true to one’s nature. It takes courage to look the world in the eye without flinching. I believe my attitude makes me Cointreauversial!
Qwhat’s
the one thing about India that fascinates you?
A. The variety of everything..
Qwhat
is a day like in your life?
A. The best thing about not being in the IT industry is that there is no boring, predictable 9 to 6 routine that you can’t break. So my working days are hard to describe—my routine meets the need of the day. I wear many hats: professionally, I am sometimes a tour guide, sometimes a CEO, and sometimes a runner. On my days off, I like to spend my time with my brother or my best friends.