Shivani Arolkar isn’t your typical architect. While she works as a freelance designer, she also creates engaging digital content that has helped her build a growing audience on Instagram (@shivani.arolkar). Trained in dance and naturally drawn to fashion, visuals, and storytelling, Shivani balances the technical world of architecture with the creative energy of social media. In this open conversation, she shares how her journey began, the challenges she still faces, and her dream of starting her own production house one day.
The Beginning
I started by posting videos and photos of me singing and dancing, since I’m a trained dancer. At first, I had a different account with around 8,000 followers, but I lost access to it due to an issue.
Three years ago, I decided to start a new account, which I still use today. At the time, I was studying in Kolhapur. I began sharing more about fashion along with dance and music. Balancing my studies with content creation was really difficult, but all the hard work paid off in the end.
Growing online
As more people noticed my content, I started getting brand deals. I’m currently based in Goa, but I also have a strong following in Maharashtra, which helps me get promotional work from there too. I promote all kinds of products and services. When a brand approaches me, I plan how to present their product in the best way. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes effort, but I work fast—from planning to execution. Even with tight deadlines, I’m able to deliver good quality content. I think I’ve got that ability from my parents, who are both very talented.
Collaborating with other creators is also something I enjoy. It helps your creativity grow and allows you to reach new audiences. I often work with others, and it really expands the scope of what you can create.
Facing challenges
I often feel that as a woman, my creativity isn’t always taken seriously. For example, when I make skits with friends, there’s a lot that goes into it—thinking of a concept, writing a script, planning the shoot, arranging actors and locations, and then editing the video. Editing alone can take a lot of time.
Sometimes I have help with some parts of the process, but many times I do everything myself. Still, people often assume I’ve only acted in the video and that someone else—usually a boy—has done the rest. That kind of judgement is hard to deal with.
Also, content creation demands a lot. You have to look good, dress well, and work long hours every day. It might look easy from the outside, but there’s so much work that no one sees. Even if you’re dealing with personal problems, you can’t let that affect your performance. Connecting with your audience takes effort, and if you take that for granted, you’ll see your growth go down.
Learning new skills
Everything I’ve learnt about content creation, I’ve taught myself. Thankfully, these skills came naturally to me. I enjoy filming and editing, even with a packed schedule. I believe it’s important to keep learning if you want to grow. If you don’t keep updating your skills, you’ll fall behind. This field is always changing, and you have to keep up.
Future goals
Since my childhood, I’ve wanted to do something where people know me. That’s one of the reasons I started creating content online. I love doing it, and one day I want to start my own production house so I can create content on a larger scale. I’m also very passionate about set designing. That’s something I really want to get into. My goal is to work at a big production house, learn from the experience, and eventually build something of my own.
Advice for aspiring creators
If you want to stay in this field for the long run, you have to enjoy what you’re doing. If you’re only doing it for fame, it won’t last. Be ready to work really hard and focus on what comes naturally to you. That’s the key to growing in this space.
