Wednesday 22 Jan 2025

From lockdown hurdles to creative heights: Redefining dreams through passion & resilience

| JANUARY 22, 2025, 01:05 AM IST
From lockdown hurdles to creative heights: Redefining dreams through passion & resilience

Prapti Tar, a 25-year-old from Mapusa, Goa, never imagined a global pandemic would redefine her life’s trajectory. Initially pursuing a degree in interior design in Pune, the Covid-19 lockdown brought her back to her hometown. But what seemed like a setback turned into an opportunity as Prapti rediscovered her passion for photography. Embracing content creation full-time, this life-changing shift set her on a journey of creative exploration, shaping her into the artist she is today...

Creative outlet

My Instagram page, ‘prapp_t,’ began as a creative outlet to express my love for food, photography, and travel. Over time, it transformed into a platform where I share my experiences in Goa, culinary adventures, and the beauty of everyday life. It features a mix of food recommendations, Goan lifestyle, travel destinations, and personal stories.

Passion for storytelling

Storytelling has fascinated me since childhood, and photography has always been my passion. Capturing moments and sharing them on social media felt natural. It allowed me to connect with like-minded people and build a community.

Content and aesthetic

I focus on authenticity, ensuring that my food and travel content resonates with my audience. My aesthetic is rooted in natural light, vibrant colours, and showcasing Goa’s beauty. I plan content around trips, festivals, and local events, maintaining consistency in visuals and tone.

Importance of authenticity

Authenticity is central to my work. Staying true to myself in the way I speak, share, and recommend builds trust and lasting relationships with my audience.

Journey as a content creator

I began my journey in 2019 by starting a food page with a friend. While I faced challenges like inconsistent brand collaborations and creators copying my style, I’ve grown by focusing on improving my craft and staying connected with my audience.

Engaging with followers

I prioritise engaging with followers through comments, polls, Q&As, and behind-the-scenes moments. Collaborations with local brands and creators also keep my content fresh and exciting.

Staying inspired

I follow other creators, industry blogs, and trends in photography, video editing, and content creation. Being part of a creative community helps me adapt to the ever-changing social media landscape.

Challenges and balance

Dealing with algorithms and maintaining balance can be challenging. I focus on creating content I’m passionate about rather than obsessing over numbers. For travel, I plan trips to capture the right moments while also enjoying the experience.

Social media manager

As a social media manager, I create, curate, and schedule content, interact with the audience, analyse insights to boost engagement, and collaborate with brands for sponsored content.

Overcoming challenges

Securing collaborations was initially tough, but persistence paid off. More recently, dealing with creators copying my style has been disappointing, but I stay focused on evolving my work and maintaining creativity.

Love for cooking and travel

Cooking, especially showcasing Goan recipes with my mom, is something I deeply enjoy. Traveling is a big part of my life, allowing me to explore new cultures and cuisines.

Future goals

I plan to expand beyond food and travel by exploring lifestyle content, collaborating with local businesses, and possibly starting a YouTube channel. My goal is to grow my platform while staying true to my passions.

Advice for exploring Goa

Goa offers hidden gems beyond the popular tourist spots. Explore local markets, smaller towns, and authentic Goan experiences for a more enjoyable visit.

Advice for aspiring creators

Be consistent, authentic, and patient. Build relationships with your audience and don’t let setbacks discourage you. Success comes with passion and perseverance.

Milestones

I wouldn’t change much about my journey. Winning an award at the India Food and Beverage Awards (IFBA) is one of my proudest moments, recognising my hard work and passion.

Solo travel and personal growth

Travelling solo has been a fulfilling dream. Exploring numerous States has taught me about self-discovery, embracing challenges, and appreciating life’s beauty. My advice: Travel as much as you can and let it show you how vast and beautiful the world is.

Gratitude and achievements

Following my dreams has been the greatest gift I could give myself. Achieving even small dreams brings immense fulfilment. I owe much of my success to my parents, whose unwavering support and encouragement made it all possible.

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