DBEL Studio enhancing the quality of a space through exclusive Lighting.

Startup Name : DBEL Studio.

Founder Name: Ms.Dillraj Bhatia.

Start year: 2017

What are the reasons, which motivated you to start the startup?

I am an architect by qualification. While pursuing architecture, I realized that lighting is the highlight of any interiors. But, unfortunately, many saw it as an afterthought. And, I wanted to change that perception of people and as a designer wanted to spread awareness of how important lighting is to enhance any space’s interiors and of course the psychological and the physiological impact it has on one’s mind and body. That is when I came up with an idea to start DBEL Studio, a luxury lighting brand, where I aim to bring the best of any space that has been designed.

How was your journey towards your startup?

My journey of incepting DBEL Studio was based on the perception of people about lighting. As an architect, I realized the importance of lighting in enhancing the mood of the space. I took the plunge to bring about a change and counsel my clients to think of lighting as an integral part of interior design.

What are the hurdles you faced and how you overcome them?

The biggest hurdle was to convince clients and interior designers to incorporate lighting design at the start of a plan instead of being an afterthought. The perception started to change when we counseled the clients and made them aware of the lighting options that could be fixed outdoors as well as indoors during the initial phase of designing the space. They realized that when lighting plan is being sorted initially, they could add a lot more elements and could increase the role of natural light, as opposed to being restricted to light accessories only.

About funding from starting of the startup to right now?

DBEL Studio started in 2017. It is a bootstrapped company.

About the startup. Why should people choose you?

The USP of our brand is that we are not another lighting retail showroom. We are a holistic lighting consultancy. Our designs are exquisite and resonate with the modern concept. In addition to the consultation, we focus on customization of lighting fixtures; this is a very important part of the design, as every space requires a different kind of fixture.

What is your future plan?

I plan to establish DBEL Studio as a light consultancy, catering to all the lighting needs of a project. We also plan to curate light collections, which are exquisite and resonates with the modern concept of design, dismissing the concept of time and designs that are evergreen. We also want to be recognized as a brand that specializes in light installations that are versatile and functional at the same time.

What is the inspiration tagline that will be on your wall or you follow?

I believe that one should never dim the light that shines within. A work done without passion will not bear the sweet fruit of satisfaction. I follow my passion each day.

Message for young entrepreneurs?

I am a budding entrepreneur myself. As clichéd as it might sound but what I have learned and what I follow is that “the only way to move forward is to keep moving”. When you are starting off, it looks exciting as we never know what a new day brings, it could be complaining customers or it could be the biggest project you have worked for so far. The idea is to NEVER stop. Applaud for every success for 30 seconds and move on.  Worry about every failure for 30 seconds and move on. It is a difficult step to do in the beginning but the idea is to remain detached. And, I am still struggling with that too!

Who are your competitions and how are you better than them?

Today, the most common problem that we face is of plagiarism of our designs. But this only motivates us to experiment and create something unique every time. We believe that competition is good for the disruption of the lighting industry over-all. However, our USP of being a holistic lighting consultancy sets us apart from our competition.

About the founders?

I am a lighting designer and a former architect with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from SSAA, New Delhi and a certificate in Architectural Studies from the AA School of Architecture, London.  I am also certified in Business Mastery.

Unconventional forms, clean lines, and alliance with modern influences are the hallmarks of my brand’s lighting offerings.  I strongly believe in sustainable ways of lighting with a focus on natural light. I have also participated in and curated numerous exhibitions to showcase her passion for art and design. I started DBEL Studio in 2017.

What are the biggest misconception people have about you? Why do they have that? What is the reality?

As I mentioned earlier, the biggest misconception is that in any project lighting concepts are discussed at the finishing stage. However, new age lighting concepts are to be included in the initial design stage. We are consciously working towards changing this practice.

How hard is it to have a work-life balance as a startup founder and how do you manage it?

As a startup founder, I believe that it is essential to have a work-life balance. However, it is easier said than done. There are days when you are so deeply engrossed in a project that you forget personal commitments. Personally, I travel and read inspirational books to recalibrate my energies.