We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ankit Patel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ankit below.
Ankit, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity is a vital part of my life and work. To keep my creativity alive I constantly challenge myself to learn new things and explore new possibilities. I follow the philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” Life has been a whirlwind for me, from getting married and starting my digital marketing business to pursuing my passion for music on the side. I’ve found that the true source of satisfaction lies in the process of working toward my goals, and the actual achievement is the icing on the cake.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Professionally, I run a pest control marketing agency called K3 Marketing and host the PCIM Podcast, which focuses on pest control internet marketing. These endeavors are great, but my real passion lies in music, particularly playing the shehnai, a traditional Indian oboe. This instrument, with a history dating back 4,000 years, is challenging to play due to its bendy tones and lack of modern interest. This is where my brand, Shehnai Guy, comes into play. I’m dedicated to breathing new life into this ancient instrument by creating modern fusion covers that people love.
My journey as a Shehnai player started with a visit to my Guruji in Mumbai. He gave me a test and, what I didn’t know at the time, provided me with a yearlong challenge – to practice the major scale on an E-scale shehnai for one to two hours a day. I took this challenge seriously and practiced diligently, even when it meant sacrificing my free time. I returned to Mumbai the following year, and my Guruji recognized my commitment. He has never charged me a penny for his lessons, driven by the idea that someone in the USA wants to learn this instrument.
It took me six years of daily practice to feel comfortable performing. In 2020, I started my YouTube channel, creating several videos, and since 2021, I have had the privilege of playing at numerous weddings across the country. The journey has been incredible, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back at my journey, I would say that these three qualities have been incredibly impactful in shaping my path. Persistence and dedication have been key because mastering the shehnai required immense commitment of my time and effort. Learning to play the shehnai was a challenging and time-consuming endeavor, and my Guruji’s initial test to practice the major scale for a year was a true test of my dedication.
The second crucial aspect is staying true to your roots and embracing your cultural heritage. I firmly believe that our cultural traditions hold immense value, and by preserving and celebrating them, we add depth and color to our lives.
Another fundamental quality that has guided my journey is balancing my professional career with my passion for music. It’s been a demanding, but at the same time immensely rewarding endeavor. I’ve managed to run a successful pest control marketing agency while also pursuing my love for the shehnai.
My advice for those at the early stages of their journey is to stay committed to your goals and find ways to balance your passions with your chosen career. It may not be easy, but with effective time management and prioritization, it’s possible. I would also encourage you to explore and embrace your own cultural background, and incorporate elements of it into the pursuits you love.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has had a significant impact on my development is the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. It’s a series I’ve loved since high school and I still love it to this day.
The books encourage us to use the power of our imagination as it can make life happier and more exciting. It’s a series that draws you into its fantasy world, and it’s like going to Disney World where you enter a different realm for a while. As someone who really enjoys fantasy, I find this kind of immersion to be a wonderful escape.
Additionally, the Harry Potter books offer valuable life lessons, such as those on resilience in the face of adversity, and the fight against evil. Harry’s hardships teach us to adapt to difficult circumstances with determination and resourcefulness, while the battle between good and evil inspires us to take a stand against injustice and work for a better future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shehnaiguy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shehnaiguy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shehnaiguy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shehnaiguy
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shehnaiguy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShehnaiGuy
- Email: [email protected]
