Building a following of 1.4 million on Instagram wasn't an overnight success. It took years of consistent content creation, strategic positioning, and understanding what resonates with audiences across India, UAE, and globally.
Starting from Punjab
I was born in Gurdaspur, Punjab — a small city that many people outside India have never heard of. But that didn't matter. What mattered was the story I wanted to tell and the quality of content I could produce.
Moving to Chandigarh was the first strategic decision. The city offered better infrastructure, connectivity, and a lifestyle that my content could showcase. Chandigarh's clean roads, modern architecture, and proximity to the hills gave me endless content opportunities.
The Chandigarh Advantage
Being based in Chandigarh while building a Dubai-connected brand gave me a unique positioning. I could create content that felt authentic to Indian audiences while maintaining the aspirational luxury appeal that attracts brand collaborations.
Chandigarh is also incredibly photogenic. The city's sectors, Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, and the nearby Kasauli hills provide diverse backdrops for lifestyle and travel content.
Dubai Connections
My regular travels to Dubai and the UAE opened doors to luxury brand collaborations. Running RASocial Arabia — a digital marketing agency based in the UAE — while living in Chandigarh created a bridge between two powerful markets.
Key Lessons for Aspiring Chandigarh Creators
1. **Location doesn't limit reach** — You can build a global audience from anywhere. 2. **Authenticity wins** — Punjabi culture resonates deeply with Indian audiences. 3. **Quality over quantity** — Invest in good equipment and editing. 4. **Think beyond one platform** — Instagram is the hub, but diversify. 5. **Build a brand, not just a page** — Think about your long-term positioning.
The creator economy in Chandigarh is still relatively untapped compared to Mumbai or Delhi. That means less competition and more opportunity for new creators willing to put in the work.