We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Avni Parekh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Avni below.
Avni, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand? We’d love to hear all the details.
The name of your business has a profound effect on how it is perceived by others, as well as its ability to expand. My mindful brand – BE THE BIGGER PERSON – is a testament to a principle I’ve cultivated and demonstrated throughout my life. However, the birth of my brand all began with an epiphany I had in 2014, which led me to write my award-winning self-help book, “Be The Bigger Person: Scenarios & Solutions to Better Yourself,” in 30 days. Having a profound vision and mission for my brand from day one, I made sure to simultaneously launch a merchandise shop upon publishing the book in 2018. Each year after that, I’d release a new T-shirt collection, each centered around spreading the message of being the bigger person and rising above life’s hardships with grace. Incorporating my childhood love for fashion into my literary brand was paramount. That led me to expand the merch shop and launch Be The Bigger Person™ athleisure apparel in 2023. That same year, I released three companion books to my highly-rated debut book – workbook “Don’t Give In,” coloring book “I’m Above It,” and mental-health diary “My Life Journal.” To add to that, I’ll be launching a podcast, and I’m working on more books to complement the series! More importantly, I have been able to seamlessly enter new markets and industries as a result of my brand name, and all of the hard work put into its impeccable branding.
That’s awesome! Before we get into the rest of our questions, please take a moment to introduce yourself and tell our readers a bit about your background.
Before entering Bravo Nation in 2022, making my TV debut on the third season of the network’s hit show Family Karma, I climbed the ladder of success in corporate America. My specialized skill set placed me on elite teams, working directly with CEOs, top executives, and leading coaches. To add to that, I have two decades of public relations and marketing experience under my belt, coupled with several well-earned accomplishments in my personal life. Writing has been a childhood passion of mine which I catapulted into a successful, multi-faceted career that overlaps several industries. Those who know me personally will tell you that I’m an artist, writer, innovator, and out-of-the-box thinker. Additionally, I love the value that self-improvement books bring to my life, which inspired me to write “Be The Bigger Person.” Having noticed the need for a book that offered advice on real-life problems, I wanted to present people with an all-encompassing guide that would help them cope with their issues, maintain self-control, and find peace-of-mind in the midst of anger. My collection of self-development books act as tools to mend minds, heal hearts, and strengthen spirits – to learn more, I urge readers to visit www.BTBPbook.com.
Now, let’s move on. Tell us about a time when you had to pivot?
In 2017, I made one of the biggest pivots of my life in order to pursue what I’m passionate about. I left corporate America to focus on launching my brand, BE THE BIGGER PERSON. Launching a brand or small business is no easy task, and it’s not for everyone. It involves taking risks that have the potential to impact your entire life, for better or worse. For me, it was imperative to take this risk and use that moment in time to reach for the stars. As a result, it has led to incredible opportunities that I know never would have come my way had I stayed in the corporate sector. Interestingly, as an expert in my field, I still work with corporations, however, I do it as an independent contractor and under my terms.
Can you talk to us about ecommerce? Do you sell on your site or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.? Tell us about your choice and the pros and cons in your view.
I’m of the mindset that it’s absolutely crucial to explore diverse methods for selling your products on different ecommerce sites because it allows you to tap into a wider customer base and maximize sales potential. In today’s dynamic business landscape, consumers have varying preferences when it comes to online shopping platforms. Some may lean toward well-known marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy, that’s why I sell my books through Amazon, because they’re reputable and convenient. In contrast, others might prefer niche websites that cater to specific interests or demographics, that’s why I sell Be The Bigger Person™ athleisure apparel through www.BTBPshop.com. Therefore, by diversifying your presence across multiple ecommerce sites, you are not only ensuring that you reach different types of customers but also mitigating risks associated with relying solely on one platform. Moreover, each marketplace comes with its own set of features and tools that can enhance your product visibility, boost discoverability, and improve overall sales performance. So, by diligently exploring various methods of selling your products on different platforms, you can ultimately increase brand exposure, attract new customers, and achieve higher levels of success in the ever-evolving digital market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://btbpshop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avniparekh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BTBPbook/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avni-parekh-author/