There is nothing I love more than featuring powerhouse women that are doing it for themselves, going after their dreams and doing what they love. Aakanksha Jain is one of them. She is a top Indian book reviewer, an author, YouTuber, and Podcaster. Her love for reading books made her quit her job and she is blogging since 2017 and worked with more than 200 writers. She strongly believes that a good book can change a life. And I couldn’t agree with this more. Some of the most successful people recommend reaching two books a month and this is something we can all really learn from.
Tell us about yourself?
I always have trouble answering this question, not because I don’t know about myself but because there is too much to share, and it’s hard to leave the important aspects that define my personality. Still I’m trying and will tell you about me as much as I can. I’m 26 years old born and brought up in India. I love my hometown Indore and can’t hear anything bad about it. LOL. I’m a commerce graduate and worked as a school teacher for more than 3 years, but I quit my job and start blogging. Why so? You’ll going to find it further in this interview.
Why did you start Books Charming?
When I start blogging there was no Books Charming. My blog’s name was Simple Living High Thinking and I post random ramblings or my thoughts on social issues. With time I found my niche and I start posting book reviews under the SLHT name, but after some time I realize that the current blog name didn’t justify my work and confuse the readers, so I start searching book blog names, and ends up with Books Charming. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me.
What is your favourite book of all time and why?
It is one of the most difficult question to answer for any reader, but I do have some favorites. In self-help, Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic. In autobiography, Becoming by Michelle Obama. I admire these two people a lot and they are an inspiration to millions.
I see you have started a business through your blog with your services? How has it been growing a business from your blog?
To be honest, it is going pretty well. But I want to share the fact that in starting it was a pretty rough ride and I worked for free for more than a year. I created a strong base and earn credibility in that time and still doing so, but now things comes easily to my way.
How did you go from working a full-time job to blogging full time?
It was not an easy decision, but once I set my mind to something, I can work until I achieve it. I quit my job, but continue teaching as a home tutor to support myself financially. It was not easy juggling between two works, at the end of the day I left with no energy, but I have that dream to work for myself that keeps me going. When I realize that Books Charming becomes my everything and needs my full attention and time, I quit everything related to teaching and becomes a student in the field of blogging.
How was is self-publishing your non-fiction book on Amazon?
The purpose of writing How to Become an Amazon Influencer is to help the people who are serious about their work. You can find a blue tick on my Amazon profile and it took me a lot to gain it and no one to help me. My book is a guide for those who wants that same blue tick after their name on Amazon. Self-publishing a book is not easy there are so many aspects to understand, but I enjoyed every step of it. It was a learning experience and filled me with the sense of excitement that I can do this too.
Tell us about one dream or goal you are currently working towards?
I have a few visions that I’m currently working towards. One of them is to turn Books Charming into a global brand. 2021 is going to be a kick-ass and busy year if all goes according to the plan.
What message do you want to share with the world?
Always listens to your heart and gut feelings. I know for some people it is impossible or hard but trust me everything will fall into the right place if you’ll true to yourself. Also, this year is tough for everyone, so please show compassion to people around you.
What is your view on females supporting and helping one another?
If you want my honest opinion, then I would say there are very few females who supports a fellow female in their respective fields. The world is tough already for women so sometimes they don’t want to share the limelight, but the good thing is not everyone is same. I also know some of the great female bloggers who support, encourage, and help others in every possible way. Tarryn you’re one of these people and I’m so grateful that you’re providing a platform to all the hardworking, enthusiastic, and zealous ladies. Keep up the good work dear.
What are your thoughts on mental health and how it’s portrayed in today’s society?
Would you believe if I said that there was a time when I self-harm (physically) myself to avoid the mental and emotional pain? In 2012, I didn’t know about the term mental health and its seriousness. Now when I reflect on my past, I feel that I’ve come a long way. I don’t have any suicidal thoughts but I do struggle with anxiety and negative thoughts once in a while. Mental health is as real as any other disease, but it is more of a state. A state of negative and depressing thoughts.
I was all alone dealing with my issues so I understand what you’re going through currently or feeling. I want you to not give up on yourself. I want you to find a ray of hope and when you do cling on to it, it’s hard I know but be stubborn. Your stubbornness/willingness will help you to come out of your state. Today we need more people to come forward so they can inspire others. In school/colleges mental health education has given importance because many problems arise due to unsolved childhood issues. The government turned a blind eye to this matter and it’s heart-breaking, so until they take some measures to ensure our healthy mental state, I guess it’s our responsibility to help our closed ones.
What is your favourite book of all time and why?
It is one of the most difficult question to answer for any reader, but I do have some favorites. In self-help, Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic. In autobiography, Becoming by Michelle Obama. I admire these two people a lot and they are an inspiration to millions.
I see you have started a business through your blog with your services? How has it been growing a business from your blog?
To be honest, it is going pretty well. But I want to share the fact that in starting it was a pretty rough ride and I worked for free for more than a year. I created a strong base and earn credibility in that time and still doing so, but now things comes easily to my way.
How did you go from working a full-time job to blogging full time?
It was not an easy decision, but once I set my mind to something, I can work until I achieve it. I quit my job, but continue teaching as a home tutor to support myself financially. It was not easy juggling between two works, at the end of the day I left with no energy, but I have that dream to work for myself that keeps me going. When I realize that Books Charming becomes my everything and needs my full attention and time, I quit everything related to teaching and becomes a student in the field of blogging.
How was is self-publishing your non-fiction book on Amazon?
The purpose of writing How to Become an Amazon Influencer is to help the people who are serious about their work. You can find a blue tick on my Amazon profile and it took me a lot to gain it and no one to help me. My book is a guide for those who wants that same blue tick after their name on Amazon. Self-publishing a book is not easy there are so many aspects to understand, but I enjoyed every step of it. It was a learning experience and filled me with the sense of excitement that I can do this too.
Tell us about one dream or goal you are currently working towards?
I have a few visions that I’m currently working towards. One of them is to turn Books Charming into a global brand. 2021 is going to be a kick-ass and busy year if all goes according to the plan.
What message do you want to share with the world?
Always listens to your heart and gut feelings. I know for some people it is impossible or hard but trust me everything will fall into the right place if you’ll true to yourself. Also, this year is tough for everyone, so please show compassion to people around you.
What is your view on females supporting and helping one another?
If you want my honest opinion, then I would say there are very few females who supports a fellow female in their respective fields. The world is tough already for women so sometimes they don’t want to share the limelight, but the good thing is not everyone is same. I also know some of the great female bloggers who support, encourage, and help others in every possible way. Tarryn you’re one of these people and I’m so grateful that you’re providing a platform to all the hardworking, enthusiastic, and zealous ladies. Keep up the good work dear.
What are your thoughts on mental health and how it’s portrayed in today’s society?
Would you believe if I said that there was a time when I self-harm (physically) myself to avoid the mental and emotional pain? In 2012, I didn’t know about the term mental health and its seriousness. Now when I reflect on my past, I feel that I’ve come a long way. I don’t have any suicidal thoughts but I do struggle with anxiety and negative thoughts once in a while. Mental health is as real as any other disease, but it is more of a state. A state of negative and depressing thoughts.
I was all alone dealing with my issues so I understand what you’re going through currently or feeling. I want you to not give up on yourself. I want you to find a ray of hope and when you do cling on to it, it’s hard I know but be stubborn. Your stubbornness/willingness will help you to come out of your state. Today we need more people to come forward so they can inspire others. In school/colleges mental health education has given importance because many problems arise due to unsolved childhood issues. The government turned a blind eye to this matter and it’s heart-breaking, so until they take some measures to ensure our healthy mental state, I guess it’s our responsibility to help our closed ones.
Follow Aakanksha Jain on all her social media pages:
Blog – bookscharming.com
Facebook – bookscharm
Linkedin – Aakanksha Jain
Pinterest – bookscharming
Instagram – bookscharming
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