Dandelion Loves Devika
Devika Pathak has had a nomadic childhood where she lived in five countries growing up (she lived in four of them twice) and through some magical chain of events, ended up in Mumbai four years ago. Devika is a freelance writer who does content for brands like Dandelion Pyjamas, Herringbone & Sui, Shehlaa Khan and Sonam Kapoor. She has come to consider Mumbai home (for now) so we caught up with her before she had a chance to get away.
How did you get into writing?
Writing is one of those things that I’ve always loved but never considered a career. When I moved to Mumbai I was working in marketing with an F&B firm when a friend of mine asked me to help him with his social media. This turned into a few more friends asking me for help and resulted in me quitting my job and moving into writing full time.
How do you find inspiration?
Most of the work I do is very brand oriented, so a lot depends on what the brand wants to talk about though I do help out with suggestions for content and marketing strategies. I try to absorb as much information as much as I can, and this includes listening to podcasts and reading blogs and books. When it comes to my own work, which I write much less frequently than I would like, it’s usually a conversation, an article I read or just a thought that crosses my mind.
What’s the best part of your job?
There are two incredible things about what I do. The first is that I get to do something that does not feel like work, for work. The second is that I freelance so I get to maintain a high level of flexibility. This allows me to focus on things that are important to me like being fit or traveling while still being able to get my work done.
Working with different kinds of brands means speaking in various voices, how do you manage to connect with each brand to do this?
Unlike someone you may hire off a freelancer website, I actually spend a fair bit of time with my clients. I like to meet them, chat with them, get to know the story behind the brand and understand what the key message they want to get out there is. Without having context, it’s really difficult to engage with the right audience.
Rapid Fire Questions
First thing you do in the morning?
Brush my teeth and drink a cup of hot water with lemon and apple cider vinegar.
Three things you always have in your handbag?
Tissues (I have terrible allergies), hand cream and Fisherman’s Friend mints. Oh, and mosquito repellent! Always.
Your favourite online blog?
Man Repeller
Favourite Netflix show?
House of Cards but now that it’s on pause, Peaky Blinders.
Your favourite thing to eat?
Dessert! I have a HUGE sweet tooth. Chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake top my list.
Are you an early bird or night owl?
I’m a complete morning person. All through university while friends stayed up all night studying, I would be in bed by midnight and up at 4am instead.
What’s your sleep ritual?
I always try to get in some reading before bed, I usually sleep by 11.30pm. I actually only wear matching pyjamas and love Dandelion’s playful sleepwear.
