Being an entrepreneur is not as easy as it seems. Of course, there won't be compulsion of working 9 am to 5 pm, but one should be willing to devotee toward the enterprise 24/7.

And looking at the enthusiasm of local entrepreneurs who are creating a movement, making it possible for us to appreciate the local products and boasting national economy, Radio Nagarik 96.5 organized, the best Nepali brand carnival 'Brand Nepal Go Local' in year 2018.

And this year it is organizing its second edition that aims to celebrate the local brands, at Chhaya Centre, Thamel on Saturday. The one-day carnival begins from 11 am to 5 pm.

A total of 32 Nepali brands are using this platform to promote their products. At the event, you can get to know the entrepreneurs and their products. Along with that you can also get different gift hampers and discounts on products upto 50 percent.

The participating brands will have stalls displaying foot wears by Dulla, Dochaa, Mely Designs; accessories by Pinches Artcore, Aamo Jewelers, Kolpa Bags, Bishrom, Nuga; art and souvenirs by Studio Sarcastic, Badge Nepal, Handicrafts Sumukhi, Kala Kathmandu; clothings by Shibori Nepal, Bora Bora, Looga Wears, Kallisto Designs, Joba, Ekadesma Collective, Lakhey Nepal; and food items by Wow, Dip In Donuts, Best Mad Honey and Danfe.

Likewise, artists from Circus Kathmandu, Nepal Hip Hop Foundation and more will be there at the carnival. Artha Band Nepal will be performing live music at the venue; while there will also be fun games like human jenga, snakes and ladders, beer pong and more.

Then, dance performances by Nepal Hiphop foundation where Circus Kathmandu will be entertaining you with acrobats, hula-hoop, etc. Kids can spend quality time at Kids Corner.  And if you get hungry after some shopping, networking and participating in different games and musical performances, you can quench your hunger at the food stall by Dalle, at the event.

Moreover, Sanjay Kafle from Best Mad Honey, Nimesh Ulak from Danfe, Manjil Man Shrestha and Safina Manandhar from Dip In Donuts share their enthusiasm participating in Brand Nepal this year. Here are the edited excerpts:

Sanjay Kafle from Best Mad Honey

1. What is your expectation from this year’s Brand Nepal event?

As, I am very new to this start-up eco-system, I wish to get connected with the community, increase brand visibility, meet people that might be our potential clients and in parallel observe the initiatives of our fellow participants.  As winter is right on the corner, we expect to sell our honey through the stall too.

2. What can one expect, while at your stall in Brand Nepal?

Cliff honey from mountains above 2,000 meters amid rhododendron forest. Along with honey jars, we offer a bag, four cute bookmarks and a book with photographs of honey hunters, information that everyone needs to know about this honey before consuming it.  Also, we will be providing all the necessary information about cliff honey and honey hunting expedition, if anyone wishes to be a part of it.

3. Things to do and things not to do to be an entrepreneur.

To do!

• Well updated with status quo
• Have knowledge on diverse background
• Be able to take risk
• Be innovative and costumer oriented
• A leader to inspire and drive team

No to do!

I don’t think there is check list as such for things not to do to be an entrepreneur.

Nimesh Ulak from Danfe

1. What is your expectation from this year’s Brand Nepal event?

I am actually optimistic the event. I believe this kind of events will eventually boost the brand image promoting and educating the customers about the Nepali brands nationally and internationally.

2. What can one expect, while at your stall in Brand Nepal?

The innovative products like millet muffins made of indigenous crops of Nepal and it contains jaggery (high in fiber); selection of handmade luxury chocolates that uses pure cocoa and roasted nuts; satu, a selection of grains like millet, barley, buckwheat, gram and soybean roasted and grinded; then fruit cakes, brownies, pastries and many more.

3. Things to do and things not to do to be an entrepreneur.

To do!

• Dream first, Believe in yourself and try to achieve it
• Plan your business model
• Develop Networking
• Research the market and identify the needs
• Test the prototype before entering to market
• Always maintain quality standard and brand image
• A leader to inspire and drive team

No to do!

• Copying others’ product features
• Don’t run for temporary profits
• Over ambitious
• Unnecessary investment
• Do not impose to anyone

Manjil Man Shrestha and Safina Manandhar from Dip In Donuts

1. What is your expectation from this year’s Brand Nepal event?

Brand Nepal is a great platform, like last year we experienced, people really appreciate Nepali brands. This is a platform for companies to collaborate and introduce and educate about our products directly to our supporters. So, we expect nothing less than a bigger opportunity this year to collaborate with larger number of companies and learn from other companies on how to grow as well.

2. What can one expect, while at your stall in Brand Nepal?

Some delicious, mouth watering sweet donuts.

3. Things to do and things not to do to be an entrepreneur.

To do!

To be an entrepreneur, listen to other entrepreneurs, read about their journey, follow their brands, get work experience and when you have an idea, Research, because once you invest your money then there is no turning back, you set a short term goal and have a vision for your business, and as per that goal, take actions to fulfill them. Your attitude is the key.

No to do!

Well there are lots of them, don’t get overconfident, of your degree, of your background, of your idea.