Subhashish Mandal and the tale behind The Bald Eagle

After years of working and travelling, Subhashish Mandal found blogging to be a medium through which he could share stories, ideas and experiences.

In his mid-40s, Subhashish Mandal discovered the joys of blogging. His content is a result of his years of experience of working in mainstream design. He loves to travel and share stories. With just as much enthusiasm, he goes through comments and poll results to understand the likes and dislikes of his audiences. Feedback helps him better the content he puts up as The Bald Eagle.

Looking back, where did it all begin?

I have been an interior design architect, traveller, foodie and fashion enthusiast for as long as I can remember. A platform to share my ideas and experiences around these domains came to me in my mid-40s. I used to often be appreciated for my storytelling skills when people read my posts online, something that helped me make the decision to be an influencer.

The wide reach of the internet and the support of fellow designers and brands I had known helped in paving the way with features, photoshoots and event invites. I did have my reservations about entering an industry that was full of youth. However, there is always a place for everyone with a niche and when someone wants to share, content creation is key.

What's in the name?

I wanted to use a name that could become a trademark. My love for travel, design and being an advocate for bald men led me to the name, The Bald Eagle, with the tagline — The flight of endless discovery.

What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?

For me, the content focus has many layers. The knowledge of design and experience of age is what sets me apart, I feel. I often write about Indian textiles, crafts, travel/events that takes one back to the magic of 'being Indian'. I also try and draw interest to the idea that one can be a trendsetter at any age as long as they have the knowledge and share original works. I also write about jewellery for men, inclusivity and embracing design across the various realms of life.

Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?

I try to put forth various voices that are an extension of my life. When it comes to fashion, I keep experimenting with mix and match, giving my audiences a taste of how they can do more with less. Videos and live sessions help me put forth my views as well as get feedback on interaction. Online story polls are an excellent tool to gauge reactions.

How do you make moolah with your efforts?

It is a tough industry in regards to finances and power. One has to find a balance between brand support, paid campaigns and editorial content. With time, I have found that balance and am being paid for my efforts. It is important to educate companies about the content creation process.

How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?

I don't just report brand content unless it has been created with a pinch of personalisation and interaction. I have lost a fair few campaigns this way but it is in line that must be maintained, I feel. I always do my research on the brand and use the products to put forth unbiased views.

Also Read: Tarun Wadhwani feels grateful for having taken the road less travelled

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

In multiple panel discussion and events that I have hosted, people have come up to me, saying how they feel my fashion game pushes them to be 'more of who they are'. Recently, a young student told me that I was an inspiration for him, that age is truly a number and I was proof of it!

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

A brand had once asked me to feature their store collection, purchase clothes, provide live and feed content in exchange for a discount coupon that didn't even cover the cost of a basic garment in their store.

If not blogging, you would be?

For the longest time, I have been a full-time design professional and traveller. It is much recently that blogging has become my voice. My mainstream experience helps me enhance my blog's content.

A day in your life...

Workdays are rather hectic with meetings, client presentations and teamwork sessions. I do balance it out with workouts at my home gym and attending events. Also, I am a huge movie fan and I love theatre.

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Always figure the reason why you want to share your voice, what it means for you 'to influence'. Find the content and remember to innovate and ensure that it's more than just you.

Your Favorite Influencer

Abix, Akanksharedhu, urbaneyebyrg, Iconaccidental, Pittimmagine and Susiebubble.

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

I hope to use this platform to help add inclusivity in workspaces and acceptance for 'being different' in the mainstream.