Anupama Dalmia's Creativity Platform Encourages People To Think Beyond The Box

Anupama Dalmia, Founder of Beyond The Box (BTB), won SheThePeople’s Digital Women Awards under the Impact category for her creative writing platform that nurtures storytelling, writing, and communication skills across age groups. Through interactive workshops, personalised mentoring, and community-driven activities, BTB focuses on developing authentic voices and helping individuals express themselves confidently.

What sets BTB apart is its emphasis on creative thinking and holistic growth, allowing kids to explore and articulate their thoughts in a safe, supportive environment. The initiative fosters a love for writing and storytelling through a hands-on approach that integrates real-world experiences with artistic expression. 

Anupama Dalmia Is Here To 'Stay And Slay'

Coming from a conservative Marwari family, women in Anupama's family were expected to take on domestic roles. However, she defied expectations and pursued computer engineering and business administration whilst chasing her passion for writing.

Speaking to SheThePeople, Anupama recalled how growing up, money was an uncomfortable conversation for women in her family. However, her husband supported her entrepreneurial journey and encouraged her to take charge of her financial autonomy.

Today, Anupama Dalmia is the National President of the Women Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WICCI).

Anupama spoke on the panel 'Digital Horizons: Transforming Women's Futures' at the Digital Women Awards 2024 in Hyderabad, where she detailed how advancing technology has made way for myriad entrepreneurship opportunities for women.

Anupama also recounted how her leadership spirit was ignited at a very young age -- almost like she was born for it. "My mom jokes, 'You were an entrepreneur even as a kid because you were always full of ideas and wanted to drive things and take initiative."

True to its name, Beyond the Box was born out of the vision to encourage children to be creative thinkers and hone their writing skills beyond academic expectations.

"As a writer, I knew that writing is more than just about scoring marks, it can be very empowering... I started with a summer workshop with 25 children, when I saw that gap -- Kids were writing to impress and not express. I said, 'No, you will find your voice'. That's how it all started and today, we have been able to reach out to 10,000 children worldwide."

Anupama expressed that she thoroughly loves working with children, who are "a big source of [her] energy." She also spoke about the challenges and expectations of being an entrepreneur who has turned her passion project into a successful business. 

"I remember everybody said 'Hire some mentors in every city, start a standard coaching institute, and your business will scale up in a snap'. But that is not our USP. We're called 'Beyond the Box' for a reason. The venture thrives on the relationship with the kids and I don't want to lose that."

It is this conviction that has empowered Anupama Dalmia through the toughest times in her career. Receiving her Digital Women Award, she encouraged more women to prioritise their passions and to live by the motto "Here to stay and slay."

SheThePeople In Conversation With Anupama Dalmia:

What roles do you play at Beyond The Box, and what drives you toward this goal?

I am a multiple award-winning blogger, author, content creator, serial entrepreneur, and writing mentor. A Karmaveer Chakra Gold Medalist, a global civilian honour presented by the International Confederation of NGOs in association with the United Nations, I have been recognised on numerous prestigious media platforms, magazines, and newspapers as one of India's top bloggers and entrepreneurs.

I am listed among the Top 18 writing mentors globally by the coveted Himalayan Writing Retreat, also holding a position as the National President of the Holistic Child Development Council at WICCI, India. I have mentored more than 10,000 kids across the globe through classes and workshops.

How did you use digital platforms and tools to build your business?

Technology has been instrumental in scaling Beyond The Box (BTB) and reaching a global audience. Through online platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, BTB offers interactive workshops, mentoring, and specialised programs, enabling participants worldwide to engage without geographical constraints.

Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn have further bolstered BTB’s growth by fostering an active online community. Initiatives like "BTB Files," showcasing community writers’ works, attract new participants while nurturing engagement.

Digital tools are seamlessly integrated into BTB’s curriculum, with platforms like Google Docs enabling real-time feedback, streamlining mentorship, and enhancing collaboration. This approach ensures learners stay motivated and track their progress effectively.

BTB also incorporates creative digital elements into its offerings, such as children's digital illustrations for published books and e-books. These personalised touches, paired with digital distribution, amplify BTB’s accessibility and impact, redefining storytelling for diverse audiences.

How do you envision your future with Beyond The Box?

The future of Beyond The Box is promising, with significant growth opportunities in the creative writing and education sectors. With an estimated current valuation of $7.5 Bn in 2024, the Indian ed-tech sector is projected to expand at a CAGR of 25.8%, reaching $29 Bn by 2030, indicating a rising demand for innovative learning solutions.

BTB aims to expand its offerings by launching new online cohort programs tailored for different age groups, including adults and professionals, targeting a 25% increase in participant engagement over the next year.

We plan to collaborate with schools and corporate organisations to provide tailored workshops, projecting an increase in partnerships by 30% annually. Additionally, our publishing initiative for children's e-books, featuring original stories and illustrations, aims to release at least five new titles per year, tapping into the growing market for digital children's literature. By leveraging these opportunities, BTB is positioned to significantly enhance its impact and reach in the coming years. We were featured as market disruptors in the Indian literature industry this year by many business platforms, and we are looking forward to doing more impact-driven work in the coming years.

What does your business model look like?

Beyond The Box operates on a multi-faceted business model designed to cater to diverse audiences, including kids, adults, and professionals. The core of BTB's offerings lies in creative writing workshops and regular mentoring programs for kids, which focus on developing writing skills, creativity, and critical thinking. These are complemented by specialized school workshops and corporate sessions that enhance communication and storytelling abilities for students, teachers, and professionals alike.

BTB provides comprehensive guidance services for book projects, including editing, ideation, and personalised feedback. Through a flexible subscription model, individuals can opt for one-time workshops or ongoing mentoring, allowing tailored support based on their needs. BTB’s ability to work across varied age groups and contexts makes it adaptable while ensuring sustained impact, and its book editing and project mentorship services add a revenue stream by guiding writers in their publishing journey.

What are the key challenges you faced in this journey?

Building Beyond The Box came with several key challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was navigating the literary industry in India, where creative writing isn’t always seen as financially viable. Convincing parents of the value of creative learning, beyond just academics, was a slow process. Many held the perception that writing skills were secondary to traditional learning methods. However, over time, as they saw the transformative benefits in their children – improved communication, creativity, and critical thinking – they began to embrace our approach.

Additionally, balancing time as an entrepreneur and a mother was a constant challenge. Managing the demands of business while being present for my family required careful time management, and it taught me the importance of prioritizing and delegating effectively. Despite these challenges, staying committed to my vision and adapting along the way helped turn these obstacles into stepping stones for growth.