The creator economy in India has evolved rapidly over the past decade, but long before short-form content and influencer networks became mainstream, many creators were already balancing heavy personal lives to build digital brands.
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Originally interviewed by Bikram Kr Singh for Bgsraw Magazine during the lockdown era. Republished by Zappwala Creator Archive in 2026.
Among them was Sonal Kurmi, widely recognized by her digital community as SHE_TRULY_MADLY, a Kolkata-based fashion, beauty, and travel creator who successfully carved out a digital presence while managing a demanding academic career.
When Bgsraw Magazine interviewed her, Sonal was navigating her final year of a Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Assam University, Silchar. She openly discussed the realities of managing dual tracks as a medical student and content creator, the transition of blogging from an online hobby into a commercial profession, early brand partnerships, and the essential focus on content quality required to survive online criticism.
Her journey remains highly relevant today because it perfectly captures the grit needed by creators who balance strict professional education with independent digital platforms.
As part of Zappwala's Creator Archive initiative, we are preserving this conversation to document the multifaceted individuals who shaped the early phases of regional influencer spaces in India.
From Personal Style to Fashion Blogging
Sonal's journey into the digital ecosystem stemmed from a natural interest in style, clothing, and travel curation. Originally identifying as a self-taught fashion lover with a keen eye for coordinated outfits, she initially began utilizing Instagram to document her personal aesthetic and daily outfit choices (#OOTD). What started out as a documentation of her travel adventures quickly shifted as an online audience grew around her, turning her passion project into a full lifestyle brand.
Balancing Pharmacy and Content Creation
One of the most defining aspects of Sonal’s early creator phase was the sheer workload of balancing pharmaceutical studies with creative work. Managing commercial photography schedules, store launches, and brand previews meant traveling frequently between regions while maintaining a tight academic schedule for college exams. Her experience highlights the hidden hustle behind the camera, proving that behind polished lifestyle feeds lies meticulous time management and a structured work ethic.
The Creative System Behind the Lens
While many creators rely on professional production teams, Sonal managed her early growth through an independent, homegrown system. Drawing style concepts online and adapting them to fit her unique look, her primary production support came from her younger brother, Rahul. Despite being just 13 years old at the time of the original shoot, his intuitive skill behind the camera allowed Sonal to bypass traditional photography networks entirely, keeping her content raw, personal, and authentic to her core value system.
Commercial Milestones and Quality Focus
Sonal's entry into brand commercialization began with a breakthrough barter campaign alongside Daily Objects Official, where she launched her first custom community discount code. From that foundational campaign forward, her operational advice to upcoming creators has remained entirely clear: prioritize content quality over arbitrary follower metrics. She firmly notes that true digital growth requires building an authentic personal identity, ignoring unconstructive keyboard criticism, and keeping your styling classy, simple, and rooted in personal values.
Editor's Note
This profile features an interview originally conducted by Bikram Kr Singh and published by Bgsraw Magazine.
Following the closure of Bgsraw Magazine in 2023, high-impact legacy interviews are preserved through Zappwala's Creator Archive initiative to celebrate the journeys of creators who contributed to India's digital landscape.
Interview Conducted By: Bikram Kr Singh
Republished By: Zappwala Creator Archive (2026)
Some Pics from Sonal's Gallery
FAQ's of Sonal Kurmi:
Who is Sonal Kurmi?
Sonal Kurmi is an Indian lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and travel influencer. Online, she is widely recognized by her official Instagram creator handle, SHE_TRULY_MADLY.
What is Sonal Kurmi's educational background?
Sonal pursued professional medical training, completing her Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Assam University in Silchar, managing her studies alongside her growing digital brand.
Where is Sonal Kurmi based?
Sonal is primarily based in Kolkata, West Bengal, where she manages her brand collaborations, though her academic background linked her closely to Assam.
Who handled Sonal Kurmi’s early content photography?
Her younger brother, Rahul, was her primary photographer during her early creator journey, delivering professional-grade visual curation for her digital feeds starting at just 13 years old.
What was Sonal's first official brand partnership?
Sonal's first commercial step into the blogging world was an official barter partnership campaign with Daily Objects, where she provided custom promotional value to her audience via a dedicated discount code.
When was Sonal Kurmi originally interviewed by Bgsraw Magazine?
Sonal Kurmi was interviewed by Bikram Kr Singh for Bgsraw Magazine during the historical lockdown phase. The profile has been fully converted into a legacy narrative for the Zappwala Creator Archive initiative in 2026.
