From Earning INR 100 a Day to Running an INR 5 Crore Company, Albin Antony is a Role Model for Budding Entrepreneurs

Every graphic designer wishes to design a digital masterpiece. Many have done it successfully, including Albin Antony, who rose from earning INR 100 per day to becoming the CEO of a design company. The journey was far from smooth sailing, as each stage presented a challenge of its own. However, his dedication, passion, commitment, and desire to excel helped him overcome challenges along the way. Here’s the success story of Albin Antony we’ve been waiting to read.

How Did the Journey Begin?

Albin was born in a family engaged in plantation work at Pampanar, Idukki, a remote village in Kerala. Imagine the village setting and the numerous miles he had to travel through the dense forest to reach a centre to learn computer applications. However, he wasn’t getting the seat instantly; he had to wait for his turn. The first notable achievement was the first prize he received for drawing in a competition involving 700 participants in Peerumedu. 

The Ambition Was to Become a Graphic Designer, But Albin Had to Settle for a Godown Executive Role First

Albin came to Kochi when he was 18 with an eye on becoming a graphic designer. But as they say, you don’t get things easy in life, Albin had to fight too for his dreams. He found a godown executive role at V-guard to begin his professional journey. His hard work saw him elevate to the office boy role. Amidst all these, he lost his father. His mother started working in a tea plantation to look after her children. She later worked as a cook in a church based in Kochi. Albin finally decided to learn designs and make himself capable of supporting his mother and other family members.

So, How Did He Turn the Tide in His Favour?

What happened was that V-guard’s advertising agency delayed while designing a product cover. Albin saw the opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. He didn’t have his own computer nor did he have adequate internet. Software issues were further deterrents. He borrowed equipment and created designs that impressed the management. 

Albin was not any other employee, he was someone else, someone who could push the limits of creativity and set new standards. So, he used to come early to the office and stay late to hone his skills. His dedication prompted the company to enrol him in a visual communication course by the company. Albin completed the course with distinction. Fabulous! He was the company’s first official designer whose designs became a smashing hit in numerous projects. Albin worked at V-guard for eight years before moving to Ernst & Young where he stayed for four years as Head of the Design Department. 

The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 

Albin was not the one to settle for less, he wanted more. His desire led him to establish a design venture - CNM Global Innovation. Like his employee journey, his employer journey was also far from being a smooth sailing one. 

He started with just four employees in a rented accommodation and faced numerous repossession notices from banks on account of loan payment default. But his determination and creativity saw him earning accolades and money from both domestic and international clients. 

It’s been six years since the beginning of this exciting entrepreneurial journey for Albin. Today, CNM, a leading branding and design firm, has an annual turnover of INR 5 crore and an employee count of 45.

What’s Next on Albin’s To-Do List?

Albin Antony wants to open offices in Chennai and Bengaluru, offering employment to at least 100 people.

4 Motivating Lines from Albin’s Story

• When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

• Never lose the hunger to learn new things.

• Always strive to push the bar of excellence.

• Action speaks louder than words.