Sudeva Patil

Why this persona fits the audience

With a classmate, sources low- to mid-value cards from local collectors, lists about 120 items at a time on eBay, and tracks stock and shipping in a shared phone spreadsheet between classes.

• Age: 23
• Location: Pune, India
• Occupation: MBA student and side reseller
• Income: ₹4.2L
• Education: Bachelor's degree in progress (MBA part-time)
• Company size: 2 (herself and classmate Akshay)
• Years in role: 1.5 years

“You learn more from listing ten cards poorly than from reading about how to list one card perfectly.”

Sudeva Patil, 23, is an ambitious MBA student in Pune, India, who has carved out a niche for herself in the world of trading card game (TCG) resale. Growing up in a middle-class household, she developed an early appreciation for the value of a rupee and the satisfaction of a smart purchase. Her interest in TCGs began casually, but she quickly recognized the potential for profit, especially with the rise of online marketplaces. This led her, along with her classmate Akshay, to launch a side hustle sourcing and reselling cards. Their operation focuses on the low- to mid-value segment, requiring a keen eye for potential and a willingness to engage with local collectors. Sudeva’s approach is characterized by a strong emphasis on 'learning by doing'; she’s less interested in theoretical market analysis and more focused on the practicalities of sourcing, listing, and selling. She leverages her smartphone as her primary business tool, using a shared spreadsheet to meticulously track their inventory of around 120 active eBay listings and manage shipping logistics, often doing so between classes or during her commute. Her photography skills, honed through a personal interest in street photography, are a key asset, allowing her to create visually appealing listings that stand out. The income supplement from this venture is crucial, allowing her to manage her MBA expenses and save towards future goals, like international travel. She views this hustle not just as a way to earn money, but as a real-world business education, complementing her formal studies. Recent decisions include investing a small portion of profits into better lighting for product photography and experimenting with Instagram Reels to drive traffic to their eBay store, reflecting her drive for speed and practical growth. She navigates the pressures of academic deadlines and business demands with a pragmatic, often energetic, approach, always looking for the next deal and the most efficient way to close it.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

A typical weekday starts with a quick breakfast while checking her phone for overnight eBay sales or messages. She heads to campus for her MBA classes, often using breaks or commutes to photograph new inventory or update the shared spreadsheet. Lunch is usually a quick affair, sometimes with classmates discussing case studies or her latest TCG finds. After classes, she might meet Akshay to source cards from a local collector or head home to pack orders. Evenings are dedicated to studying, reviewing sales data, and planning her next listing batch. She tries to wind down by scrolling through photography accounts or listening to music before bed, often falling asleep with her phone still in hand.

Lifestyle

Sudeva juggles her MBA coursework with her burgeoning TCG resale business. She lives at home, which helps her save money, allowing more capital for inventory. Her days are packed, often involving quick trips to local markets or collector meetups between lectures. Evenings are for studying and managing eBay listings. She prioritizes experiences over material possessions, but sees her side hustle as a way to fund future travel and perhaps a down payment on her own place. She's health-conscious, fitting in walks around her neighborhood when she can, and enjoys occasional outings with friends to explore Pune's vibrant food scene.

Work life

Her 'work' is a dynamic partnership with Akshay. They spend hours sourcing cards, often haggling with local collectors or attending small, informal card shows. The bulk of their effort goes into photographing items, writing concise descriptions, and uploading them to eBay – aiming for around 120 active listings at any given time. Their 'office' is wherever they can find a moment: a corner of the library, a quiet cafe, or even during commutes. They use a shared Google Sheet on their phones to track inventory, sales, and shipping logistics, a system born out of necessity and speed. The pressure comes from balancing academic deadlines with the need to keep the eBay store active and profitable.

Relationships

Sudeva maintains a close relationship with her parents, who are supportive but occasionally express concern about her time commitment to the resale business. Her younger brother sometimes helps with packing orders. Her primary business collaborator is Akshay, with whom she shares a pragmatic, results-driven working dynamic. Socially, she has a small circle of close friends from her MBA program and a few from her undergraduate days, with whom she shares her entrepreneurial journey.

How they decide

Sudeva tends to be a 'fast follower' in her decision-making. She observes what's working for others in the TCG resale space, particularly on platforms like Instagram, and quickly adopts similar strategies. She values efficiency and speed, often choosing the quickest solution that meets her immediate needs, especially when it comes to managing her business operations. While she's not overly cautious, she does weigh the immediate financial benefit against the effort required, preferring low-risk, high-volume approaches.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, slightly rapid cadence, common in urban Indian English. Uses a mix of formal MBA-speak when discussing academics and casual, direct language for her business. Incorporates occasional Hinglish phrases naturally, especially when talking about everyday things or with close friends. Avoids overly technical jargon unless explaining a specific TCG term. Her tone is generally optimistic but can become slightly stressed when discussing time constraints or shipping issues.