Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Tariq
Call this my About page or my first blog. I’ve got it all covered here! 🙂
Writing and I were two ends of the pole.
Ask me in 2001 if I’d like to build a career as a content writer, I’d probably laugh at that very thought.
Forget writing an entire article, I’d find it challenging to frame a complete sentence. 🙂
Since 2012, I’ve been writing for several websites.
While most of them have been for my blog (Bloggers Bloom) and other websites that I own. Some have also been for my clients.
I also work as a senior content writer for Brainstorm Force.
That’s the team behind some great WordPress-related products, such as Astra, the most popular non-default WordPress theme.
I’ve written articles related to WordPress and more.
I’ve also published an eBook on ‘How To Start An Online Business & Make Money.’
That said, this is my first blog post on TariqSP.com.
Which is more than just a personal blog!
That said, I decided to write about my life here in Bangalore (Bengaluru).
After all, this website is all about the garden city, the vibrant crowd, businesses, and more.
Bangalore has been home to me since 1991. 🙂
Fast forward to today, the city has changed a LOT.
High-rise buildings, glass-cladding commercial spaces, ring roads, metros, and whatnot.
Ah yes! The traffic too!
Well, that’s progress for you. 🙂
But that doesn’t take away the charm the city still holds.
This city has given me a lot. It has taught me a lot.
There’s been great times and not-so-great times too. 😉
All that said, Bangalore is still the city I want to return to.
After all, there’s no place like home. 🙂
My first blog: About me
Born in the late ’70s in God’s own country, Kerala (yup, I’m a mallu!), I did my schooling in the Gulf.
Only after I completed my 10th did I come back to India.
Oh, I did come back every two years for summer vacations too.
Guess it’s the story of more than 50% of the Keralites (and Indians) trying to make a living in the Gulf. 🙂
I also witnessed the Gulf War in 1990… you know, the one where Iraq invaded Kuwait.
Anyways, in 1991, I landed in Bangalore.
Little did I know back then that this was where the best part of my life was to unfold.
I still recall the first impression this city left on me. One that told me that this was home.
The chill mornings, mist in the atmosphere, the dew drops on the leaves, barely any vehicles on the road, aah, it was love at first sight! 😍
I did my +2 (PUC) at Baldwin Methodist College.
I still don’t recall how those two years went by.
I had nearly 6 months after my 2nd PU exam to join engineering.
Yup, I am a Mechanical Engineer (B.E) from BMS College of Engineering.
During these 6 months between PUC and engineering, the entrepreneurial bug bit me.
I started dealing in office stationery and real estate.
Two completely different domains, but soon, I stuck to real estate.
The reason is pretty evident. BIG BUCKS!!! 🙂
Engineering was the same.
While studies were on one side, I continued dealing in real estate through my four years.
After four years, I was a B.E (Mech Engineer) 😀.
However, I got a job as a web developer thanks to the GNIIT program (a three-year course I completed alongside my engineering).
My first ‘real job’ was as a web developer at indya.com Portal Pvt. Ltd.
I moved on after nearly two years at indya.com.
Actually, I was forced to move on. Major layoffs in 2001.
I worked at various other IT-related firms, including Trianz, and freelanced for firms such as MSN, among several others.
With 4+ years in the IT industry, I decided to return to my first love – real estate! 🙂
I decided to learn the tricks of the trade and worked with various real estate firms such as Hanu Reddy Realty, Knight Frank, and Prestige Constructions.
Brokerage was good, and I should have stuck doing just that.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case!
In 2012, I tried my hands at property development. Something I needed to gain experience in.
And by 2016, it all came crashing down.
I was broke, and I messed up things professionally and personally (got divorced as well).
I was at my all-time low. 🙁
I lost my goodwill, spoilt relations with friends, and things went south.
It’s tough times like these when you know who’s got your back.
My pillar of strength was (and still continues to be) my family – my parents and my sister.
Huge shoutout to my aunt and my uncle too! Thank you! 🙂
I found love again in 2017.
A partner who knows me inside out. Someone who’s with me, just for who I am.
The best thing I love about this relationship is, we TOTALLY know each other, have nothing to hide, and can talk just about ANYTHING under the sun! Yup, anything! 😉
She now became my new pillar of strength! 🙂
2020, I started a new journey.
I became a certified digital marketer.
The 15th of April 2020 saw the launch of Bloggers Bloom. (It also happens to be my mother’s birthday!)
I learned how to make money online through blogging and affiliate marketing.
It’s an ongoing process and one that takes a LOT of time.
I created courses on WordPress, blogging, affiliate marketing, SEO, Google Ads, and digital marketing.
To top it all, I got a chance to write for the best WordPress theme there is – Astra.
While all this did get things moving, the ghosts of the past weren’t done.
I still had the consequences of the mess I got myself into hanging over my head.
I had to end this for good.
I had to consider getting back into real estate. That seemed to be the only way to make big money, which is the need of the hour.
Of course, this time, focusing only on brokerage. I learned the hard way!
I also wanted to use my digital marketing expertise.
One step towards that is this website – tariqsp.com. 🙂
The idea behind tariqsp.com
Tariqsp.com is where I share my experiences and recommendations about the wonderful city of Bangalore.
As a Bangalore-based blogger, I am passionate about creating helpful and resourceful content that reflects my first-hand experience of visiting well-known spots in the city.
Tariqsp.com is my way of helping just about everyone promote their business online.
You could be a freelancer, individual, consultant, coach, influencer, business, or even the round-the-corner mom-and-pop shop.
I’d like to help you generate leads, sales, and conversions. 🙂
I intend to have just about anyone listed on this website. 😉
I’d also like to cover just about any information related to Bangalore here.
Be it regarding Lalbagh Botanical Garden or the current gold rate in Bangalore.
It’s got to be here! 🙂
I’d also like to interview the who’s who of Bangalore (Bengaluru).
I’m excited about this new journey and where this website takes me. 🙂
Stay tuned as I share my personal insights and recommendations.
Want to list your product, service, or business?
Mail me at connect@tariqsp.com with all the details, or simply submit this registration form.
Over time, I want to connect with you and explore opportunities where we can help each other grow.
I am a digital marketing consultant (Bloggers Bloom) and also deal with high-end residential and commercial properties (Proptals) in Bangalore.
Want to get in touch with me?
Mail – connect@tariqsp.com
Instagram – @imtariqsp
Post your comments below. I’d love to hear from you. 🙂
On a final note…
Here’s wishing you and your family a great new year (2023). I hope it brings you immense success, health, and prosperity.
Until next time,
Ciao!
