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Along with this, as time evolved, good products became the bare minimum. It stopped revolving around a good product since that was always expected, and rather became more consumer-centric with services and feelings being prioritized more. Today, cafes don’t sell coffee. They sell ambience, experience, and aesthetic. And as brands shifted towards the little things, the prices gradually increased.

So what does iced coffee have to do with a generation of 13-28 year 28-year-olds? Well, it represents more than their addiction to iced coffee. It backs up the "Little Luxuries" Concept. This theory plays on the idea that people indulge in little things that bring them joy to cope with stressful and difficult situations. When people are in tedious situations, they try to bring light into their lives through the simple joys life has to offer. From an economic perspective, the coping is usually for financial instability. In the age of AI presenting a threat to employment, the threat of an impending recession in major countries like the USA, which most certainly impacts the global economy, and a lack of skills in a demanding work environment, Gen Z in the workforce doesn't have it easy. When income depletes and splurging on luxury handbags and travels to exotic destinations isn't an option, iced coffees and premium subscriptions for streaming services become parallels to luxury.

But is there a reason why iced coffees are purchased over a simple cup of tea from a tea stall? Yes, yes, there is. Gen Z and, to some extent, the new Gen Alpha, are shaped by what they consume. Their food and social media both subconsciously dictate their purchases. The root of this phenomenon is 'aesthetic consumption', which is all about purchasing items for their external appearance rather than utility. I'm sure we've all been there. Ever seen something that looks stunning and thought, 'I need this now,' only to realise that it doesn't serve any purpose to you? That's aesthetic consumption at its finest.

A purchase like a simple iced coffee or lipstick has more emotional than financial value or utility. Speaking of lipsticks, the Lipstick Index is akin to the Little Luxuries Theory mentioned above, but in a more practical sense. When in a period of economic downturn, the prices of lipsticks and other affordable luxuries (like iced coffees) don't decline. It surges. When it comes to money and psychology, people behave in unexpected ways. Instead of cutting down on these entirely, these expenses become dopamine boosters for the consumer, acting as a way to boost morale. It highlights how psychology is the driving force behind most purchases among the youth and how consumer behaviour is currently tailored to small satisfactions.

Gen Z displays a curious duality in their spending habits. They actively seek out thrift stores, cashback apps, and resale platforms, all while unapologetically indulging in ₹350 iced coffees, ₹2,000 skincare, or the latest tech accessories. In a world overwhelmed by choice and uncertainty, selective spending offers control. By cutting back where it doesn’t hurt and spending where it uplifts identity or well-being, they’re crafting a new kind of rationality.

In the age of curated feeds and aesthetic reels, consumption is all about showing. A simple iced coffee becomes a lifestyle emblem: placed just right on a café table, captured in golden-hour light, and posted. Social media platforms have turned everyday purchases into statements of identity. The virality of certain items creates a cycle of aspiration and imitation. In this visual economy, the appeal of a purchase is often tied less to its function and more to how well it looks in pictures and stands out in photoshoots.

This demand for aesthetic consumption has nudged brands to reimagine their offerings: minimalist packaging, curated café interiors, colour palettes, and photogenic presentations now carry price tags of their own—the more Instagrammable, the higher the value. A ₹180 coffee in a plain cup becomes ₹350 when served in a matte-finish glass, placed on a terrazzo table under ambient lighting. In essence, aesthetic consumption isn't just shaping tastes.

It’s reshaping pricing models by attaching emotional and social currency to everyday purchases.

For marketers, the message is clear: authenticity, relatability, and visual appeal drive Gen Z’s buying behaviour. Brands that understand emotional storytelling, lean into aesthetic design, and align with personal values will continue to thrive. For educators and policymakers, this trend unveils a deeper insight into the mindset of younger generations. These consumption choices, sometimes dismissed as frivolous, are layered with intent, emotion, and cultural cues. Integrating financial literacy into curricula, addressing media influence, and encouraging critical engagement with spending habits can bridge the gap between economic theory and lived reality.

At first glance, an iced coffee might seem like a small indulgence. But for Gen Z, it often represents something far greater: autonomy, self-care, identity, or even a sense of calm in a chaotic world. Aesthetic consumption may not follow traditional economic logic, but it speaks to the emotional economy of a generation finding beauty and control in the small things. It’s not just about luxury—it’s about meaning. And in a world constantly shifting beneath their feet, that meaning might be the most valuable currency of all.

The masterclasses and workshops we attended throughout the year were nothing short of eye-opening. These weren’t just lectures from experts—they were experiences. One workshop on “Strategic Management and goal setting” completely changed how I approached problem-solving. Another masterclass on “Communication and collaboration” taught me the power of listening, tone modulation, and how to carry myself in professional interactions.

Through these sessions, I got to interact with people who weren’t just teachers—they were leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs. They spoke from experience, shared real challenges, and gave insights into the demands of various industries. The way they told their stories, the practical tips they shared, and the energy they brought—each session left a deep impression on me.

One unforgettable highlight was the Meet and Greet with Tata employees. For a student like me, who once only read about large companies in textbooks, this experience brought things to life. Listening to Tata professionals speak about their journeys—their humble beginnings, their challenges, their daily roles—made me realize that success doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from persistence, learning, and passion. I asked questions, listened carefully, and even had one-on-one conversations that I will carry with me into the future.

Another moment that deeply inspired me was our visit to the Reliance Corporate Office. The very idea of stepping into one of India’s largest and most powerful organizations was thrilling. But what made it even more impactful was how warmly we were welcomed and how openly the professionals shared their work. We walked through the Reliance luxury retail.

And then, something extraordinary happened—something that changed everything.

During my journey in IBCP, I conceptualized a startup idea called Health 360—a digital platform meant to solve medical problems with a AI-chat bot. What started as a simple school project turned into a dream I couldn't ignore.

Startup-cell in Gujarat—approved my idea and selected me for a 100% scholarship.

They are now helping me bring app idea to life—providing mentorship, industry guidance, funding, and full support in rebuilding and launching my app. This isn’t just a startup plan anymore—it’s a startup in action. This moment is not only the highlight of my IBCP journey—it’s the moment that has defined my future. I feel proud, excited, and incredibly thankful

Beyond these big experiences, the IBCP also helped me grow through everyday learning. One of my favourite areas of development was learning how to use digital tools like Canva, PowerPoint, Google Slides, and basic Excel. These applications are used everywhere—in school, work, and even personal branding. Initially, I found them overwhelming. But with time and guidance, I not only learned to use them—I started enjoying them. Today, I can confidently design presentations, create posters, and share my ideas visually with clarity and confidence.

Another crucial area of growth was time management and responsibility. Unlike traditional courses, the IBCP gives a lot of freedom—freedom to explore topics, work on projects, and prepare for assessments. But with freedom comes responsibility. I had to learn how to plan my day, balance schoolwork with personal life, and meet deadlines. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but the structure of the course helped me build this discipline over time.

The IBCP’s career-related focus was also deeply motivating. Knowing that what I’m learning now can directly help me in my future career in business administration gave me a clear purpose. The integration of academic subjects with career-oriented learning, including internships, practical assignments, and industry exposure, has made me feel more prepared than ever.

To those considering the IBCP path, I would say this: It’s not just another academic program. It’s a launchpad. If you’re willing to learn, grow, and challenge yourself, IBCP will give you not only knowledge but the mindset to thrive in the world beyond school.

I will always be grateful for the mentors, teachers, guest speakers, and industry professionals who contributed to my journey. Their support and belief in us turned fear into confidence and confusion into clarity.

If I had to sum up my experience in one sentence, I’d say:

IBCP didn’t just prepare me for college or a job—it prepared me for life.

If I had to sum up my experience in one sentence, I’d say:

I will always be grateful for the mentors, teachers, guest speakers, and industry professionals who contributed to my journey. Their support and belief in us turned fear into confidence and confusion into clarity.

These excursions not only increased my knowledge but also created strong bonds between classmates, helping us work better as a team. One of my proudest moments so far was when I pitched my startup idea at RNGPIT University, and it got selected. I'm currently working on that idea, something I never expected to happen so early in life. IBCP has helped me reflect on how far I’ve come. In just a few months, my mindset, discipline, and habits have changed completely. I now take my academics seriously, I plan my time better, and I focus on building a future I believe in. This program has helped me become more confident, thoughtful, and determined. Looking ahead, I want to study business at a top university abroad. Thanks to IBCP, I’m already learning the core skills and knowledge I’ll need without the need for extra courses. It’s preparing me not just for college but for life.

This journey is just the beginning and IBCP has truly been my launchpad.