At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Chitrakshi Vij for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Chitrakshi is an Image Consultant, Style Strategist, Fashion Stylist, Coach and Public Speaker. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Chitrakshi:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
From a family of armed forces, having done my schooling from across the country, I was always looking for challenges and adventures wherever I went. During my final year of Engineering, I realized that even though I scored average grades in academics, I was pretty much involved in every other co-curricular and extracurricular option available at the campus. During my placement drive, I was easily able to crack my interview even when a lot of toppers of the class could not and that belief slowly turned into my reality as I cleared every interview I appeared for.
At the same time, no matter where I was, or what I was doing; I would always leave a lasting impression of people I met. Over the next years of working with various brands and organizations, I discovered the power of Image–appearance, Behaviour and Communication. It’s a game changer – the more I understood the science behind it, the art and creativity just made it more effective and fun.
I’ve worked extensively with leaders who had strong technical expertise but lacked the knowledge to bring about a change in their confidence and communication. My portfolio includes executive presence training for organizations like EY, FabIndia, Mercedes, Accenture, and Deloitte US, along with mentoring countless business owners globally.
Over the years, my work has revolved around transforming individuals and teams by empowering them with tools for effective communication, leadership presence, and personal branding.
How did you discover your passion?
My passion stemmed from a realization that transformation is more than just external—it’s about bringing alignment between who you are, how you communicate, and how the world perceives you.
Early in my career, I noticed how a lack of communication clarity and self-confidence could hold back talented individuals.
That inspired me to dive deeper into understanding human behaviour, body language, and effective communication. Seeing the tangible impact of my work on people’s lives—whether it’s helping them ace a presentation, lead a team with confidence, or simply walk into a room with self-assurance—keeps my passion alive.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My motivation comes from stories: my own journey and that of other people (clients or acquaintances). Every individual I work with inspires me—their challenges, their triumphs, and their determination to grow.
On a personal level, the goals I’ve set for myself and the milestones I’ve achieved remind me to keep pushing boundaries. Beyond that, the opportunity to leave a lasting impression and contribute to the success of others keeps me motivated every single day.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
Three key strategies have defined my growth:
Continuous Learning: Whether it’s acquiring certifications or staying updated with industry trends, I never stop evolving. I believe growth is a lifelong process.
Embracing a Solution Oriented Mindset: Each challenge—be it a complex project, a difficult client, or balancing multiple roles—has taught me resilience and adaptability.
Building Genuine Connections: My relationships with clients, mentors, and peers have been instrumental. I’ve learned that collaboration and feedback are invaluable tools for self-improvement.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Success, to me, lies in a combination of clarity, consistency, and confidence. You need clarity to define your goals, consistency to work towards them diligently, and confidence to take risks and step outside your comfort zone.
Success is also about staying authentic and using your unique strengths to overcome challenges with ease. Lastly, being empathetic and building meaningful relationships is crucial—because no success story is written in isolation.
What advice would you give to our readers?
Be intentional about your growth—invest in yourself, your skills, and your personal brand. Remember, it’s not just about what you achieve but how you make others feel in the process.
Always align your goals with your values, and never underestimate the power of communication—it can truly transform your personal and professional life.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance when you need it; mentorship and collaboration can create opportunities you never imagined. Lastly, stay curious, stay authentic, and trust the process!
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
