At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Manika Sharma for an exclusive interview with us. Manika is an Educationist, Parenting Coach, Yoga Trainer and Founder & MD at Twig2tree Akademia. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Manika:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey as an educationist and entrepreneur is deeply intertwined with my personal life and experiences. It all started when I became a mother while living in the US. I clearly remember the day I held my newborn son in an empty room, realizing that, without the guidance of elders around, I was solely responsible for shaping a life.
That moment was overwhelming, but it also ignited a strong resolve in me. I did not have prior experience as a mother, but I was determined to empower myself to guide and nurture my son in the best way possible.
I began exploring philosophies about early childhood development and delving into studies on brain development. Soon, I started creating structured weekly schedules for my son and me, involving visits to YMCAs, libraries, and parent-child classes. By the time he turned one, I was already working on a business plan to bring parent-child classes to India.
To ensure I had the skills and knowledge to execute my plan, I spent two years gaining practical experience in Texas, working with a parent-child institute and a Montessori school. When we moved back to India in 2009, I was ready to set up my company. However, life brought a beautiful pause when my daughter was born. Although my plans went on hold, my vision remained strong.
In 2013, I launched Twig2tree Akademia in Bangalore, starting with parent-child classes and after-school programs. Over time, I realized there was a need for more—especially in aligning parenting philosophies at home with what schools teach and addressing the gap between evolving brain development and outdated educational approaches.
Currently, I am working on building a parent learning platform, as I strongly believe that unless parenting and education align toward the same purpose—raising children oriented toward higher consciousness—humanity cannot evolve.
This platform is designed to empower parents with the tools and understanding they need to support their child’s holistic development while fostering a deeper connection between home and educational philosophies. This vision continues to inspire me, and I feel that my journey, though long, is only just beginning.
‘The7colours of child’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
This initiative has been designed from a truly holistic perspective, with the primary aim of empowering parents to nurture their child’s overall well-being. At its core, it revolves around seven foundational components that together shape a child’s development and the parenting journey:
1) Child as an Individual – Every child is unique, with their own talents, emotions, and aspirations. Understanding and respecting this individuality is essential to nurturing their full potential. Further to this understanding is the base concept that we all are made of multiple layers namely: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and nature. To guide our children, we need to understand the development of all these elements.
2) Parents as Foundation – Parents form the bedrock of a child’s growth. Their values, actions, and emotional presence set the tone for a secure, loving, and growth-oriented environment but most importantly parents form a filter between the external world and the child hence it is important for parents to become aware of themselves as well.
3) Environment as Influencer – From home and school to peer interactions and digital exposure, a child’s environment shapes their worldview and behaviour. We focus on creating positive influences and minimizing negative ones.
4) Pillars of Child’s Interaction – A child’s relationships—with family, peers, teachers, and society—play a crucial role in their emotional intelligence and resilience. We guide parents in fostering meaningful and healthy communication which is rooted in a philosophy of non-violent communication.
5) Elements of Nature – Nature profoundly impacts physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Incorporating the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—creates balance and harmony in a child’s life. The rhythm of nature guides our life on a day-to-day basis which directly impacts various bodies. With a better understanding of these nuances, we get better equipped to build the right set of supporting systems for our children.
6) Quotients of Holistic Qs – Beyond IQ, a child’s growth spans Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Nature and Social Quotients, among others. We raise awareness of these dimensions and their role in holistic development.
7) Growth of Consciousness – The most profound aspect focuses on the evolution of consciousness in both parent and child. It’s about cultivating mindfulness and a higher purpose to foster compassionate, conscious individuals. The more we are aware of this unsaid spectrum of our life more we are able to guide our child’s development towards higher goals.
Our programs empower parents with tools and strategies tailored to their child’s life stage. Whether it’s raising an infant or raising a teenager, the focus shifts as children grow, and we guide parents to evolve alongside their children.
Ultimately, our mission is to bridge the gap between home and educational philosophies, creating a generation of children who are not just academically capable but emotionally balanced, socially responsible, and spiritually aware. This vision continues to inspire The 7 Colours of Child, and we’re thrilled to walk this journey with parents who share this purpose.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
As a mother, I’ve always felt the absence of the right set of guidance to raise children in the ever-evolving world we live in. Parenting comes with its own set of challenges, and I’ve experienced firsthand how overwhelming it can feel without adequate support or resources.
This realization drives me deeply. I believe it’s our duty as a generation to share the wisdom, insights, and knowledge we’ve gained with the next set of parents, making their journey a little easier and more fulfilling.
For me, this isn’t just a professional endeavour—it’s a moral responsibility. Knowing that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and help parents navigate their challenges is what keeps me going, even when things get tough.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons that have shaped me as a person, a parent, and an entrepreneur:
Every Challenge Brings Growth – I’ve come to understand that every challenge presents an opportunity to grow. These experiences, no matter how tough, have taught me resilience and helped me evolve into a better version of myself.
The Power of Lifelong Learning – I firmly believe that learning never stops, and this applies to parenting as well. Some of the most profound lessons I’ve learned have come from my own children—they constantly teach me patience, curiosity, and adaptability.
Trust the Process – Life doesn’t always follow the script we plan for it, but I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected. Every twist and turn carries a purpose and a lesson. Recognizing this has allowed me to face uncertainties with grace and find meaning in every situation.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
> Patience
> Adaptability
> Humility
> Constant drive to become a better version of myself.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
I remember when I finished my MBA and crafted what I believed was the perfect business plan. At the time, I thought there was no way it could fail.
However, I quickly realized that there’s a significant journey between academic learning and experiential learning—something no book can truly prepare you for.
It’s only when we apply our knowledge in the real world, connect with our audience, and adapt to their needs that we can begin to build a successful career.
Other than this my advice to students and young professionals is to stay curious and keep learning from every challenge without losing sight of your vision, align your passion with purpose and most importantly build your career on the core principles of humanity and humility.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
The most satisfying part of my journey is witnessing the positive transformation that families experience after going through my programs. Seeing the joy and peace on parents’ faces, the noticeable shifts in a child’s abilities, and knowing that I’ve contributed to creating a better world fills me with immense gratitude.
Every family I work with teaches me something new, broadening my perspective and deepening my understanding of the diverse challenges parents face. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work not only helps families thrive but also contributes to nurturing a more compassionate and conscious generation.
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.
