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 Nandini Khanna for an exclusive interview with us. She is an Entrepreneur, Leader, Coach, Image Consultant, Personal Branding and Grooming Coach, Influencer and Change Enabler. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, her background, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Nandini:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I was born and raised in Delhi, where I completed my schooling and college education. I pursued a B.Sc. in Home Science and then ventured into exploring my affinity for working with pre-school children. This exploration led me to the world of teaching, where I dedicated two years to nurturing and guiding young minds.
Yet, my passion for baking remained a constant force. Fuelled by this passion, I embarked on a journey abroad to study at the prestigious “Le Cordon Bleu” in London and Australia. The culmination of these experiences resulted in me attaining a Diploma in Patisserie.”
For the next six years, I channelled my love for baking into crafting desserts and chocolates from the comfort of my own home. However, my affection for working with children persisted. This longing drove me to take a step further, prompting me to pursue professional training as a Montessori teacher. Armed with my newfound skills, I embarked on my journey as a pre-school mentor in 2008.
As time unfolded, my dedication and expertise led me to take on the role of a preschool principal for two separate pre-schools over a span of 14 years. This ongoing journey has been a true blessing, allowing me to continue working closely with children. However, the ever-curious spirit within me sought the next challenge.
It was a question of “what next?” that led me to explore the realm of Image Consulting and Soft Skills. With determination, I pursued this new path and successfully became a recognized and Internationally Certified Image Consultant.”
Reflecting on my journey so far, I see a mosaic of diverse experiences that have shaped my professional path. From teaching and baking to mentoring and principalship, each chapter has contributed to my growth and enriched my skill set. Looking ahead, I remain excited about the opportunities for continuous learning and development that lie ahead.
How did you discover your passion as a ‘Coach’?
“Coaching” itself is such a powerful word. To me, it signifies a profound opportunity to extend a helping hand, leveraging my strengths to make a difference in people’s lives.
In retrospect, I’ve come to realize that I’ve been playing the role of a coach long before I officially adopted the title. Whether during my tenure as a Principal or as a mentor, the act of imparting guidance and nurturing growth has been a constant theme. After all, isn’t our objective often to assist others in accomplishing their objectives?
What sets me on this path is not just the qualification, but the fervor I possess. To be an effective coach, one must possess unwavering dedication and an unyielding spirit. You need to have the passion, the perseverance to go on only then can you help others.”
In essence, coaching isn’t merely a profession; it’s a calling to make a meaningful impact. As I embark on this journey, I carry with me the culmination of past experiences, a newfound clarity of purpose, and an unshakable resolve to walk alongside others, guiding them toward success.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Hahaha good question… I feel life is a roller coaster, and one must learn to enjoy it as ups and downs are a part and parcel of it and they are bound to happen.
Embracing the ups and downs of life as part of a fulfilling journey can indeed help us stay motivated and grow as individuals. Your willingness to take on challenges, even if they result in failures, reflects a growth mindset where you see each experience as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Having a mindset that welcomes challenges not only allows you to learn from your experiences but also helps you develop new skills and expand your horizons. It’s this attitude that can be a driving force in your life, pushing you to step out of your comfort zone and tackle obstacles with determination.”
Challenges are the threads that weave the fabric of our lives with richness and diversity. They prevent monotony and encourage us to explore uncharted territories. Oftentimes, I’ve leapt into new endeavours without extensive planning or research, purely to challenge myself.
Failures, too, hold their own significance. I subscribe to the notion that “FAIL” stands for “First Attempt In Learning.” Each setback is a lesson, an opportunity to refine my approach and come back stronger. This mindset of continuous learning and improvement propels me forward.
Remember that challenges often lead to personal and professional growth, as well as a greater sense of accomplishment when you overcome them. This mindset can help you maintain your enthusiasm and determination even when facing difficulties, making the journey of life more exciting and meaningful.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My motivation has firstly been my Parents to start with. Observing their relentless determination, diligent savings, and the gradual construction of a thriving legacy has profoundly influenced me. My mother, in particular, stands as a beacon of strength, consistently steering our family through life’s challenges and triumphs.
Growing up, my twin sister, my brothers, and I were fortunate recipients of a wonderful lifestyle. We understand the sacrifices our parents made to ensure our comfort. Their unwavering commitment to provide us with the best possible life has left an indelible mark on me.”
This nurturing environment, marked by fewer hurdles, abundant smiles, and a comfortable existence, has undeniably been a gift from my parents. Nonetheless, their guidance also instilled in us a sense of industriousness and self-reliance. From an early age, we were taught to be hands-on workers and encouraged to amass a diverse array of skills (as I have previously mentioned). As a result, self-motivation, unswerving dedication, unyielding perseverance, and an unshakable work ethic have become the cornerstones of my beliefs.
I consider myself exceptionally fortunate to possess these attributes, which have been cultivated through the teachings of my parents and the environment they created. Their enduring support, coupled with the values they imparted, have propelled me forward and continue to shape my journey.
What are some of the strategies that you believe has helped you grow as a person?
> Patience
> Dedication and hard work
> Believe in self (still working on that front a bit)
> Taking ownership and responsibility for my actions
> Being there
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Dream:Believe:Achieve
3 words that sound simple however take a lot of you in them.
What is success, who is measuring it?
It’s “YOU” who sets these parameters and it is “YOU” who is responsible for the same.
Today you achieve one thing, the next day there is another, hence I would firstly say that success too is an on going process.
The key towards achieving these goals would be-
Hardwork
Openness to learning
Self- belief
Self- Motivation
Positive attitude
And then putting your heart and soul into every task you wish to accomplish.
What is Image Consultancy and how do you help people?
Image consultancy is a professional service that focuses on helping individuals and organizations manage and enhance their overall image, both in personal and professional settings. Image consultants provide expert guidance on various aspects, including appearance, behavior, communication, and personal branding, to help clients project a positive and authentic image that aligns with their goals and values.
Here’s how image consultants help people: Personal Style and Wardrobe: Image consultants assist clients in defining and refining their personal style. They offer advice on clothing choices, colors, and styles that suit the individual’s body type, personality, and lifestyle. They help create a functional and versatile wardrobe that reflects the client’s image goals.
Grooming and Appearance: Consultants provide recommendations for grooming routines, hairstyles, makeup, and skincare that enhance the client’s overall appearance and boost their self-confidence.
Communication Skills: Image consultants help clients improve their verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This includes body language, gestures, eye contact, and speech patterns to ensure effective communication and convey confidence.
Etiquette and Manners: Consultants teach clients proper etiquette and manners for various situations, including social interactions, dining, and professional settings.
Personal Branding: Image consultants work with clients to align their appearance, behavior, and communication with their personal brand. They help individuals convey a consistent and authentic message that reflects their values and aspirations.
Professional Image: For professionals and businesses, consultants offer guidance on creating a polished and appropriate image for the workplace, presentations, and networking events.
Colour Analysis: Consultants determine the colors that enhance a client’s natural features and help them make informed choices about clothing, accessories, and makeup.
Confidence Building: Image consultants assist clients in boosting their self-esteem and confidence by helping them feel comfortable and empowered in their appearance and interactions.
Event Preparation: Consultants help clients prepare for important events, interviews, and public appearances, ensuring they project confidence and professionalism.
Body Image Support: Consultants work with clients to overcome body image issues and develop a positive self-image, promoting self-acceptance and self-love.
Life Transitions: Consultants guide clients through significant life changes, such as career shifts, weight loss, or relationship changes, assisting them in adapting their image and style accordingly.
Image consultants tailor their services to meet each client’s unique needs and goals. They use their expertise to offer practical advice, insights, and actionable steps that empower individuals to make positive changes in their appearance, behaviour, and communication. Ultimately, image consultants aim to help clients feel more confident, authentic, and capable of presenting themselves effectively in any situation.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
The challenges I’ve faced and the moments of self-reflection have been instrumental in shaping me into a more resilient and fortified individual. As I’ve mentioned before, life’s ups and downs are an integral part of the journey, and each day offers a fresh opportunity to forge ahead with renewed determination and optimism.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate because I’ve been able to transform challenges into stepping stones for growth. This journey of self-discovery and exploration has allowed me to venture into various realms of life. From teaching to assuming the role of a principal, diving into the world of patisserie, and now embracing coaching, each chapter has been an opportunity to delve into uncharted territories, learn, and excel on a personal level.
This continuous cycle of exploration and achievement is what fuels me. The satisfaction of setting a goal and not just achieving it, but excelling in it, is profoundly rewarding. Looking back, I find fulfilment in the fact that I’ve dared to chase my aspirations and realize them.
Yet, the thrill doesn’t end with accomplishment. What keeps me invigorated is the question, “What’s next?” The excitement of uncovering new horizons, of seeking the next challenge to conquer, is what propels me forward. It’s a dynamic journey, one that continually motivates me to strive for more, learn more, and ultimately become more.
In this way, my experiences have become a mosaic of growth, where challenges have turned into opportunities and accomplishments have given rise to new ambitions. It’s a perpetual cycle that enriches my life and keeps my spirit alive with anticipation for what lies ahead.
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.
