At BrilliantRead 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 Neha Vasdev for an interview with BrilliantRead Media. She is an Entrepreneur, Leader, Pageant Winner, Image and wardrobe Consultant, Personal Stylist and shopper, Model, Mentor, Fashion Influencer and Change Enabler. Neha is the founder of ‘The Art of Finesse’. 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 Neha:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
It all began after I graduated from CSKM in 2005 and went on to pursue Mass Communication at the Asian Institute of Mass Communication, Marwah Studios, Noida, where I delved into the power of visual communication.
This was a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for my understanding of effective communication through visual cues.”
In the later years, I undertook a Diploma in Jewelry Designing from JDTI, Noida, which was more than just a pursuit of aesthetics; it was a testament to my belief in multidimensionality when it comes to style.
Style, for me, is an art form that transcends traditional boundaries.”
Along the way, I also embarked on a path of service and empowerment with the Inner Wheel Club of Jamshedpur Zest in 2017. This women-oriented organization is dedicated to the upliftment of women and children, and I am proud to have been a part of its journey to achieve ISO certification in 2019.
This achievement was further honoured with the Best ISO Award, a recognition of our unwavering commitment to the cause. In 2020, I had the privilege of serving as the President, a role that allowed me to witness firsthand the positive impact we were making.
Beyond my involvement with the Inner Wheel Club, my journey took a vibrant turn in the world of pageantry. In 2017, I was honoured with the title of Mrs. Jamshedpur, an experience that not only filled me with pride but also reinforced my belief in the transformative power of personal image.”
Subsequently, I went on to become a finalist in both the Mrs. Delhi NCR and Haut Mond Mrs. India pageants in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
I also acquired certifications as a Certified Image Consultant and a Soft Skills Trainer, further solidifying my expertise in personal styling, image consulting, and soft skills training and eventually, that became the ultimate motivation behind starting Art of Finesse – providing a one-stop customized and personal solution to enhance personal style.
Currently, I am passionately pursuing my role as the founder of ‘The Art of Finesse‘, which was founded in 2020, where I leverage my expertise to empower individuals with the science of dressing, grooming, body language, wardrobe consultation and essential business and social etiquette.
My forte lies in guiding clients to enhance their self-presentation, enabling them to project a powerful image in any personal, social, or professional situation.
How did you discover your passion?
I strongly believe my journey is a testament to the power of passion and purpose. My passion for styling and presenting oneself has been ingrained in me since childhood.
I’ve always been captivated by the transformative power of clothing and how it can make a person feel truly remarkable.”
This fascination guided me towards exploring the world of personal style and image.
As I journeyed through life, my love for styling found validation and purpose. Winning accolades and achieving recognition in esteemed pageants further solidified my belief in the impact of personal image.
These experiences served as a compass, directing me to turn my passion into a profession, and ultimately, to help others discover and embrace their most confident selves through personalized styling.”
I’ve always loved clothes and the way they have the power to make one feel fabulous. Having a wardrobe that reflects who you are, that makes sense for your lifestyle, suits your personality, and your colouring and flatters your body shape has a massive impact on your happiness levels.
The best thing I believe about style is that personality is everything. Style doesn’t come from shopping in the fanciest boutiques or sticking rigidly to all the rules. It comes from within. But sometimes you need a helping hand, to get to the bottom of how this translates to your personal style. And that’s what I love to do.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Challenges are an inherent part of any journey, and for me, they serve as opportunities for growth. What drives me is the belief in the potential for transformation in each individual.
Witnessing someone discover their unique style and the confidence that comes with it is incredibly rewarding. That sense of empowerment fuels my determination to overcome any obstacles that come my way.”
As I often tell my clients, Invest in your image: it’s an investment in your self-confidence, success and the way the world perceives you.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My clients and my family are the cornerstones of my motivation. Witnessing the transformation and newfound confidence in my clients is a constant reminder of the impact of personalized styling and image consultancy.
Their trust in my expertise and their journey towards self-discovery through style is what propels me forward every day. Knowing that I have played a part in their confidence and self-assuredness is incredibly fulfilling.
Additionally, my family holds a special place in my heart. Their unwavering support and belief in my vision have been a driving force in my journey. Their encouragement has given me the courage to work for myself, to empower others, and to turn my passion into a profession.”
They are a constant reminder that with dedication and support, we can turn our dreams into reality.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
Continuous learning and staying open to new ideas have been instrumental in my personal growth. Embracing the ever-evolving landscape of social media was initially a challenge.
However, adapting to these new avenues has proven to be immensely beneficial for me. It has allowed me to connect with a wider audience, share my expertise, and learn from a diverse range of perspectives.
Networking is another strategy that has played a crucial role in my journey. Building relationships with like-minded individuals and industry peers has opened doors to opportunities and collaborations that I might not have encountered otherwise. The support and insights from this network have been invaluable in navigating challenges and seizing new prospects.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Authenticity and a genuine passion for what you do are paramount. Success is not just about achieving external milestones, but also about the inner satisfaction that comes from knowing you’re making a positive impact on others.
What advice would you give to our readers?
> Embrace your individuality and Invest in yourself.
> Style is a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence.
> Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment with your personal image.
> It’s a journey towards self-discovery that can lead to a profound transformation in how you perceive yourself and how the world perceives you.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey truly satisfying is witnessing the positive change in the individuals I work with. I take immense pride in sharing my knowledge and expertise with my clients.
It’s exhilarating to see someone step into a room with newfound confidence, knowing they not only look their best but feel their best. This, for me, is the most exciting aspect of what I do – the power to empower others.
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.
