As part of our relentless efforts to identify and share some of the meaningful stories from India and around the world, this week we invited yet another passionate entrepreneur Pinky Akash for an interview with BrilliantRead Media. Pinky is an Image & Personal Branding Coach, Consultant, Leader, Entrepreneur, Speaker, and Founder of Pinky Akash Image Consulting Services. Let’s read more about her incredible journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Pinky:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a women entrepreneur, please;
I did my schooling from Goenka Girls Higher Secondary School and further pursued a corporate secretaryship from the prestigious Ethiraj College For Women in Chennai. I was a passionate individual from the beginning and always achieved to excel in all my endeavours.
I was my School Pupil Leader in fifth grade. I was a college topper in Hindi during my Final year of college. To add to my skills and knowledge I had won accolades in the literature field as well and won many inter-school eloquent and essay competitions. I had also won an inter-school Beauty Pageant at that time.
To further upgrade my skills, I also completed my digital marketing course with distinction which is now necessary for all fields of work. I represented my school in interschool speech competitions and fashion walks as well and even won them. In college to I used to take part in debates and fashion shows. I always had a keen interest in extracurricular activities.
I am a peoples person. People have always found it easy to discuss their troubles with me they faced regarding clothes and accessories and hence it was easy for me to deliver excellence in this field. I have been very passionate about social projects related to the upliftment of less privileged or underprivileged women.
Women Empowerment is a subject very close to my heart. I am pursuing my master’s degree from madras university in Jainology. I am a posh enabler, a styling consultant, a wardrobe Evaluator and recently I completed my french course from Allianz Francaise.”
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
I chose Entrepreneurship because I always wanted to stand on my own legs and be my own boss. I have always been intrigued by Entrepreneurship and read the success stories of all successful entrepreneurs. You see, it’s fascinating how you build something from the scratch and you know it’s like your baby.
It takes a lot of courage, learning, self-confidence, planning, perseverance, hard work combined with a good strategy and execution skills. Thanks to my Mentor {Aruna Das} President of IMPA Association who gave me valuable inputs to make the journey a lot easier for me.”
‘Pinky Akash Image Consulting Services’ 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 with the help of your startup?
Well, I always wanted my firm to have my name as it was my dream to start my company in my own name. After my marriage, I couldn’t pursue my studies but once my kids grew I started studying again and became a certified Image Consultant. My husband has always been a source of support and inspiration for me. Hence I started this co as Pinky Akash.
During this COVID-19 crisis, what are the measures you have undertaken to continue your business without disruption?
I consistently read about the latest updates in this industry because to survive in any field we need to have a thorough knowledge of that field. I consistently posted videos and engaged myself in finding new strategies that were introduced in the IMAGE CONSULTANCY field. Every day is a new day with a new opportunity. I kept updating myself.
How do you manage yourself and keep on going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Empowering the ladies and educating them about grooming hygiene and etiquette is my passion besides styling them. Whenever I am free I take out time to travel, spend time with my family, cluster my wardrobe, update my wardrobe and maintain work-life balance as much as possible. And I am in an industry that updates itself every second day.
In your opinion, what is more necessary: An idea or a good team for a successful startup?
In my opinion, it should be a mix of both. “No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.” I have seen companies with very innovative ideas with niche market segment fail because they lacked proper team spirit in them. You need a strong team behind you to get going.
Because teamwork is the ability to work together towards a common vision.The ability to direct individual accomplishments towards organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows people to attain uncommon results.
We would love to know your advice for all those starting out as an aspiring women entrepreneur?
If people are doubting how far you can go so far that you cannot hear them anymore!
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.
