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 Shailja Awasthi for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Shailja is an Entrepreneur, Space Designer, Founder and Design Principal at Shailja Awasthi: Sublime Spaces And Places. 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 Shailja:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey? How did you discover your passion?
I was born in 1983 in Lucknow, and as early as the age of three, I discovered my passion for art. Although I pursued a bachelor’s degree in science, drawn to the intricate beauty of organic shapes like cells and molecules—especially the palisades of leaves—and later earned a master’s degree in management, my path eventually led me to the world of branding. Working with renowned agencies like JWT, Ogilvy & Mather, Mudra Communications, and Crosspollen, I had the opportunity to explore design in its many dimensions.
Moving to Bangalore was a turning point in my journey. It was here that I delved into understanding human behaviour and what subconsciously inspires people to lead better lives. My transition into interior design happened serendipitously when I was asked to redesign a model flat for a developer whose architect had passed away. The original designs weren’t connected with the audience, but with my vision, I transformed the space, leading to the entire tower selling out within two months.
I infused organic elements like driftwood lamps, petrified wood tables, and travertine floors, combining them with globally sourced textiles. This approach redefined Indian luxury while staying true to the environment.
My portfolio grew to include homes, restaurants, and office spaces for prominent clients in cities like Bangalore, Sydney, Delhi, Lucknow, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Santa Clarita, and Laos.
My residential design work also attracted A-list clientele from various fields, including corporate, music, art, and creative industries. Today, I’m passionately working on two innovative projects: Lima, a bespoke furniture line, and Waaltzz, a luxury wall covering collection. These projects reflect my disjunctive blend of vintage and contemporary aesthetics, tailored to elevate high-end residences, hotels, and offices.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough
What keeps me going is the unshakable need to create —it’s as natural to me as breathing. Challenges are inevitable in this journey, but I don’t dwell on them. Instead, I see them as an integral part of the process, shaping and refining me with each passing day.
Having been chiselled by pain at a young age, I’ve learned to embrace every ounce of joy and never let it slip away. And for me, the joy of creation outweighs any obstacle. When you find true passion in what you do, challenges aren’t roadblocks they’re stepping stones, conquered by something far more powerful: grit.
What are the most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Value authenticity in relationships. Surround yourself with friends and family who are genuine and truly care, not those who merely appear supportive. Always observe if people’s actions align with their words—integrity matters in both personal and professional connections.
Know when to move on. Once you’ve given your absolute best and exhausted every possibility, it’s essential to let go and move forward. Holding on too long can stifle creativity and growth and harm you and everyone around you.
Standfirm in doing the right thing. No matter how challenging or unpopular, always choose what’s right. Truth doesn’t need validation—it reveals itself over time, and staying true to it is a principle worth upholding.
Trust, but verify. Trust is vital in relationships and collaborations, but it’s equally important to validate and ensure reliability. A balance of faith and diligence is key to success. Each of these lessons shapes how I approach both life and design, ensuring authenticity, purpose, and integrity in everything I create.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
The keys to success as a space designer lie in relentless creativity and resilience. Keep imagining, keep creating, and keep refining your designs until the vision aligns with what you believe defines success. Each project is an opportunity to learn and grow, and the process of trial, adaptation, and evolution is vital.
Above all, never give up—every challenge is just a stepping stone to mastering the art of creating spaces that inspire and resonate. It’s this unwavering commitment to your craft that truly unlocks success. Taking massive action (execution) with consistency and belief
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My advice to students and young professionals aiming for a successful career is simple: always strive for original and authentic work. Let your ideas reflect your true self, and don’t be afraid to push boundaries.
Mistakes are a natural part of the journey—they’re not failures but valuable lessons that shape your growth. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them fuel your evolution. Remember, authenticity and resilience are your greatest assets in building a meaningful and successful career.
How do you collaborate with clients? What makes your work stand out?
For me, the best projects are born from deep collaboration. I take the time to truly listen to my clients—their stories, dreams, and aspirations—and then run their visions through my creative lens to create spaces that evoke emotion and reflect their unique personalities.
I believe in achieving harmony within a design, where bold statement pieces are balanced by quieter, subtler details, and every element contributes to a thoughtful, cohesive whole.
My work reflects a seamless blend of raw and refined elements. I love incorporating features like driftwood lamps, petrified wood tables, and globally sourced textiles to create designs that honour both luxury and the surrounding environment.
Whether it’s a home, a restaurant, or an office, each space I design is thoughtfully crafted to tell its own unique story—whether in Bangalore, Sydney, Sunnyvale, or beyond.
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.
