Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work. I am a Certified Image Consultant and prior to that a hotel management graduate, a MBA in Human Resource and Organization Development. I have corporate work experience of over 8 years. 2 years back I started my own Image Management firm Kalpataru Image Consulting. Today I help people create the desired impressions in their personal, professional and social life.
What difficulties did you face while making your dream a reality? The biggest challenge for me was taking the big leap of faith, to leave my high flying corporate job and start my image management firm. Once I took the jump, learning to swim was still easier. Work started coming and business grew with time. I ensured that I did the best work with each client or project, and word of mouth spread and I got many referral clients and assignments.
So tell us what has been your key learning from your previous jobs? All my previous jobs have taught me that if you are diligent, start with the end in mind and persevere, you will definitely reach your goals. As an Image Consultant, when people approach me for their image enhancement, many a times they do not realise their potential, lack confidence, or realize the need however do not know how to keep their best foot forward. It is my job to understand their aspirations and train them to become the person they want to become.
How did you get the idea of starting your own company? I wanted to become an entrepreneur and reach out to people beyond my organisation or industry. I knew I had the required skill sets that can benefit people at large who want to improve and do not know what to do about it. I wanted to create a platform for them, a safe environment where they could learn in private and groom themselves in terms of their, clothing, grooming, body language, etiquette and soft skills.
What steps/programs/policies you would like to suggest for the ladies who want to be successful like you? First of all women need to realize that it is alright to think for them for a change and not always do what is expected from them. Most often than not, we tend to do the right things to make others happy rather that the things which make us happy. If you want to become successful you need to put a lot of effort in your work and that is possible only if you get happiness out of it. Decide where your heart is and then invest your time, energy and money to equip yourselves with the required knowledge and skills to be the best that you can be.
Thank you for answering this interview. Would you like to share your secret success mantra with our readers? The secret success mantra that I live by is "There is no doubt that education and hard work are the prerequisites for success, however dressing well, communication skill, and etiquette gets you what you deserve, in a shorter time".
