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 Aarti Sharma for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Aarti is an Image Consultant, NLP Practitioner, Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Soft Skills Coach and Certified Yoga Trainer. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Aarti:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My professional story has been an adventure, full of unexpected detours and serendipitous moments. It’s almost amusing to think that the career I now cherish was never on my radar—not even in my wildest dreams.
As a child, I imagined myself as a farmer, tending to rows of vegetables under the sun. But life, as it does, had other plans. My journey began in a local software company, where I stepped in as a substitute academic counsellor. Seeking creativity, I explored fashion design simply to craft my own garments, spending a chapter immersed in the world of fabrics and style.
Then, by sheer accident, I walked into an interview for a kindergarten teacher, accompanying a friend for support. To my surprise, that “spur of the moment” decision steered my life in a new direction. Inspired by my experiences, I pursued further education: a B.Ed., an M.Ed., and a Master’s in English. Teaching became my world for a few years.
But fate had yet another curve to offer. A series of personal setbacks led to job loss, leaving me adrift. Yet, my art practice became my anchor, sustaining me through difficult times. It was in these quieter moments that I discovered my true calling—helping others transform their lives. Friends and acquaintances sought my guidance, and I realised the impact I could make.
So, embracing this new path, I earned certifications as an Emotional Intelligence Coach and NLP Practitioner, and soon I’ll add Soft Skills Trainer and Image Consultant to my credentials. Looking back, I see that every twist was a lesson, every profession a stepping stone. Perhaps it was life’s way of ensuring I found my gifts—and that by sharing them, I bring happiness to others.
How did you discover your passions?
Passion to paint: If someone had told me years ago that I had an artist hidden inside, I probably would have laughed it off. But destiny had other plans. My journey began at SL DAV College of Education in Ambala City, where I joined the B.Ed. program with little inkling of my creative potential.
It was there that my fine arts lecturers, Mr. Saini and Mrs. Satnam Kaur, saw something in me—a spark I never realised was there. Their faith and encouragement were transformative. Under their patient guidance, brushes and colours became my companions, and a world of artistic expression opened up before me.
What started as a gentle nudge soon became my life’s calling. Today, fine arts is not just my profession; it’s a passion I continue to explore and cherish every single day.
Passion to guide people: It all began with a simple question at a swimming pool—an observation made by a perceptive lady who asked, “How do you make people open up to you so easily?” Until that moment, I hadn’t realised this was a gift I possessed.
Her words made me reflect, and soon, I saw how people naturally gravitated to me, trusting me with their challenges and confiding their struggles. As these heartfelt conversations bloomed, helping others became a steady thread in my everyday life.
But life is rarely a straight line. Not long after, misfortune struck my personal life, plunging me into a deep depression as I lost one job after another. In those darkest days, it was my art practice that kept me afloat—a lifeline that allowed me to breathe and hold onto hope.
Remarkably, even as I faced my own trials, people continued to trust my words, looking to me for guidance. Many took my advice to heart, reshaping both their personal and professional paths.
This turning point set me on a new journey. Realising the impact I could make, I decided not only to support others informally but also to pursue coaching professionally. I invested in my growth and earned certifications as an Emotional Intelligence Coach and NLP Practitioner. Soon, I will add Soft Skills Trainer and Image Consultant to my repertoire.
Through ups and downs, one thing remained clear: helping others find clarity and resilience is not just my vocation, but my calling. Now, my story continues, shaped by every person who opens up and every life that transforms with a little gentle guidance.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What keeps me going when things get tough is knowing that my purpose lies in helping others transform their lives. Even during my darkest moments, the trust people place in me—their willingness to open up and seek guidance—reminds me that I am making a meaningful difference. That sense of fulfilment fuels my determination to keep moving forward.
Art has also been my refuge and anchor, especially when life feels overwhelming. It is through creative expression that I find balance and hope amid challenges. Moreover, I rely on the support of mentors, friends, and loved ones who remind me of my strength and potential.
Ultimately, embracing gratitude and focusing on the positive changes I can inspire in others empowers me to face adversity with resilience and confidence. This combination of purpose, creativity, and connection is what sustains me through difficult times.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The three most important lessons I’ve learned in my life are deeply personal and have shaped who I am today.
First, I’ve learned the power of resilience. Life has thrown many challenges my way—from job losses to personal struggles—but I discovered that staying anchored through my art and purpose helps me rise again and again. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about growing stronger through every setback.
Second, I’ve realised the incredible value of empathy and trust. When people open up to me with their deepest fears and struggles, it’s a reminder of how precious connection is. Listening with kindness and offering genuine support has shown me how transformative it can be for both others and myself.
Finally, I’ve come to understand that life’s twists and turns are not detours but part of a bigger plan. Each experience, every profession I tried, and every challenge I faced helped me discover my true gifts and the path where I could make the greatest impact. Trusting the journey, even when uncertain, has been a lesson in faith and self-discovery.
These lessons keep guiding me both personally and professionally as I continue to grow and help others do the same.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Reflecting on my journey, I have come to realise that success is not defined by a single achievement but by a combination of qualities and learnings that help navigate life’s twists and turns with purpose and strength.
> Embrace Resilience Through Adversity.
> Stay Open to Unexpected Opportunities.
> Trust the Journey and Its Lessons
> Cultivate Empathy and Build Trust
> Invest in Continuous Learning and Self-Growth.
> Align Work with Your True Purpose
> Leverage Creativity as a Source of Strength
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My advice to young professionals is to follow your passion, stay resilient, and be open to new opportunities. Success doesn’t come overnight—embrace every experience as a learning step.
Build strong relationships, keep upgrading your skills, and trust the journey, even when it feels uncertain. Most importantly, focus on making a positive impact in whatever you do, because true fulfilment lies in helping others and growing yourself along the way.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey profoundly satisfying and truly exhilarating is the remarkable power of transformation—both within myself and in the lives I touch. Every obstacle I encountered became a stepping stone, revealing hidden strengths and resilience I never imagined I possessed.
The unexpected turns and challenges were not setbacks but invitations to grow deeper and discover my authentic purpose. What fills me with immense pride and inspiration is realising that my journey is not just about personal success, but about empowering others to rise, heal, and flourish.
Being part of that ripple effect of positive change is a privilege beyond words—proof that with courage and unwavering commitment, even the most daunting paths lead to extraordinary triumphs worthy of celebration.
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.
