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 Barkha Bhatia for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Barkha is an Image Consultant, Soft Skills Trainer, Certified Makeup Artist and an Influencer. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Barkha:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I am an Image Consultant, Soft Skills Trainer, and Certified Makeup Artist, dedicated to helping individuals enhance their appearance, communication, and confidence to achieve personal and professional success.
I was born and raised in Mumbai and later moved to Delhi after marriage. With a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, I initially devoted myself to raising my two children as a full-time homemaker. During this phase, my curiosity and interest in financial markets led me to explore the stock market, where I gradually began managing investment portfolios for myself and my family.
Life took an exciting turn when my children pursued competitive ice skating. My involvement with the Ice Skating Association of India (ISAI) as a volunteer soon grew into a leadership role, where I contributed to national and international championships for over 12 years. I proudly led teams to Asian and World Championships, dedicating my time and efforts wholeheartedly to the growth of the sport in India.
In 2023, I faced a life-changing personal loss with the passing of my husband due to cancer. Navigating this challenging period, I was determined to rebuild my life and rediscover my purpose. This journey of reinvention led me to ICBI, where I earned my certification in Image Consulting, followed by Soft Skills Training from ILA, Bangalore, and a Makeup Artist certification from MAMA’S.
Today, I combine my expertise in image management, soft skills, and professional grooming to empower individuals to look, feel, and perform their best.
My mission is to inspire confidence and transformation in others, leveraging both my personal journey and professional skills to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
How did you discover your passion?
I have always had a natural interest in dressing and styling, and people often appreciated my sense of fashion. Over the years, I helped family and friends with shopping and choosing outfits that suited their personalities.
When I came across ICBI, I realised that this passion for helping people present their best selves could become a fulfilling career. That’s when I decided to pursue Image Consulting and Soft Skills Training, turning my natural talent into my profession.
Despite the challenges, what kept you going when things got tough?
After my husband’s passing, life forced me to confront both emotional and financial realities. I realised that true strength comes from being independent, emotionally and financially, because in life’s most difficult moments, you often face challenges alone. People reveal their true colours, and it becomes clear that no one can fight your battles for you.
What kept me going was the belief that life has a purpose. I chose to face the world with courage, accepting that sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but every experience shapes you.
My faith in the Divine became my anchor, reminding me that when you align with your purpose and trust the journey, nothing can stop your growth.
What are the three important lessons you have learnt in your life?
Three Important Lessons I Have Learned in Life
1) Life is unpredictable, but so are our strengths. Life can change in an instant, and challenges come without warning. I’ve learned that if the Divine gives you pain, He also gives you the strength to endure it. No situation good or bad is permanent. Even the darkest night is followed by a sunrise. Resilience and self-belief are your greatest allies.
2) Trust wisely and protect your inner circle. Life has taught me that not everyone around you has genuine intentions. People often prioritise their own benefit. It is important to choose the right people to trust and maintain balance in relationships. Excessive trust can lead to disappointment, so protecting your peace and energy is essential.
3) It’s never too late to start over.
You can recreate your life at any point if you stay disciplined, consistent, and hardworking. Stormy days will come, but they will also pass. Failures are not the end; they are lessons that guide you toward growth. What matters is trying, learning, and trusting your journey.
What are the keys to success?
In my experience, success is not defined by a single action but by a combination of qualities and consistent effort.
The keys to success, I believe in are:
a) Positive Attitude– The way you perceive challenges shapes how you overcome them. Staying optimistic opens doors to solutions and opportunities.
b) Self-Love and Self-Belief– Believing in your abilities and valuing yourself gives you the confidence to take bold steps and move forward.
c) Consistency– Small, repeated actions every day create long-term results. Consistency is what transforms effort into achievement.
d) Dedication– Wholehearted commitment to your goals ensures that you stay focused, even during challenging times.
e) Determination– The ability to push through obstacles with resilience and not give up is what ultimately leads to success.
What advice would you give to Students and Young Professionals?
My Advice to Students and Young Professionals
First and foremost, believe in yourself and trust your journey.
Success never comes overnight; you need to work hard, stay consistent, and embrace the process. Failures are not setbacks; they are reminders that you are learning, growing, and moving closer to your goals.
The initial years of any career are often the toughest, but if you face them with dedication and perseverance, you become unstoppable. Avoid over-dependence on gadgets or people. Self-reliance is a key strength in both personal and professional life.
Life will test your endurance, but every challenge you overcome builds the foundation for long-term success.
What about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
This is my second career phase, and it has been a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities, and I truly believe that life never stops teaching, and we should never stop learning.
What excites me most is the purpose driving my work. My dream is to empower women in India to become financially aware and independent. I have personally experienced the challenges that arise when a spouse passes away, and I want every woman to understand wealth management and the financial responsibilities that come with life’s uncertainties.
Knowing that my journey can inspire confidence, independence, and growth in others makes it deeply satisfying and motivates me to keep moving forward.
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.
