At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Hemasree Bachala for an exclusive interview with us. Hemasree is an Entrepreneur and Co-Founder & Managing Director at Homeitup. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Hemasree:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
Absolutely! My journey has been a blend of engineering logic and entrepreneurial passion. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, but even during my college days, I found myself deeply drawn toward the world of startups. There was something about building from scratch, identifying real-world problems, and creating meaningful solutions that always fascinated me.
Fortunately, during my time at college, I met a few like-minded individuals who shared the same spark. That’s where my entrepreneurial journey really began — through conversations, late-night brainstorming sessions, and plenty of trial and error. I’ve always leaned toward user-centric business ideas. For me, it’s not just about launching a venture; it’s about genuinely understanding people and creating impact-driven solutions that speak to them.
Beyond business, I’m also a writer and an avid reader — two passions that ground me creatively. Last year, I published a small paperback titled Becoming Fatherless, a deeply personal project that means a lot to me. It was a way to explore storytelling and connect with readers on a more emotional level.
Today, I continue to work on ideas and collaborations that align with my goal of becoming an impactful figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. I believe in constant growth, staying curious, and building with purpose — and this is just the beginning.
‘Homeitup’ 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?
Thank you! Homeitup is a name that actually came from a very personal space — a combination of the feeling of “home” and the action of “elevating” or “leveling up” everyday life. It’s about creating a space — both physical and emotional — that feels more intentional, more functional, and ultimately more human.
At its core, Homeitup aims to solve a problem a lot of people face but rarely talk about — the lack of personalisation and warmth in their everyday living environments. We often move into houses, but making them truly feel like home takes effort, clarity, and a little inspiration. Whether it’s a small rented space or a forever home, our goal is to help people own their space with ease and creativity.
We’re working on curating solutions that bridge design, utility, and affordability — all from a user-centric lens. From smart organisation ideas to meaningful aesthetics, Homeitup is less about following trends and more about helping individuals and families create spaces that reflect who they are and what they value.
For me, it’s not just a business — it’s a way to contribute to people’s daily lives in a tangible, heartwarming way. And we’re just getting started.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
Great question — because let’s be real, things do get tough. Whether it’s self-doubt, delays, or the uncertainty that naturally comes with building something from scratch, the road isn’t always smooth.
What keeps me going is a mix of purpose and perspective. I’ve always believed that challenges are part of the process, not roadblocks, but signs that I’m pushing boundaries. I remind myself why I started: to build something meaningful, to create value, and to leave a lasting impact. That “why” acts like an anchor during the storms.
Also, I genuinely enjoy the journey — the learning, the unlearning, the people I meet along the way. I’m an avid reader, so I often find clarity or motivation through books. And writing helps too; it gives me space to reflect, to reconnect with my vision when the noise gets loud.
But more than anything, it’s the belief that every small step matters. That even if today is hard, it’s part of a bigger story I’m writing — one that I want to look back on with pride.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
I’ve learned so many lessons — some the easy way, most the hard way — but if I had to narrow it down to three that truly shaped me, it would be these:
1) Clarity is power – In both life and business, knowing why you’re doing something makes all the difference. I’ve realised that when I’m clear about my values, goals, and purpose, decision-making becomes less chaotic and more aligned. It’s easy to get distracted, but clarity keeps me grounded.
2) Progress over perfection – This one’s personal. As someone who used to overthink and wait for the “perfect” moment or the “perfect” product, I’ve learned that action beats perfection every time. Done is better than perfect — and most growth happens once you put yourself out there, not before.
3) People matter more than ideas – You can have the best idea in the world, but if you’re not surrounded by the right people — those who challenge you, support you, and keep you real — it won’t go far. I’ve been fortunate to meet some incredible minds and kind souls along the way, and they’ve made all the difference.
These lessons aren’t one-time takeaways — they keep evolving with me. But they’ve definitely shaped how I approach work, relationships, and life as a whole.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
For me, success isn’t just about reaching a milestone — it’s about staying true to the journey while creating something meaningful. Over time, I’ve come to believe that the real
The keys to success lie in a few core things:
a) Consistency beats intensity – Big wins are exciting, but it’s the small, consistent efforts that actually move the needle. Whether it’s building a startup, writing a book, or working on personal growth, showing up every day, even when motivation fades, is what makes the difference.
b) Adaptability – The ability to evolve — to listen, learn, pivot, and grow — is everything. The world changes fast, and the ones who succeed are often not the ones who started with the perfect plan, but the ones who adapted the fastest with purpose.
c) Self-awareness – Knowing your strengths, your blind spots, and what truly matters to you can set you apart. It helps you make decisions aligned with your values and stay focused on your own version of success, rather than getting lost in comparisons. And finally, I think success also involves a bit of courage — the courage to take risks, to start before you feel ready, and to keep going even when the results aren’t immediate.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My biggest piece of advice? Start before you feel ready. Waiting for the perfect idea, the perfect time, or the perfect skillset can hold you back more than failure ever will. Take that first step, even if it’s small or messy — that’s where real growth begins. Also, stay curious. Don’t box yourself into just one path or one definition of success.
Explore, ask questions, build things, and meet people from different walks of life. Some of the best opportunities come from unexpected places — especially when you’re open-minded and willing to learn.
Another big one: invest in yourself. Read books, write your thoughts, take care of your health, and build habits that serve you long-term. You are your greatest asset, especially in today’s fast-moving world.
And finally, don’t chase only titles or trends — chase impact. Whatever you choose to do, ask yourself: Am I creating value? Am I making someone’s life even a little better? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
Where do you see yourself and Homeitup in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I envision Homeitup evolving into a household name — not just in Bangalore, but across India. A brand that’s not only known for interior design, but for redefining how people connect with their spaces. We want to be at the intersection of aesthetics, functionality, and emotional comfort — offering design solutions that are accessible, personalized, and deeply human.I see us building a strong, scalable ecosystem — from physical projects to digital tools, content, and community — that empowers individuals to own their space, no matter their budget or background. We’re already gaining recognition, like being named one of the Best Promising Interior Design Firms in Bangalore by Homes Magazine in 2024, and I see that as just the beginning.
Personally, I see myself growing right alongside the brand — not just as a founder, but as a storyteller, creator, and contributor to the larger startup and design ecosystem. I want to keep writing, keep building, and continue creating things that matter — whether it’s another book, a new venture, or mentoring young minds on their own journeys.
Five years from now, I hope to look back and see not just growth in numbers, but in impact — in the lives we’ve touched, the spaces we’ve transformed, and the trust we’ve earned.
What’s something you believe in that most people overlook in the startup world?
I truly believe that emotional intelligence is one of the most underrated superpowers in the startup world. In a space that often glorifies speed, scale, and hustle, I think we sometimes forget that startups are built by people, for people.
Understanding emotions — your own and others’ — plays a massive role in building lasting products, strong teams, and authentic customer relationships. You can have a great business model, but if you can’t connect with users on a human level, it’s hard to build real loyalty or long-term impact.
I also believe in depth over noise. Not every idea has to be loud or viral — some of the most powerful startups solve quiet problems that deeply matter to a niche group of people. And that’s enough. Solving meaningfully is often more valuable than scaling mindlessly. At Homeitup, we’re intentional about keeping things user-centric, warm, and real — and I think that approach, even though it might be slower at times, builds something far more sustainable.
What’s one book that changed the way you think — and why?
One book that truly shifted my perspective is Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. It opened my eyes to the power of self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation — qualities that aren’t often talked about in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, but are absolutely critical. It helped me understand that being intelligent isn’t just about logic or strategy — it’s also about how well you understand yourself and navigate relationships.
That book has had a lasting influence on how I lead, build teams, and even communicate with customers.
Another book that made a deep impact on me is Start With Why by Simon Sinek. It helped me articulate something I’ve always felt intuitively — that people don’t just buy what you do, they buy why you do it. That idea shaped how I approach Homeitup, how I tell stories, and how I try to build trust with users.
It reminded me that clarity of purpose is not just a branding tool — it’s the foundation of everything. Both books helped me align my personal values with my professional journey — and they continue to guide how I think, build, and grow.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes this journey truly satisfying for me is the freedom to create — to take an idea that once lived only in my mind and turn it into something real, something that connects with others. Whether it’s building a startup like Homeitup, writing a book, or simply learning something new, I find a deep sense of purpose in the process of creating and contributing.
One of the highlights has been seeing Homeitup recognized as one of the Best Promising Interior Design Firms in Bangalore (2024) by Home Magazine. It was a huge moment for us — not just as validation, but as motivation to keep building with heart and intention. That recognition reminded me that even small, focused efforts can ripple out in big ways.
On a more personal note, publishing my book Becoming Fatherless brought me an unexpected kind of joy. The warmth and support I received from family and friends was overwhelming — it reminded me why I started writing in the first place: to connect, to heal, and to share stories that matter.
Ultimately, the most exciting part of this journey is that I’m just getting started. I’m not chasing an endpoint — I’m building a life of purpose, impact, and creativity. And every step forward, no matter how big or small, makes it all worth it.
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.
