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 Kavya Ramesh for an exclusive interview with us. Kavya is an Image Coach, Certified POSH Trainer and an Influencer. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Kavya:
Could you please take us through your background and your journey?
I’m a South Indian brought up in Mumbai, so I’ve experienced the best of both worlds … the rootedness of the South and the cosmopolitan energy of Mumbai.
Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in History, Economics, and Public Administration, followed by an MBA in Human Resources from ICFAI University, Mumbai.
My love for Public Administration naturally evolved into a passion for understanding people (how they grow, what drives them, and how they can be guided to reach their fullest potential), and that’s how my journey in Human Resources began.
For nearly a decade, I’ve been part of the corporate world, working with leading brands in the IT industry. My work has primarily revolved around organisation and talent development, spanning strategy, training, employee engagement, analysis, and rewards. Beyond processes and structures, what I truly enjoyed was creating environments where people feltseen, celebrated, and heard.
Yet, even amidst all that, there was a quiet voice within me saying,‘This isn’t enough.’I kept wondering what that meant. Until one day, it became clear. What if I could take this idea of development beyond the organisational space and into the personal one? What if I could help individuals recognise and build their most authentic selves?
That thought became the seed for my journey into Image Consulting and Soft Skills Training. I’ve always been fascinated by how people carry themselves; how their presence, communication, and style reflect who they are. That curiosity led me to pursue certifications from globally acclaimed institutions in POSH, Career Counselling, Image Consulting, and Soft Skills Training.
Each milestone has further deepened my understanding of people and transformation. I’m now channelling that experience into building my own venture… a holistic solution that bridges personal and professional growth, and empowers individuals to lead with authenticity, confidence, and presence.
How did you discover your passion?
I’ve always been drawn to fashion, self-expression, and the confidence that comes from putting one’s best self forward.Over time, through personal experiences and observations, I realised how many of us grow up with self-image struggles, often underestimating our own potential and presence.
That realisation deeply moved me. What began as an interest in style evolved into a purpose — to help people feel seen, valued, and confident in who they are. That’s when I knew I had found my calling – empowering others to show up as their most authentic and impactful selves.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What keeps me going is the belief that growth rarely comes without discomfort.Every challenge has been a lesson in resilience, self-awareness, and grace under pressure.
On tough days, I remind myselfwhyI started. To create an impact, to help people discover their best selves, and to keep evolving in the process.
The thought that my work can make even one person feel more confident or seen gives me strength. I also find motivation in continuous learning, knowing that every setback is simply redirecting me toward something better.
And yes, I’m mindful of the big decisions, sacrifices, and moments of uncertainty that have shaped my journey. Remembering them with empathy and gratitude keeps me grounded and moving forward.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The first lesson I’ve learned is that growth and comfort can’t coexist.Every time I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone (personally or professionally), I’ve discovered new layers of strength, clarity, and resilience. And with that growth comes a lot of learning, unlearning, and wisdom for life.
The second is the power of self-awareness.The more you understand yourself, your triggers, values, and purpose, the more aligned your decisions become, both in work and in life. Someone else’s ability to handle five projects a day doesn’t have to become your benchmark.
Knowing your strengths, limitations, and unique rhythm helps you create balance between what went well, what can be improved, and what truly matters.
And the third is to trust the timing of your life.Not everything unfolds according to plan, and that’s perfectly fine. I started my page when I turned 30 … an age often labelled as “late” by societal standards, and it wasn’t easy. But it brought me immense joy and purpose.
I’ve also learned that not everyone will be your cheerleader, and that’s okay. Some of the most meaningful things in my journey happened when I stopped seeking validation, stopped forcing outcomes, and simply focused on showing up fully.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
For me, success is a continuous journey of ‘becoming’. – (Becoming aware, becoming aware, becoming competent and becoming more.)
I believe the keys to success lie in four things:consistency, authenticity, adaptability, and a positive environment.
Consistencybuilds trust, with yourself and with others. It’s about showing up and giving your best, even on the days when motivation feels low. People (and even yourself) notice your work, competency or progress only after multiple attempts at it, and that becomes a start for you.
Authenticitykeeps you grounded. When your actions reflect who you truly are, you naturally attract the right people, opportunities, and energy. No one can fake anything for too long, and actual success only starts once a person is comfortable with his/her methods of working things out.
Adaptabilityhelps you thrive through change. The world is constantly evolving, and the ability to learn, unlearn, and realign keeps one relevant and growing. Upgradation and evolution are the current keys to these changing times.
And finally,a positive environmentfuels everything else. Surrounding oneself with genuine people, good energy, continuous learning, and purposeful focus keeps one inspired and thriving.
For me, real success is when purpose, passion, and peace coexist… When what you do each day feels aligned with who you are.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
My biggest advice to students and young professionals is to focus on building depth, not just speed.
We often get caught up in chasing quick results, the next job, the next milestone, the next promotion, etc. But real success comes from developingclarity, competence,andcharacterover time. Take the time to learn, ask questions, and understand yourself. What drives you, what drains you, and what truly matters to you.
Also, never underestimate the power of communication, presence, and emotional intelligence. Your technical skills might open the door, but it’s your soft skills that help you stay, grow, and lead.
And finally, remember that your journey is your own. Everyone’s timeline is different. So, don’t let comparison rush your process. Stay consistent, stay curious, and most importantly, stay true to who you are.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey truly satisfying is the impact, both seen and unseen.Knowing that my work helps someone rediscover their confidence, refine their presence, or simply feel good about who they are is deeply fulfilling.
Every story I hear, every person I meet, adds a new layer to my own growth. It’s a constant exchange of energy; I help people transform, but in the process, they transform me too.
What keeps it exciting is that no two journeys are alike. Each individual I work with brings a new perspective, a new challenge, and a new opportunity to learn. That unpredictability keeps me inspired and grounded.
And perhaps most of all, I find joy in seeing how subtle shifts in mindset, appearance, or self-belief can completely change the way someone experiences life. The heartfelt messages and feedback I receive from people, sometimes months after a session or through social media, truly keep me going.
Those moments remind me why I started!
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.