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 Medha A Sachdeva for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Medha is a Certified Soft Skills Trainer, Etiquette Coach and Founder & CEO at Nico Nerini and Aarzoo Designs. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Medha:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I come from Agra, a city rich of Taj. Born and brought up in this city, did my schooling, graduation and post graduation from DEI University, Agra. My first job also happened to be in the same city with a luxury hospitality group, The Oberoi Amarvilas.
I joined as an Assistant Manager in Guest Relations. Feeling like I was becoming stagnant at the same place, God had different plans and moved me to Ghaziabad as the next phase of life, marriage came in. It came as a big change, and so I now decided to wear different hats in the process.
Brought up in a leather background environment, I wanted to work not with shoes but to create and bring out meaning with my creativity. That led me to start experimenting with leftover leather, transforming waste into beautiful home accessories. It was sustainable, artistic and to my choice.
But marriage and motherhood brought new responsibilities, and I chose to step back temporarily. But that inner spark — the desire to create and be independent — never left me.
When my kids were a little older, I launched a home-based venture in baking and event packaging. It started growing, and I began curating wedding hampers, baby showers, and corporate gifts — each one uniquely crafted with love and detail.
In 2024, I launched an online shoe brand — Nico Nerini — that brought my family’s legacy into the digital age. Alongside, I felt the need to refresh my business and interpersonal skills as I felt success in business wasn’t just about products, it was about people — how we connect, communicate and collaborate.
That realisation took me to a soft skills and image management program from Image Consulting Business Institute (ICBI), which truly transformed me. It helped me discover my own voice and presence, and inspired me to help others do the same.
That’s how Evoq by Medha Ahujasachdev was born — a platform where I now coach individuals, students, professionals on building better confidence and relationships and the right presence.
My journey has had many turns, but at the heart of it is a constant: growth, creativity, and the belief that it’s never too late to evolve.
How did you discover your passion?
My passion wasn’t something I discovered all at once — it revealed itself in different ways through different phases of my life. As I was always inclined towards creativity —be it with leather accessories, designing thoughtful gift hampers, baking my way through sweetness or starting an online platform of comfort – the desire to connect, uplift, and add value to others’ life was always what I was looking for.
I found myself most alive when I was interacting with people, listening to them, understanding their needs and helping them express themselves better. And as I moved through my own journey — from mother to businesswoman to coach — I realised that what I truly loved was transformation. Not just outer, but inner.
Every process or every stage involved people, and I loved that I could help them show up with confidence, speak with clarity and present with poise. So I would say, I didn’t chase my passion — I followed the breadcrumbs life laid out for me.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
I think what truly keeps me going is discipline and consistency. Life does not come with a warning. It throws curveballs – failures, rejections and self-doubt.
There were times when I had to put my dreams on hold — be it for my children, family, or simply life showing up differently than I planned. But even in those moments, a part of me never stopped dreaming or learning.
What pushes me forward is the joy of creating something meaningful and spreading joy and smiles. This also reminds me that it’s okay to slow down, but it’s not okay to stop showing up for yourself.
What are 3 important lessons you’ve learned in life?
You can evolve at any age, any stage, but you need to have –
1) Discipline
2) Consistency
3) Positive Mindset.
What advice would you give to students who want to build a successful career?
Start by working on your self-confidence. Learn how to speak well, listen better, and carry yourself with respect — these are soft skills, but they make a hard impact.
Also, don’t fear starting small. Every opportunity — big or small — teaches you something. Don’t fear. God has made his own plans for you, and trust that he has beautiful ones. So look back and thank God, and look ahead and trust God.
What about your journey makes it satisfying or exciting?
This journey is mine and is real. It has imperfections, but they serve a purpose; they bring joy, beauty and healing in someone else’s life too. What excites me is that I’ve been able to reinvent myself at different stages of life. I’ve been a learner, a mother, a businesswoman, and now, someone who helps others find their voice.
Remember: Life is like a hot air balloon. To rise higher, you need to lighten the load and throw overboard all the things that prevent you from rising. So keep going and keep showing up with that smile and cheer.
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.
