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 Moushumi Digant Sharma for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Moushumi is an Internationally Certified Image Consultant, Soft Skills Trainer, Etiquette Coach, Wine Tasting Expert, POSH Enabler and Founder and CEO at Starlette Image Academy Pvt. Ltd. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Moushumi:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My professional journey spans over 12 years across the education industry, recruitment, and international student consultancy. I’ve worked with institutions in India, Australia, and the UK, and had the privilege of guiding students and professionals toward global opportunities, be it in nursing, education, or corporate careers.
My strong fascination with human behavior, presentation, and initial impressions led me to make this change. I became aware of the significant impact that appearance, body language, manners, and communication have on our perception and the possibilities that can arise as a result.
That passion became my purpose. Today, through Starlette Image Academy, I empower individuals — from students to entrepreneurs, educators to executives — to build their personal brand, master global etiquette, refine their communication skills, and present themselves with impact and authenticity.
I also hold a UK certification in wine tasting and conduct workshops on fine dining etiquette, wardrobe management, and customer service. My biggest joy is watching my clients transform — not just in how they look, but in how they feel and how they lead. Because at the end of the day, image isn’t vanity — it’s strategy.
‘Starlette Image Academy Pvt. Ltd.’ 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?
“Starlette Image Academy Pvt. Ltd.” — the mere name encapsulates the core of our mission. The term ‘Starlette’ draws inspiration from the concept of a ‘rising star’ — an individual prepared to shine, set for personal development, and assured in their own brilliance.
And ‘Image Academy’ reflects our core focus: we’re in the business of transformation, not just on the surface, but from the inside out. We help individuals elevate their presence, polish their personality, and communicate with impact. So, what’s the problem we’re solving?
In the rapidly evolving and intensely competitive environment we live in, possessing talent by itself isn’t sufficient. You may excel in your field, but if your appearance, body language, manners, or communication skills fail to convey your worth, you risk being ignored. This is where we step in.
Whether you’re a student preparing for the job market, a business owner meeting clients globally, a professional transitioning into a new industry, or even a child learning table manners, Starlette Image Academy provides practical, transformational tools to help you present the best version of yourself.
We blend image consulting, soft skills training, and global etiquette into powerful programs that solve three core problems:
1) Lack of visibility and personal branding
2) Poor communication and body language
3) Unpolished etiquette that affects opportunities and impressions
Our goal is simple — to help you stand out, speak up, and show up powerfully, wherever life takes you. Because in the world of impressions, your image is your influence.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
It’s the belief that every person has untapped potential — they just need the right mirror to see it. Of course, entrepreneurship isn’t easy. There are moments of self-doubt, setbacks, and silent struggles.
Whenever a student leaves an interview preparation session feeling assured, or a business owner shares that their client interactions have enhanced following our meeting, I realize that I am making a significant impact.
I’m also constantly inspired by the people around me — My mother, who taught me resilience by example. My husband, who believed in my dream before it had a name.
And my little son, who blesses me every morning, saying, ‘God bless you, Mommy’ — a reminder that I must lead with strength and love. Above all, what drives me is the transformation I see in others.
When someone begins to hold their head higher, speak with conviction, or walk into a room feeling they belong, I know the impact goes beyond image; it touches identity. And that is what fuels me. Helping people become not just visible, but unforgettable.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The three most important lessons I’ve learned in life. They aren’t from books or boardrooms — they come from my home, my heart, and my journey.
(a) Grace is Silent, Strength is Steady and I’ve seen both in my mother. She has been my constant anchor. In her, I saw how a woman can hold an entire family together with quiet strength, patience, and unwavering support. Every time I’ve faced a challenge, I draw from the resilience she lives every day — calm, collected, and courageous.
(b) Your Dreams Matter and it’s powerful when someone believes in them. My husband didn’t just listen to my dream of building my own company — he believed in it, even before I had all the answers. He gave me the courage to take the leap, supported me through the uncertainty, and stood by me as Starlette Image Academy was born. His faith helped me believe in myself even more.
(c) Sometimes, your biggest cheerleader is the smallest person in the room. Every morning, my little son looks at me with all the love in the world and says, “God bless you, Mommy.” And in that one line, I find the strength to go out, show up, and give my best. His innocent belief in me reminds me that I must lead by example — for him, and for the women I mentor.
These three people — my mother, my husband, and my son — are not just my family. They are my why. They are the soul behind Starlette Image Academy. And they are the reason I never stop growing.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
In my opinion, the true keys to success are a beautiful blend of purpose, people skills, and personal growth.
Here are the five that I live by:
(i) Clarity of Purpose – Success starts with knowing why you do what you do. When I founded Starlette Image Academy, it wasn’t just to run a business — it was to empower individuals to present their best selves. That clarity helps me stay focused, even in chaos.
(ii) Mastering Soft Skills – Soft skills are often called “non-technical,” but to me, they’re powerful skills. Whether it’s communication, emotional intelligence, etiquette, or body language, these are what set you apart. In every session I conduct, I’ve seen firsthand how soft skills transform confidence, relationships, and results.
(iii) Consistency Over Perfection – You don’t need to be perfect — just persistent. I’ve learned that showing up with authenticity, again and again, builds trust, credibility, and lasting impact.
(iv) Adaptability with Grace – The world is evolving — and so must we. From offline to online sessions, from students to CEOs, my ability to listen, learn, and pivot has been a game-changer.
(v) A Strong Support System – I owe so much of my journey to the three anchors in my life: My mother, whose strength is quiet but my husband, who believed in my dream before it had a my son, who reminds me every day with his “God bless you, Mommy” that I’m on the right path.
So, what are the keys to success?
– Purpose.
– People skills.
– Persistence.
– Progress.
– Personal support.
And when these come together, you don’t just succeed…You shine.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Concentrate on Soft Skills – They’re Your Underrated Advantage. While your degree may secure you the interview, your ability to communicate, your body language, your professionalism, and your emotional awareness will ultimately land you the job — and assist in retaining it. In today’s world, how you make people feel matters just as much as what you know. Learn how to listen, speak with clarity, and carry yourself with confidence.
Build Your Personal Brand Early – Whether you realise it or not, you already have a personal brand. So ask yourself: What do I want people to remember about me? Start aligning your presence — online and offline — with your goals. The way you dress, speak, network, and even post on social media shapes how the world sees you.
Be Curious, Not Just Ambitious – Ambition without curiosity can be exhausting. But when you’re curious about people, industries, trends, and yourself — you keep learning, adapting, and growing. Never stop being a student.
Say Yes Before You’re Ready – Growth often begins outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s a new project, a speaking opportunity, or a leadership role — say yes, and then figure it out. You’ll be amazed at what you can handle when you believe in yourself.
Surround Yourself With Believers – Find mentors, guides, and even friends who push you to rise, not stay small. I’ve had the blessing of a supportive mother, a husband who championed my dreams, and a young son who believes in me unconditionally. Find your people. They make the journey worthwhile.
Success isn’t a destination, it’s a mindset – And the earlier you build the right habits, the sooner you’ll stand out in a world full of noise. Be prepared. Be polished. Be powerful. That’s how you build a career — and a legacy.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
It’s not about the total sessions I’ve conducted or the business goals I’ve reached. It’s the change I observe — each and every day. It’s that instance when a reserved student finally communicates with assurance. When a professional enters a room filled with pride rather than insecurity.
When a mother messages me saying, “My daughter eats with a fork and knife now, thanks to your etiquette class.” That’s what fills my heart. The excitement lies in knowing that I’m not just teaching — I’m empowering. I’m helping people see a version of themselves they didn’t know existed — one that’s polished, powerful, and unapologetically present.
What adds to the uniqueness of my journey is that it’s grounded in love — The strength of my mother, my husband’s support for my dream, and my son’s innocent blessing every day — They serve as a reminder that this is beyond just work. It’s a mission. It’s a legacy.
Every day with Starlette Image Academy feels like I’m not just building a brand — I’m building better, brighter humans. And honestly… what could be more satisfying than that..
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.
