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 Pravasini Parida for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Pravasini is an Image Consultant, Personal Stylist and Founder at BE YOU(BU). A styling transformation journey built on trust, clarity, and heart. 💫 Because true style doesn’t begin with clothes — it begins with self-understanding. I work with growth-minded professionals and everyday individuals who feel lost in their wardrobes — even though they own plenty.
Through a soulful yet structured approach, I help them rediscover their authentic style by understanding their body shape, lifestyle, colours, and comfort. Together, we create wardrobes that are functional, expressive, and confidence-boosting for every occasion. Because I believe true style doesn’t start with clothes — it starts with self-understanding. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Pravasini:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?Â
I was born and brought up in Odisha, and after completing my MBA post-marriage, I chose to dedicate my early years to raising my son. When he turned eight, I stepped back into the professional world as a Training Organiser at a startup HR firm. That’s where I naturally began creating corporate styling and grooming modules—long before I realised this would become my true calling.
During the lockdown, I pursued Image Consulting professionally through ICBI, and that’s when I understood the real science, psychology, and depth behind personal styling. Since then, I’ve conducted styling sessions for BNI and Toastmasters in Kolkata and worked one-to-one with clients across India and abroad, including Dubai, Florida, and the UK.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of styling a diverse range of individuals—women entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, bankers, florists, women leaders, brides, and even grooms.
Every transformation session is deeply personal. Each client comes with their own story, insecurities, and dreams. Watching them walk into meetings, events, and onto podiums with clarity, confidence, and pride is my greatest reward.
Through my brand Be You, I help women discover their authentic style by helping them discover themselves first. Because confidence doesn’t come from clothes—it comes from self-understanding.
My work goes far beyond outfits; it’s about transformation, self-acceptance, and helping people show up as the best version of themselves.
How did you discover your passion?
I discovered my passion very gradually. Even as a teenager from a simple middle-class family with a limited wardrobe, I was always particular about clothes.
I never wanted to wear what everyone else wore—I wanted to understand why something looked good on someone. I was quiet and introverted, but I observed people deeply. And whenever I saw someone dressed beautifully, it genuinely made me happy.
Back then, I didn’t know the technical side of styling; I simply felt a strong inner pull toward it. Over the years, that interest kept growing. Slowly, I realised that styling wasn’t just about clothes—it was about identity, confidence, and the way you express who you are.
We’re fortunate to live in an era where every profession has respect, and I’m grateful that I get to do something that feels so natural to me. Styling is not just my work—it’s a part of me I’ve grown into. And I truly love what I do.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?Â
That’s an interesting question, because I’ve faced many challenges and failures along the way. There were phases that felt extremely difficult, but what keeps me going is my willingness to face everything honestly and authentically.
I never deny my failures—I accept them, give myself time to heal, and then I rise again. Each challenge has taught me something meaningful and shaped me into a stronger version of myself. I truly believe the universe uses these moments to polish us and prepare us for what’s meant for us.
In this journey, the most precious support the universe has given me is my family and a few close friends. Whenever I feel low, I can always turn to my sister, my parents, my sister-in-law, and my husband—he understands my emotional ups and downs without me even saying a word.
My son plays a big role too; he notices even the smallest shift in me and is always ready to help, whether it’s emotional support or even tech issues.
And then there are those close friends who answer my calls at 2 or 3 AM when I can’t sleep. Their presence means everything. I know I wouldn’t be here without them. We don’t grow alone—we grow with our people. And I’m deeply grateful for a circle that stands by me through every high and low.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The three most important lessons in my life come from my past, my present, and the future I envision for myself.
From my past, I’ve learned patience, kindness, empathy, and the value of observing life deeply. Those experiences taught me to pause, to understand, and to look beyond what’s visible.
My present is teaching me self-awareness—how to stay authentic, keep learning, adapt to this evolving era, and grow without losing touch with my roots.
And my future is something I manifest every single day. I see myself using everything I’m learning now to empower more women, surrounding myself with growth-minded people, and living a calm, peaceful, grateful life.
Overall, life itself has been my biggest teacher—a library of knowledge, practicality, and spirituality. Every phase teaches me something new, and I’m grateful that I have learned, I’m learning, and I will continue to learn.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?Â
For me, success is not a destination. It’s a journey. When people talk about success, they often focus on someone’s wealth, lifestyle, travel, or how happy they look in pictures. But I always ask myself—how can we truly know someone is successful just by what we see on the outside?
When I look at my own journey, five years ago I was struggling to show up confidently on social media, to speak on camera, to build a styling community, and to move my passion forward.
At that time, all of this felt impossible. Today, I’ve achieved those goals—but I still don’t call myself “fully successful.” Because now I have new plans, new dreams, and new things I’m working toward.
If success were a destination, it would mean I should stop here. But I don’t want to. So for me, the keys to success are simple: enjoy the process, give your best, evolve with change, stay rooted in your values, and be your real self.
If you can stay true to who you are and appreciate what life is giving you at each stage, then you are already successful.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?Â
I don’t feel comfortable giving advice, but I can share what my own journey has taught me. When I was young, I had endless questions—what career to choose, where to start, and how to grow. I was an average student, and in those days, if you weren’t academically excellent, your options felt extremely limited.
We didn’t have social media, Google, YouTube, or AI to guide us. I often wished for a mentor who could answer my doubts, but that kind of support simply wasn’t accessible.
That’s why I feel today’s students and young professionals are truly blessed. You have knowledge, tools, and opportunities at your fingertips. My suggestion is simple: use this age wisely. Learn, explore, read, and stay curious. Reach out to mentors—real people with real experiences. Technology can guide you, but human wisdom shapes you. Learn to balance both.
Be honest with yourself. Ask questions. Listen patiently. Stay disciplined. Keep working on your talents. Life becomes much easier when you practice gratitude and remain open to learning.
If you do these things, building a meaningful and successful career becomes much smoother. Everyone is talented in their own way—you just have to find your strength and work on it smartly.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?Â
What makes my journey truly satisfying and exciting is the real feedback I receive from the women who follow my content or attend my coaching sessions. When they tell me that a small tip, a styling insight, or even a mindset shift has helped them in real life—and when I actually see their confidence grow—that becomes my biggest reward.
Styling is not just about clothes; it’s a complete process of self-acceptance and clarity. When women understand the real art of styling, they don’t just apply it to themselves—they start guiding their friends, sisters, colleagues, and even their daughters. That ripple effect feels incredibly meaningful to me.
The excitement comes from watching their transformation: less confusion, more clarity, smarter choices, saved time and money, and above all, that genuine smile when they finally feel like the best version of themselves. That happiness, that confidence… that is what makes my journey so fulfilling.
Â
