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 Priyanka Kakkar for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Priyanka is an Entrepreneur and Founder of Akconsis Realty. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Priyanka:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I’m a Delhi girl, born and raised in the capital, and I pursued a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, something quite unconventional for girls at the time. I landed a job with one of India’s top automobile companies and steadily climbed the corporate ladder. For 15 years, I thrived in that structured world while also embracing motherhood and raising two beautiful children.
But somewhere along the way, I felt the urge to do something of my own, something that gave me freedom and purpose. With the support of my husband, I took the bold step of leaving my secure job and started my own real estate company – Akconsis Realty, in Gurgaon. The first six months were the toughest – balancing work, home, and kids while stepping into a completely new industry. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but giving up was never an option.
Starting from scratch, I learned the business, built a brand, and made my mark in Gurgaon Real Estate. In less than 2 years, we have achieved more sales than many seasoned players out there. It’s been a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and growth.
My message to young readers is simple: you don’t have to have it all figured out—just be brave enough to take the first step. Growth begins where comfort ends.
Why did you switch to Real Estate?
After months of brainstorming and exploring different paths, I found myself at a crossroads – eager for a new beginning but unsure of the direction. That’s when my husband planted the idea of real estate. Post-Covid, the sector was booming, especially in Gurgaon, and it felt like the right time to take the plunge.
I didn’t jump in blindly. I spent weeks researching, studying market trends, understanding the dynamics, and preparing myself mentally for a whole new world. Real estate wasn’t just a career switch – it was a bold step into entrepreneurship, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities.
It’s a tough industry, no doubt. But it’s also deeply rewarding. Every deal, every relationship built, every happy client reminds me why I chose this path. If you’re willing to put in the work, keep learning, and stay consistent – you can transform not just your career, but your entire mindset.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What keeps me going during tough times is the vision I started with. I didn’t step into real estate just to run a business; I stepped in to chase a dream, to create something of my own after years in the corporate world.
There are days when things don’t go as planned – when deals fall apart, the workload feels too heavy, or I doubt myself. But I’ve realised that setbacks are not signs to quit -they’re part of the journey. I pause, take a breath, refocus, and remind myself why I began.
What truly drives me is the growth I see – not just in my company, but in myself. Every challenge makes me stronger, every small win keeps me grounded, and every new client reminds me that I’m on the right path. Passion, purpose, and persistence – that’s what keeps me going.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that nothing grows in your comfort zone. Every major breakthrough in my life happened when I stepped into the unknown – whether it was choosing engineering, entering the corporate world, or starting my own business. Growth demands discomfort, and once you accept that, everything changes.
The second lesson is the importance of consistency over motivation. Motivation can be fleeting, especially when you’re juggling multiple roles as a professional, mother, and entrepreneur. But showing up every day, doing the work, even when you don’t feel like it – that’s where real success lies.
And lastly, I’ve learned that you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s your family, your team, or your mentors – leaning on the right people doesn’t make you weak, it makes you wiser. Collaboration, support, and shared vision are the true pillars of any lasting journey.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
For me, the key to success starts with having clarity of purpose. When you know why you’re doing something, it becomes easier to stay focused and push through the hard days. Success isn’t just about chasing money or fame – it’s about building something meaningful, something you’re proud of.
The second key is discipline and consistency. Talent can give you a head start, but discipline keeps you in the race. There were many days I felt exhausted or unsure, but I kept showing up. Small steps, taken consistently, create big results over time.
And finally, adaptability – especially in today’s fast-paced world. Things change, markets shift, plans fall apart. The ability to adapt, learn, and evolve without losing your drive is what truly sets successful people apart. Stay grounded, stay curious, and always be willing to reinvent yourself.
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 this: don’t be afraid to take the unconventional path. You don’t need to have it all figured out at 22. Explore, fail, learn, try again. Every experience – good or bad – teaches you something that shapes your future. Trust your journey, even if it looks different from others’.
Second, work on your mindset as much as your skills. The right mindset – resilient, positive, and open to growth – will take you further than any degree or title. Success doesn’t come overnight, and there will be rejections and roadblocks. But if you stay consistent and believe in yourself, you’ll find your way.
And finally, build relationships, not just a résumé. Learn to connect with people, communicate well, and add value wherever you go. In any career, especially in business, people buy into you before they buy into your product or service. Your network, integrity, and reputation are your biggest assets.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey exciting is the fact that I created something from nothing. I stepped into a completely new industry with no prior background, just a willingness to learn and the courage to start. Watching my business take shape, grow, and become a trusted name in a competitive market is incredibly fulfilling.
There’s a unique thrill in knowing that every milestone has been earned, not handed. From learning the basics of real estate to building a presence on social media and earning clients’ trust – it’s been a journey of constant evolution. Each win feels personal because I know the struggle behind it.
What truly satisfies me is the freedom and purpose I now feel. I’m not just working—I’m building, creating, impacting. And the best part? I’m doing it on my own terms. That sense of ownership, growth, and being able to inspire others – that’s what makes this journey so rewarding.
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.
