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 Rajvanshi for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Priyanka is a TEDx Speaker and Founder & Managing Director at The Function Junction & Inara Events & Experiences. 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:
What was the turning point that made you leave a stable corporate career and step into entrepreneurship?
I come from a technical background and spent nearly a decade working with companies like Honeywell and Wells Fargo. On paper, life looked stable, secure, and successful. But somewhere deep within, I always felt drawn toward creativity, people, and experiences.
Even during my corporate years, I was the person enthusiastically organising office celebrations, employee engagement activities, festivals, and team outings. Creating moments that brought people together genuinely energised me. Over time, friends and colleagues would often say, “You belong in events or people-centric work.”
The real turning point came when I realised that the moments that fulfilled me most were the ones where I was creating experiences and emotions for others. I wanted to build something of my own, something that blended creativity, relationships, emotions, and execution.
Leaving a stable corporate career was not an easy decision, especially as a woman balancing multiple roles as a wife, mother, and professional. There was fear, uncertainty, and hesitation. But I strongly believe growth begins the moment we step outside our comfort zones. That leap of faith eventually became The Function Junction.
Building The Function Junction and Inara Events & Experiences, what vision drives both brands, and how are they uniquely positioned?
Both brands were born from the same philosophy: creating experiences that people remember emotionally, not just visually. However, each brand caters to a very different audience and aspiration.
The Function Junction was envisioned as a space for heartfelt, intimate, and personalised celebrations. Whether it’s birthdays, anniversaries, or social gatherings, the focus has always been on warmth, emotions, and creating memories that feel deeply personal.
Inara Events & Experiences, on the other hand, represents luxury, scale, and experiential storytelling. Through Inara, we curate destination weddings, premium corporate events, and large-scale celebrations that are immersive, sophisticated, and globally inspired.
What truly differentiates both brands is that we don’t simply “manage events.” We create experiences rooted in emotion, personalisation, aesthetics, and hospitality. For us, every celebration is a story waiting to be brought to life.
In an industry as competitive as events, what has been your biggest differentiator?
I believe our biggest differentiator has always been relationships and authenticity.
In the events industry, trends can be copied, and concepts can be recreated, but the way you make people feel can never truly be replicated. We focus deeply on trust, emotional connection, and flawless execution.
Over the years, many of our clients have evolved into an extended family because we genuinely invest ourselves into every event we create. Whether it’s an intimate birthday celebration for 50 guests or an international corporate conference, we approach every project with the same level of passion and ownership.
Another major strength has been adaptability. We never restricted ourselves to one niche. From luxury weddings and celebrity events to IPO launches and global conferences, we’ve constantly evolved with changing experiences and expectations.
What were the toughest challenges you faced in your early entrepreneurial journey, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges in the beginning was credibility.
Nearly a decade ago, event management was not always perceived as a structured or serious business, especially for women transitioning from corporate careers. Building trust and convincing people that this was a long-term professional venture required patience and persistence.
At the same time, balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood and personal responsibilities was equally challenging. There were moments filled with self-doubt, financial uncertainty, exhaustion, and pressure.
What helped me navigate those phases was resilience and consistency. I kept showing up, learning through experience, building relationships, and delivering beyond expectations. Every successful event became a stepping stone toward the next opportunity.
Entrepreneurship has taught me that growth is never linear. It is built through persistence, adaptability, and the courage to continue even during uncertain times.
You’ve executed hundreds of events. What, according to you, truly makes an experience unforgettable?
People may eventually forget the décor details or the menu, but they never forget how an experience made them feel.
An unforgettable event is created when emotions, storytelling, hospitality, and thoughtful details come together seamlessly. Sometimes it’s a surprise element, sometimes it’s the warmth of the hospitality, and sometimes it’s simply making guests feel genuinely seen and cared for.
I also believe personalisation has become the soul of modern experiences. Guests connect far more deeply when an event reflects the personality, journey, and emotions of the host rather than simply following trends.
At the end of the day, memorable experiences are not just seen, they are felt.
How has your leadership style evolved as you scaled from a solo founder to leading large teams and luxury projects?
Like most entrepreneurs, I initially tried to do everything myself. But over time, I realised that true growth comes from trust, delegation, and empowering people around you.
Today, my leadership style is far more collaborative and people-centric. I focus on building ownership within my team rather than micromanaging every detail. I strongly believe people perform at their best when they feel valued, inspired, and emotionally connected to the larger vision.
Leadership has also taught me the importance of staying calm during chaos. In the events industry, unexpected situations are inevitable. Your team looks toward you for confidence and direction. I’ve learned that leadership is less about control and more about creating stability, clarity, and trust during high-pressure situations.
Your TEDx talk “Break the Pattern” resonated with many people. What patterns do you believe individuals need to break in order to grow?
I believe one of the biggest patterns people need to break is living according to societal expectations instead of their own aspirations.
So many talented individuals remain stuck because they fear judgment, failure, or stepping away from the “safe path.” Especially in our society, women are often conditioned to prioritise stability over ambition and practicality over passion.
Break the Pattern is ultimately about giving yourself permission to evolve. You don’t have to stay confined to one identity forever. A tech professional can become an entrepreneur. A mother can build a successful business. Reinvention is possible at every stage of life.
Growth begins the moment you stop asking, “What will people say?” and start asking, “What truly makes me come alive?”
How do biking and travel influence your creativity and perspective as an entrepreneur?
Travel and biking have shaped me immensely, not just professionally, but personally as well.
Travel exposes you to different cultures, aesthetics, hospitality styles, architecture, and human stories. All of these experiences naturally influence creativity in the world of events and experiences.
Biking, especially through terrains like Ladakh, has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying present in the journey. It reminds me that the road is rarely smooth, but the experience is always worth it.
Some of my best ideas and moments of clarity have come while traveling. It helps me disconnect from routine, think differently, and approach both life and business with greater openness and adventure.
What advice would you give to women who want to start their own venture but feel held back?
Start before you feel completely ready.
Most women wait for the “perfect time,” complete confidence, or external validation before taking the first step. But entrepreneurship doesn’t work that way. Confidence is built through action, not before it.
I also believe financial independence is incredibly important for women. It gives confidence, freedom, and the ability to make empowered decisions.
Most importantly, women should never underestimate the strengths they naturally bring into business: emotional intelligence, resilience, multitasking, empathy, and relationship-building. These are incredibly powerful leadership qualities.
Your dreams are valid, even if they look unconventional to others.
Looking ahead, what is your bigger vision for your brands and for yourself as a thought leader?
My vision is to build brands that are remembered not just for beautiful events, but for creating experiences that leave a lasting emotional impact.
For Inara Events & Experiences, the dream is to establish it as a globally recognised luxury experiential brand that curates iconic weddings and large-scale corporate events across destinations worldwide.
For The Function Junction, I want it to continue being a trusted name associated with heartfelt celebrations, warmth, and meaningful experiences.
Personally, I also see myself evolving as a speaker, mentor, and entrepreneurship coach, particularly inspiring women to believe in themselves, take bold risks, and create their own identity.
If my journey can encourage even a few people to move beyond fear and pursue what truly excites them, that would be deeply fulfilling for me.
At BrilliantRead, we don’t just share startup stories; we bring you journeys that challenge perspectives, spark ideas, and fuel ambition. Every story we feature is carefully chosen to add real value, inspire action, and ignite possibility within our growing community of entrepreneurs and dreamers.
If you have a powerful story, one that can inspire, educate, or create impact—we want to hear from you.
