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 Vasantha L. Narayanan for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. Vasantha wears many hats, including being the Founder and Director at VAN AQUARII IMAGE CONSULTING, and guiding women in rediscovering themselves in midlife at S.H.A.K.T.I.- SHE RISES AGAIN, her coaching platform. Let’s learn more about her background, inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Vasantha:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I feel privileged to have been born into a defence family, married to a defence officer, and now the mother of a Navy officer. Growing up in that environment gave me a life that was both protected and liberal, shaping who I am today.
Although I initially prepared for a medical career, destiny had other plans. I went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, followed by a Diploma in journalism. By 21, I was married, and soon after, blessed with two children –our daughter in the first year, and our son in the third. Those early years were a whirlwind— but exhausting as they were, they remain some of the most beautiful memories I would gladly relive.
During our posting in Jamnagar, I briefly taught English, and when we later moved to Bombay, a friend suggested I try modelling. I discovered I loved facing the camera and went on to do a handful of print shoots and TV commercials, all while working as a freelance journalist.
One of my articles caught the attention of the Editor of La Mode International, who invited me to join as Associate Editor. That role opened doors to the vibrant world of fashion, where I interacted with and interviewed numerous icons of the fashion industry.
A particularly memorable moment was when I wrote an in-depth feature on the legendary Bhanu Athaiya. She was so moved by the article that she personally visited me at the office with the largest bouquet of orange roses I had ever seen!
Life, however, brought its share of trials. Losing my husband in my mid-40s was a devastating blow. But it also became a turning point that pushed me to explore theatre, where I rediscovered my love for performing.
A later transfer to Kochi brought that chapter to a close, but it was there that I discovered image consulting–then still nascent in India. I instantly sensed its potential. Despite the distance, I committed myself to weekend travels between Kochi to Bangalore and back for a year to complete the course.
That marked the beginning of a new chapter. I went on to establish VAN Aquarii Image Consulting, with the tagline Bespoke You. “VAN” comes from my own name and also means top-notch; “Aquarii” is inspired by the constellation of lucky stars and my zodiac sign, Aquarius.
For me, the name symbolises individuality, excellence, and destiny—and that’s exactly what I strive to bring into my work with every client.
How did you discover your passion?
Looking back, I realise my passion did not arrive all at once–it unfolded in chapters, revealing itself in different forms at different stages of life. From an early age, I was deeply fascinated by writing and fashion.
Later, when life gave me the chance to step into modelling, I discovered the joy of facing the camera. Around the same time, my freelance journalism work showed me how much I enjoyed connecting with people, telling stories, and creating an impact through words.
Each of these experiences–whether it was writing, modelling, or even performing briefly in theatre– kept reinforcing one truth: I loved anything that allowed me to express myself and help others see possibilities in a new light.
The true turning point, however, came when I discovered image consulting. For me, it was the perfect blend of everything I had always been drawn to– fashion, communication, and transformation. It gave me not just a career, but also a platform to channel my creativity and make a difference in people’s lives.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
Life has taught me that challenges are inevitable, but it is our response to them that defines us. Losing my husband at a relatively young age was one of the most difficult phases of my life, yet it became the moment I discovered my inner strength. I firmly believe that every setback carries within it a seed of growth. Adversity did not break me– it built me.
My children have always been my biggest motivation. I have always wanted to be a role model for them– someone who chooses courage over despair. Today, my two grandchildren add even more joy and purpose to my life. And of course, my work itself fuels me.
Each time I see a client transform – whether it’s in their confidence, self-expression, or the way they carry themselves– it reaffirms why I do what I do. No challenge is bigger than the joy of making a difference.
Oh yes, travelling, watching movies, cooking, listening to music allows me to loosen up. Being spiritual helps a great deal too.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The biggest lessons I have learned are simple yet profound.
Gratitude. Never take anything for granted, however small. Things can change in a moment. Be grateful for what you have.
Resilience. Life doesn’t always unfold the way we plan, but when you learn to rise after a fall, you discover just how strong you truly are. Courage grows when we dare to face pain.
Self-Belief. Believe in yourself more than others do. For women, especially, it is easy to internalise society’s message that your “best years” are behind you after a certain age. But I have learned that your prime is whenever you decide it is. Believing in yourself gives you the freedom to keep growing, evolving, and reinventing– no matter your age or stage.
What advice would you give students and young professionals?
My advice would be: stay curious and never stop learning. The world is evolving at a rapid pace, and adaptability will always be your greatest strength. It is the real currency of success.
Focus on building skills, gaining diverse experiences, and nurturing meaningful relationships– these are the foundations that will sustain you in the long run.
Don’t chase titles or money alone. Instead, follow your passion, because that is what will keep you inspired through the inevitable ups and downs. And above all, learn to trust your instincts. They are often your most reliable compass in moments of uncertainty.
You are constantly onto something new. Is there anything exciting in the pipeline right now?
Yes, and every project I am working on right now is driven by purpose. The heart of it is S.H.A.K.T.I. – She Rises Again, a community created primarily for women 40+, (though anyone who resonates is welcome).
I meet so many brilliant women – divorcees, empty-nesters, widows, even younger women at crossroads–who quietly ask: “Who am I now? Where do I go from here? Is this it?”
S.H.A.K.T.I. is my answer: a space that helps women reclaim visibility, find their voice, and move forward with intention..
S.H.A.K.T.I. stands for Strength, Hope, Awareness, Knowledge, Transformation, and Inspiration. It isn’t just a name, it’s a framework. Through conversations, practical workshops, peer support, and mentoring, we will work on everything from presence to purpose to practical skills that make new directions possible. This is about stepping back into the light-not shrinking- and living the next chapter with courage and clarity.
Alongside the community, I am also building a video channel. It is still being recorded, but the idea is simple: my own experiences in life, honest conversations and stories that reassure, inform, and energise. Viewers will find interviews, short lessons, and personal reflections designed to spark action–to help women see a pathway forward, whatever their standing point.
And finally, as writing has always been my first love, I am working on a novel, a socially relevant story I feel compelled to tell. I am hoping it is on the stands by the year end. It is the creative pulse of all I do a way to reach people through story and to raise questions that matter.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What excites me most is that my journey has never been linear— everything I have lived has a purpose– that the threads of motherhood, teaching, journalism, theatre, and image consulting are weaving into something larger than myself.
I no longer measure fulfilment by a title or a single achievement. I measure it by the lives that I have touched, the voices reclaimed, and the quiet, steady shifts I witness everyday.
The deepest joy comes from watching women step back into visibility. When someone who has been invisible for years begins to stand a little taller, speaks up for herself, accepts a new opportunity, or rediscovers a long forgotten passion– those moments are electric.
Ultimately, what makes it exciting is a sense of legacy. This work is not just for the here and now; it creates ripples – I want daughters and sons, the youngsters of today, to grow up in a culture where a woman’s forties and fifties and beyond are expected to be years of flourishing – not fading. That shift in imagination is the real prize. That intergenerational impact, the idea that we are changing what midlife looks like, fills me with gratitude and urgency.
My vision and aspiration is bold and simple: to make midlife be recognised as a season of power, possibility, and purpose. I want S.H.A.K.T.I. – She Rises Again to be a living, breathing movement that helps one million women believe in their worth, claim their voice, and move into roles that matter– to themselves and to the world.
In short, I am fulfilled because my life’s stories are now tools for other women to rewrite their own. When one woman rises, she illuminates the path for many more. If you feel pulled by this, there’s room for you in S.H.A.K.T.I. –we rise together.
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.
