I realised that the time to start “real me” isn’t when we reach the banks of a stormy river. I realised that NOW is a good time to start building the “real me”.
Meenaakshi Todi
Image Catalyst
Personality Stylist
Life-coach & Enhancer
Personal Brand Specialist
Corporate Image Consultant
Institutional Softskill Trainer
Website
https://lumifieelife.com/
Forged in the foundries of all the ups and downs that life brings with it, tempered by a variety of experiences and learnings, this multi-hatted, multi-talented, multi-faceted, multi-preneur has distilled all her learnings, experiences, skills and talents into one single mission:To be around when someone needs her.
Born into a joint family that got the first ever Maruti franchise to the ancient, vibrant city of Kolkata, Meenaakshi has lived a life full of events and experiences, a life replete with successes, failures and all shades in between – a life without a dull moment.
Happy, sad, nostalgic, eager, calm, vibrant and an entire kaleidoscope of states that Meenaakshi has experienced, and continues experiencing in life, makes her a friend, a guide, a leader, a colleague and over and above all, someone who accepts people without judging them or bracketing them into boxes.
As a life, image and esteem coach, Meenaakshi has what it takes to help people handle life, times, relationships, emotions and much more.
An exclusive interview by
Gurbir Singh Chawla.
Tell us about all your Life journeys!
I was born in a joint family, a family full of dreamers and innovators. We were the pioneer in opening the first Maruti car showroom in Kolkata, the Jalan Distributors.
I lost my father at the age of 8 years.
And thus started my tryst with my life, and my journey as a person strong, capable and vibrant enough to take care of myself and those around me. My mom was the first such person. I took it upon myself to be her source of strength, will and urge to continue being a part of all things life and living, and help her find meaning to keep moving on. I studied in Pratt Memorial school, convent school under the influence laid out by Mother Teresa, this place itself was a huge learning ground for me to understand the basic two pillars of life – being compassionate towards all people and yet standing up for your own self.
I went on to graduate from Calcutta University in Accountancy Honours and did my CA internship too. Marriage stopped me from going on to complete my CA. I moved with my husband to Tirupur in Tamil Nadu.
The people’s person in me blossomed in this small, quaint yet hoary town, and within a year’s time, I was bringing people together under the banner of Youth Next Club, started by like-minded friends for various events, hobbies and causes.
5 years into my marriage, I started Zaara, a niche fashion boutique. It was my very first step into the world of entrepreneurship in the year 2008. For me, Zaara was more than just a boutique, it was an emotion that I refused to let go of. I still hold on to this memory.
Zaara was unsustainable in those times. Markets and demands pushed me towards something more.
And in 2010, Jay, my son, arrived.
Three years later, saw me partnering with a friend to launch a learning platform called Brainiacs, focusing on life-skills and alternative education – something that the city I called home missed sorely. Brainiacs was a fun-based learning centre where we as a team held theme-based workshops for children, teaching them life skills and enhancing their talent.
Those 5 years that I spent being a dynamic edutainer taught me more about life than anything did- challenges came and went by but what mattered was how we sailed through them, together. The big events we did in 2017 to 2019 were the biggest E-waste drive of the state, Lil Champs (fashion show), Incredible You, a seminar with 5 doctors to understand how genetical diseases could be reversed with lifestyle modification at an early age.
And then Tirupur’s Got Talent, a platform where we gave around 700 students to showcase their talents, happened.
My life as a married woman came to an end in 2019. I moved into Mumbai as a single mother, just I and my son. Life had begun anew. Again.
Around this time, I discovered that what I really loved doing was nothing more than helping people grow. I decided to pursue a Masters in Business Administration, specialising in marketing from IMT, Ghaziabad to refine what I had already accomplished. In addition to this, I also got certified as an Image Consultant and Soft Skill Trainer from ICBI, India, under the prestigious curriculum of Conselle Institute of Image Management, USA which was headed by Judith Rasband, a renowned Certified Image Master (CIM). I further got CCE and ICA certifications as an Incredible-You Coach under The Arfeen Khan University. I have also co-authored the book “Thirteen Heartfelt Stories” which holds a special place in my heart as it shares emotional but life-changing experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. I have been enriched and made better by a lot of people I think of as gurus. I have learned business techniques from Rajeev Talreja and Ameet Parekh, Life Enhancement from Puja Puneet, Thaddeus Lawrence, Blair Singer, Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Robin Sharma,John Demartini, Siddharth Rajasekhar, Prachi Mayekar, and Megha Dixit to name some. I am also being mentored by Melanie from Team Tony Robbins, Larry Gilman and Zoltan.
How would you like to define the name of your current venture “Lumifiee” and its uniqueness?
Lumifiee comes from combining the words Illuminate Life.
Given my life’s experiences and learnings, and that fact I wanted to start a venture where I could genuinely make a difference in people’s life, Lumifiee defines me – and my wish to hand over a mystical torch that sparks positivity and growth in each individual’s life I touch. Thus, the tag line that follows says Illume Your Image, Your Life.
With Lumifiee, I wish to make an impact.
I want to continue adding value to the world around me as an Image Consultant and a Coach, and a confident entrepreneur who brings a rainbow of positive changes in everyone’s lives.
My core values are simple, they are driven by my objective which is to compassionately make a difference in as many lives as possible to make this world a better place.
My journey thus is me living my vision, a vision that is aimed to help people create an image and identity that defines them, that shapes their actions and thoughts, and thereby start living a life that makes them happy, accepting, confident and complete – not just with themselves, but also with the world around them.
What are the key features of your venture “ Lumifiee?”
Lumifiee is powered by three strong pillars. They are:
Inspiring You – where we work on enhancing your Self Image by aligning your mindset to your value system. We awaken you to patterns that are not working for you, and help you discover patterns and habits that are more aligned to you and your life goals. We help you move from someone looking for validation and ratification from others, to being an inspiration for others.
Impressive You – You are what people see you as. We completely understand this.
We also understand that you need to look yourself and more importantly, feel confident about yourself in your presentation of “You”. In this program, we help you understand yourself from an optics perspective and help you develop and build a visual connection to your inner self via body, physique and colour. We help you craft an image for you, an external representation, that allows you to present yourself to the world in a manner that aligns with your values, comfort, roles you play and goals you aspire to achieve.
Impactful You – After the BE and SHOW comes the DO. Here is where we work on crafting a persona for you that allows you to communicate, engage, and relate with the world from the comfort of your own skin. No, this isn’t about language. No, this isn’t about being a poet or an author. This is all about discovering your communication style and being it. This is all about knowing what social etiquette parameters exist out there, and helping you craft a fitment to spaces you wish to enter. It is all about working on you to bring out that grace in word and deed, that lies deep within you.
We would like to know about your biggest achievement as a coach, Image consultant and a mentor?
My biggest achievement as an Image coach and mentor has been that of working with and creating a better version of a lady called Pooja Banerjee.
A faculty of a school, plagued by self-doubt and lack of confidence, we shaped her up to a journey of learning and growing out of her inner blocks, to a point where her success journey started, one of moving on from becoming a simple faculty member to a senior coordinator of a international school and a visiting guest lecturer in a a known women’s college.
You are also the founder of Shihans Ventures Pvt Ltd. What is the vision and mission of this company?
Shihans Ventures Private Limited, the nurturing force behind the brand Lumifiee, is more than a business – It is my tribute to two people whose wisdom and guidance shaped my life and my journey – my father Sheo Kumar Jalan and my father figure Kishan Todi.
The name ‘Shihans’ is an embodiment of their value systems and approach to life – reflected in my organisational aspirations of being a Master Trainer and Harmony Architect, two aspects that are key to guiding and bringing harmony to people’s lives.
Thus, our vision statement is as follows: to create a transformative ecosystem where individuals flourish in their authentic selves. Through diverse businesses, we aim to empower people on their journey of self-discovery, providing customized solutions that cater to their unique needs and aspirations.
This leads us to our definition of our success and happiness quotient, which is:
To curate unique experiences that empower individuals on their journey of self-discovery. From customized curated programs to curating styles, events, and inspiring personal passions, through businesses providing end-to-end solutions for transformation, we strive to be the catalysts for positive change in every aspect of life. With Shihans, it’s not just a business; it’s a commitment to helping you become the best version of yourself.”
You are a nationally recognised wholistic image coach and consultant. How much it is challenging for you?
As a nationally recognized wholistic image consultant, the challenges I face often revolve around the responsibility to consistently deliver impactful guidance. Many people in our nation are ready to invest time and resources on any kind of development, but they fail to understand the need of investing to develop their biggest asset which is their own self.
As a wholistic image coach, getting people to understand to value their intrinsic value and bringing it in synergy with their authentic image and the way they operate is challenging.
Then we run curated programs, which is another layer of challenge that we find both exciting and liberating – a journey to balance the diverse needs of clients, staying alongside evolving trends, and maintaining a high level of authenticity in our coaching.
However, the satisfaction derived from positively transforming lives makes overcoming these challenges immensely rewarding.
We often hear the word Power Dressing. What is your take on Power Dressing?
“Power dressing, often associated with corporate norms of formal attire, transcends mere stereotypes for me. It’s about aligning one’s attire with their role while staying authentic and embracing comfort. Take, for example, Mukesh Ambani, who effortlessly shifts between a basic shirt and a formal suit based on his context. Similarly, icons like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg have demonstrated that true power dressing involves reflecting your authentic self.
To exude power, one should wear their authentic strength to work, respecting roles and conveying messages effectively. The key is synergy – showcasing power that inspires those around you. If dressing leaves you feeling suffocated or uncomfortable, it’s not true power dressing. Genuine power dressing is about appropriateness, authenticity, and an attitude that radiates confidence and empowerment. It’s about leaving home ready to embrace the day with zeal and purpose.
What are the major issues involved in well-being of children, given today’s hi-tech lifestyle? What are your suggestions as a Parent and a Life Coach?
As a teenage Parent and a Life Coach I can say that in the present hi-tech life and times we live in, a child’s well-being faces several challenges.
The excessive influence of social media, prolonged screen time, and digital addiction, fuelled by a pursuit of unrealistic aspirations driven by social content, are pressing concerns.
This lifestyle, driven by comparisons and competitiveness, is stripping away the essence of humanity, they put aspirations beyond parental means.
Parents are increasingly seeing a rise in antisocial behaviours and a disconnection from genuine experiences, as a result of this hi-tech culture that offers entitlement, instant gratification, and a competitive mindset fuelled by negative aspirations. Children are seen steering away from the natural processes of creativity, joy, and resilience. The adverse impact of social media is particularly pronounced, contributing significantly to the fragility of our children, who bear the brunt of the pressures of this artificial world.
As a teenage parent and a Life Coach, navigating the challenges of raising children in today’s hi-tech world requires thoughtful measures. Embracing a mindful approach, I advocate for limiting screen exposure for children under 13, prioritizing shared family activities over individual screens.
Implementing the “First Tasks, Then Screens” strategy encourages children to engage in real-life activities before screen time. A cap of one hour per day for younger children promotes a healthy balance between screens and active play.
Fostering connection is paramount. Spending dedicated, screen-free time with each child daily ensures a strong parent-child bond. Establishing screen-free zones and times, especially in bedrooms, reinforces a lifestyle choice rather than a punishment.
For teenagers, maintaining connection is crucial. Creating a safe space for open communication and validating their successes helps counter the allure of excessive screen use. Negotiating screen boundaries in partnership with teens, rather than imposing abrupt restrictions, fosters cooperation.
Addressing the root causes of screen addiction, such as the quest for constant stimulation, validation, and avoidance of real-life challenges, involves promoting alternative activities that build life skills. Encouraging outdoor play, supporting hobbies, and seeking professional coaching assistance contribute to developing resilience and coping mechanisms.
Ultimately, by incorporating these measures, parents can create a balanced and nurturing environment, fostering their children’s well-being in the face of today’s hi-tech.
You are an icon of women empowerment with multiple achievements. What should be actual empowerment for women’s for their rights?
From my experience and learning I can say confidently that most women, including me, spend most of our lives living first for the family we are born in, then the family we marry into and then lastly, the family we build with our children.
In doing all this, the person who we truly are gets brushed under the carpet.
I have been on a life journey where I gave my best to be the perfect daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, sister, friend and mom.
And in all this while, “real Meenaakshi” stayed hidden.
She emerged when I was left alone after my divorce, without any support system from either side of the family.
I realised that the time to start “real me” isn’t when we reach the banks of a stormy river. I realised that NOW is a good time to start building the “real me”.
This is one realisation that got me started on my Image Management journey, with a dream to empower women and others to recognise their strengths and passion and live a life that gives them an identity that is truly theirs.
It gave me a path to share with people – a path that is based on you using the NOW, and the support system surrounding you, to stand develop yourself, and to create a persona along with ones that exist, to build a life around your passion.
To build your strength, enhance your identity and image and come forward to live a life of dignity that truly belongs to you as a person – this is what I live by, as my motif and understanding of women empowerment.
What is the importance of time management and perfection of work to succeed in a professional career?
From an Image Consultant’s perspective, the significance of time management and the pursuit of perfection in work are integral components of personal and professional success. However, it’s crucial to approach these concepts with a nuanced perspective.
Time management, often misconstrued as a rigid set of processes, is in reality nothing more than self-management.
Effectively utilizing the 24 hours available requires a delicate balance between productivity and personal well-being. Prioritizing tasks within the workday ensures that one can maximize output while maintaining physical and mental health. Beyond the professional realm, allocating time to oneself, family, and friends is essential, reflecting a holistic understanding of time management.
The pursuit of perfection in work involves a continuous journey rather than an ultimate destination. It’s about striving for excellence while acknowledging that absolute perfection may be elusive. The focus should be on aligning each task with one’s purpose and values. Validating and comparing oneself to external standards can lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, finding contentment in doing the best work within one’s capabilities contributes to a healthy mindset.
In the realm of image consultancy, time management is not merely about appointments and schedules; it extends way beyond, into realms of crafting a personal and professional image.
Guiding individuals to present themselves authentically and effectively requires a careful balance of time devoted to self-improvement and connecting with others. The pursuit of perfection in this context involves continuous refinement of one’s approach, adapting to individual needs, and staying attuned to evolving trends.
In summary, as an Image Consultant, embracing a holistic view of time management and perfection in work fosters not only personal success but also contributes to the transformative journeys of those guided. It’s about creating a meaningful and balanced life where both the process and the outcome align with one’s authentic self.
Who inspired you most in your life?
In my journey of life, and my calling towards what I do now, two incredible individuals have played a pivotal role as my guiding lights — they are my father, Sheo Kumar Jalan and the incomparable Oprah Winfrey.
My father, a pillar of strength and wisdom, left an indelible mark on my journey, instilling in me the values of perseverance and hard work. Despite losing him at a tender age, his teachings resonate in my every stride. His belief in women standing up for themselves continues to fuel my determination. As an entrepreneur, he exemplified making the most of one’s potential, a legacy that guides me through challenges. His positive impact on our family became the bedrock of growth.
Oprah Winfrey, a symbol of triumph over adversity, has also been a source of inspiration.
Her journey from adversity to success mirrors my pursuit of growth. Oprah’s ability to transform challenges into opportunities echoes my commitment to turning setbacks into stepping stones for growth. Both, my father and Oprah Winfrey, embody resilience, compassion and free thinking, and their stories have been the cornerstone of my personal and professional evolution. Their impact fuels my determination to overcome obstacles and strive for continuous growth, creating a narrative that intertwines with my journey of resilience and triumph.
Which is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote, which has become my mantra for my life, and my work, and my gift to the world, is
“Be Beautiful Inside to Be Beautiful Outside.”
This embodies, to me, the essence of presenting one’s authentic self to the world, valuing the uniqueness within, and adorning that authenticity with a confident attitude and a perpetual smile. It’s a reminder to embrace and showcase the beauty that radiates from within – from who we truly, really are, deep inside.
