Provide an overview from the beginning of your career journey.

I entered the media industry as a news anchor and worked as a Business Reporter & Television Anchor for ET NOW, Bloomberg TV, and CNBC TV18. Despite my passion for travel and documenting my experiences through blog posts, I realized that trying to balance both wouldn’t lead me anywhere. Consequently, I made the bold decision to leave my 9-5 job, with all its perks, to pursue something independent.

Recognizing the untapped potential in travel-related content, I noticed a gap in the market. As a fervent traveler, I decided to invite people to join me on my journeys and experience them vicariously through my photos and videos. The goal was to inspire others to connect with their inner travelers and encourage them to embark on new adventures. This led to the inception of Curly Tales in 2016. It’s truly gratifying to see it evolve into the country’s premier food and travel discovery platform. My husband, who is my partner in crime, played a crucial role in shaping this venture into the successful brand it is today.

Outline the goals and principles that drive you both personally and in your professional life.

While it may sound like a typical cliché, the reality is that success is akin to navigating a rollercoaster. From an outsider’s perspective, it might seem like I enjoy the privilege of traveling the world and receiving substantial compensation for it. However, there’s a myriad of complexities behind the scenes that often go unnoticed. Although the realms of travel and food exude glamour, they represent a serious business for us.

As an individual and a professional, I carry the responsibility of ensuring the continual growth of Curly Tales. Building a team involves making strategic investments, and it’s paramount to attract talent that aligns with the overarching vision. The ability to function as both a team leader and a team player is indispensable for the success of any business. I am immensely grateful to have a stellar team at Curly Tales, dedicated to propelling the brand to unprecedented heights.

Share insights into your greatest strength and enlighten the distinctive qualities that set you apart from others in your field.

During my tenure as a news anchor, I acquired valuable insights into production, assimilated corporate culture, and grasped the organizational dynamics of a media house. With a decade of experience in a corporate media setting, I gained the necessary exposure to conceive and establish Curly Tales. Our aim was to develop an interactive and experiential platform, fostering a strong connection between our audience and the content we produce.

As an entrepreneur, I don’t adhere to the conventional 9-5 routine. Over the years, I’ve become more adept at navigating obstacles, becoming both smarter and stronger in the process. Although my working hours may not be neatly documented, I maintain a disciplined approach. While Curly Tales follows an organizational structure typical of any company, it exudes a vibrant, youthful, and energetic atmosphere, evident in our work culture and content, be it written or visual. What brings me the utmost joy is engaging in what I love the most. The fulfillment of creating job opportunities is unparalleled, even though the challenge lies in ensuring we bring aboard the right individuals.

Identify the person in your life who serves as your greatest source of inspiration.

The person I am today, is all thanks to my father, my inspiration and my role model, Mohan Jani. I call his story ‘From Auto to Audi’. From being an auto-rickshaw driver to then starting his own business of auto rickshaws and now being a proud owner of multiple cars, I’ve seen my father through these stages of his life. I come from very humble beginnings and that is one of the many reasons why I am the way I am. Growing up, my father taught me a very important life lesson which is that it might be easy to earn money but managing it is even more challenging. I am blessed to have such a large support system of friends, family and enthusiastic team members who constantly motivate me to bring out the best in me. I don’t stop at nothing!

Highlight some of the noteworthy accolades and certifications bestowed upon both your organization and yourself.

Teamwork makes dreams work! I take great pride in saying that all the accreditations and accolades are shared milestones and wins for the team at Curly Tales. Last year we crossed 1M subscribers on YouTube. This year, the Government of India awarded me with the Top 20 women entrepreneurs in India at the SME forum. We also have come under the Top 100 influencers in the World at the WLSC 2022 hosted in Dubai. Our show Sunday Brunch is the Gold Winner by Screenxx 2021. The Social Samosa has awarded me with the title of Social Media Superwoman. All of this credit belongs to each and every one on the team of Curly Tales. They’ve made it the brand that you see, read, follow today!

As a woman, what were the most challenging hurdles you encountered in your professional journey?

Navigating a career while striving to maintain a balance with daily household responsibilities is a situation often scrutinized by society. Fortunately, I am blessed with an incredibly supportive family that allows me to enjoy the best of both worlds. When I’m at home, my child finds solace in her fondness for her grandmother, turning me into what seems like a disciplined army officer. Despite the persistent judgmental scrutiny, it scarcely affects me now, given the unwavering support from my loved ones.

In a society dominated by men, what is the essential quality that every woman should have?

In the daily battles that women face, strength is a crucial attribute to possess. Both physical and mental fortitude are essential, considering the numerous challenges encountered every day. Amidst those who may attempt to undermine you, maintaining strength is paramount to ward off the impact of negative remarks. Prioritizing the development of both physical and emotional resilience is key. This investment in strength will serve you well in the years to come, shaping a resilient foundation for your career.

What guidance would you offer to the upcoming generation of female leaders?

I often express that the current generation is exceptionally intelligent, surpassing the one to which I belong. There’s a wealth of knowledge to glean from the emerging women heroes. Working alongside individuals who are a decade younger than me, I am genuinely impressed by their clarity and determination. These individuals, much younger than I was at their age, exhibit a remarkable sense of purpose. They navigate their paths with self-driven ambition, unburdened by societal pressures. It’s a sentiment I repeatedly share — they are undeniably wiser than I was at their current stage in life.