Good academics and establishing a successful career are not the only hallmarks of a life well lived. To be able to create the life we truly desire, we must imbibe high competence, true surrendered character, high self-esteem, confidence, and a charismatic persona. One's thought process and inner state of mind reflects one's actions and reactions from others.

At The Image Consulting Studio (TICS), Ketaki Kanbarkar Mistry contributes to clients' journey of change by providing change from `inside out.' A professional with in-depth psychological knowledge, Ketaki brings out the `Real You' and changes the way one looks at oneself. The Founder & Strategic Designer Coach at TICS, Ketki is on a mission to support those, who, despite having the utmost caliber and strength, are not able to pursue their dreams just because of lack of a proper `Personality'. In an extensive conversation with Ketaki, the Women Entrepreneurs team delves deep into her expertise and the impact she creates on her clients' lives.

Introduce Us To Tics And The Underlying Philosophy Of The Firm.

The passion for knowing people and understanding their psychology and work on their overall image by giving them a customized makeover strategy made me to establish "The Image Consulting Studio."

Makeover instills confidence. Confidence which gives you the courage to achieve your goals. That's what we do at TICS. We aim to help people in achieving their life goals. TICS works on the philosophy of connecting the Mind, Makeover and Image which makes a person more confident and more acceptable among the group.

Never give up and to be fit are the two mantras that I want to instill in the people around to enable them for fighting their ebbs and flows. Therefore, I started “TICS.” I strongly believe that whatever change happens is from inside out. If you are ready inside then that change is reflected outside, and that is what we do at TICS.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience.

I have done Masters in Computer Management, however with time I realized that computer science was not my calling.

I am very passionate about knowing people and understanding their psychology. I love interacting with people and feel motivated when I am surrounded by people. So I pursued an MBA in Human Resource and also Mphil in Human Resource to understand every detail of Human Resource. Post my MBA, I moved towards the corporate world. With a significant contribution and insightful experience of more than a decade in various corporate industries such as IT, Shipping, Animation, and so on, my domain expertise can be reckoned across business functions. Additionally, I also worked in the Learning and Development sector. I am also an Internationally Certified Image Management Consultant and Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach and Soft skill Trainer. I always take pride in taking about my education as I managed to complete three master’s degrees along with various quality certifications.

What are the various services that the image consulting studio specializes in? What approach you take while working with a new client. Also tell about some of the most impactful trends developing in the industry currently?

I conduct consultations with a wide array of clients ranging from students, home makers to corporate leaders and individual professionals. People come to me expecting a complete makeover of their personality that suits their professional role. The first step of my work is to make the client comfortable in order to help them them open up with us. I then understand their expectation and the reason for the change they desire for. I do the need analysis and based on that I design my modules and take individual sessions.

“Confidence which gives you the courage to achieve your goals. that’s what we do at tics. We aim to help people in achieving their life goals. Tics works on the philosophy of connecting the mind, makeover and image which makes a person more confident and more acceptable among the group”

I make them question themselves that why they wanted the change, because once the client strongly determines for the change from within then automatically it reflects in their behavior, body language, style, and the confidence is automatically visible. It is not just the change in clothing but also in the way you look at yourself.

Post Wpandemic I have observed that the people are looking for emotional stability. My approach is not of a theoretical nature but it is more empathetic. I follow a very detailed approach in a more focused way. Earlier there were very few tools but now everything is computerized. You just have to enter the color, face shape and few details to get a look book ready for yourself. That is digitally evolved consultation available now as well.

Given the demanding nature of your role as a leader in the field of image and branding, how do you strike a balance between work and personal life?

I am a mother to a seven year oldkid. When I started this career, my child was just three years old. As a workaholic I am always busy with people. Somehow my child has also been trained on the emotional side of it and understands what’s happening around him. However, there are times where I might be in a chaotic situation like a typical mother. In such situations I try to balance all the roles not just as mother, but as a wife and daughter. I believe in quote “where there is a will there is a way.” If you stick to it, then it is possible to strike a balance. Don’t let the negative thoughts and low moments overtake you.

For me physical fitness plays a major role in life. Fitness is what I always focus on and that gives enough energy to balance all the things in life. Always take some time for play, fun and freedom. Take the wonder of the weekend into your work and you will enjoy and appreciate what you have.

What advice you would give to young women aspiring to foray into the field of image consulting?

I advise women to never ever hold back themselves. Also, don’t expect the right moment to come and never lose faith & confidence in yourself. There will be challenges in your way but look at them as opportunities and milestones. Listen to your heart and keep asking ‘why’ to yourself and whatever your heart says is the right thing for you.

Ketaki Kanbarkar Mistry, Founder & Strategic Designer Coach, The Image Consulting Studio

Ketaki’s journey from a computer management graduate to setting career in HR domain and now finally becoming an Entrepreneur, shows her passion for transforming the lives of people around.