Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
Bangalore (India) based model working in IT Industry as well. Born and brought up in the small town of Sagar, Karnataka in India, Working in the Corporate (IT industry) for almost one and half decades. As of now working as a Business Program Manager – at Learning &Deveopment. Fashion is my passion which is sort of “food for the soul”
How did you get started in the IT industry, and what drew you to it?
Being engineer graduate, started working in IT which is bread and butter for me
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your corporate career so far?
I love my work. But sometimes its difficult to manage, work, family, and modelling
How do you balance your work in IT with your modeling and fashion-related pursuits?
I give 100% to my work in IT. Modelling is my passion, hence I give all my free time towards fashion-related pursuits, typically on weekends.
What do you think sets you apart from other models in the industry?
Everyone are unique, being mother and still active in modelling makes me happy
What was it like to be featured on the cover of multiple magazines, and how did you get those opportunities?
Whenever I see myself in a magazine cover, I re-affirm of living my DREAMS
How did you first become involved in pageantry, and what motivated you to compete?
I entered into pageantry because, I wanted to PROVE myself to SOMEONE, but later realized, I don’t need to PROVE, I need to IMPROVE myself. Let the world witness my success.
What do you think are the most important qualities for someone competing in pageantry to possess?
I emphasize on SELF CONFIDENCE. This is the biggest quality accessories for one to carry
What was it like to win the Mrs category at the state and international levels, and how did you prepare for those competitions?
I didn’t have any fashion background, till the time I entered pageantry. I started from scratch. I took baby steps to learn self-grooming to fitness.
What are some of the brands you've worked with as an ambassador, and what do you enjoy most about that work?
• Brand Ambassador of South India - “Miss/Mrs Globe India”
• Brand Ambassador of South India – “WEAA Miss/Mrs India”
How did you feel when you received an honorary doctorate in fashion, and what did that mean to you?
I just wanted to live my dreams in fashion but receiving an honorary doctorate is adding one more feather to my cap.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in IT and modelling/pageantry?
This is for all women – start living your dreams, especially for mid-age women. We cannot shy away from our responsibilities like family, career, etc, but somewhere you have to satisfy your soul, by indulging your passion. It might be cooking, modeling, acting, or whatever it is.
What are your future goals, both in your IT career and your modelling/fashion-related pursuits?
I am working towards getting into BIG SCREEN.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work and personal life?
I thrive to achieve more. And I am a self-motivated person.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experiences or career path?
Just stay focused and invest your energy wisely.
Model: Dr. Nora Rashmi @nora_rashmi
Photographer: Suraj Photography @suraj
Photographer: Shabeer Photography @shabeerphotography
Makeup Artist: Laksha Rajeev @laksha