What happens when life forces you to stop, walk away, and truly listen to yourself?

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, Veena Nayyar is joined by Sonali, founder of Lilac Rose Designs - a brand identity strategist who blends deep strategy with intuition, alignment, and self-trust.

Sonali’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning how to trust herself again - not just in business, but in life. Through loss, healing, and deep inner work, she rebuilt her confidence and created a business that reflects who she truly is.

Episode Highlights

• Walking away from a wedding the day before - and choosing herself
• Navigating grief, loss, and healing after a stillbirth
• How intuition and inner work reshaped her confidence and boundaries
• Why branding starts with identity, not logos or visuals
• Helping women stop shrinking and show up aligned and empowered
• Building a business rooted in self-trust, truth, and lived experience

This conversation is a powerful reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, you can take back control, trust yourself again, and build a life and business that truly reflects who you are.

Connect with Sonali:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilacrosedesignsuk
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lilacrosedesignsuk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonali-tank-lilac-rose-designs
Website: https://www.lilacrosedesigns.co.uk

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

What makes a home feel calm, timeless, and truly personal?

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar sits down with London-based interior designer Shivli Marothia, founder of Shivli Marothia Interiors, to explore what thoughtful design really means beyond trends, Pinterest boards, and quick fixes.

Shivli shares her journey into interior design after becoming a mother, why intention matters more than excitement when renovating, and how designers and clients must build mutual respect for successful projects. She also explains why not every project is the right fit - and why saying no can be just as important as saying yes.

This conversation is a must-listen for homeowners, creatives, and founders who believe that spaces should support real life, not just look good online.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why great interior design starts with intention, not trends
• The biggest mistakes people make when renovating their homes
• Why excitement can lead to costly design decisions
• The importance of trust between designer and client
• How to create spaces that feel calm, balanced, and lived in
• Advice for women building businesses while raising families

🎧 Listen now and discover how design can bring beauty, ease, and meaning into everyday life.

Connect with Shivli Marothia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shivlimarothiainteriors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C4to311S9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivli-marothia-5a3276275

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com

What if your home could think, adapt, and work around your life - not the other way around?

In this episode of Founder in the Chair, host Veena Nayyar sits down with Mandy, founder of Akea Homes, to explore a journey that began over a decade ago in India and evolved into a bold vision for modern living in London.

From commercial and residential real estate to smart automation, interior design, and hospitality-led thinking, Mandy shares how one small frustration sparked a business built around people, purpose, and smarter spaces. Together, they unpack what it really means to design homes that serve human life — not just technology.

This conversation goes beyond property and AI. It’s about resilience, mindset, meditation, and the discipline required to keep going when expectations are high and the pressure builds.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Building a founder journey across countries and cultures
• Why smart homes should be human-first, not tech-first
• The role of meditation and spirituality in leadership
• Designing homes, hotels, and spaces that truly work for people
• How vision, discipline, and purpose shape long-term success

Whether you’re a founder, creative, or someone curious about the future of living, this episode offers insight, perspective, and grounded inspiration.

🔗 Connect with Mandy & Akea Homes

🌐 Website: https://www.akeahomes.co.uk
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akeahomes
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@akeahomes
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/akea-homes

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

If you have a story to share, to inspire, or to encourage someone to take a step into the world of entrepreneurship, then please get in touch, the world needs to hear more stories, it's not always an easy ride, by sharing we may just help someone to take the first step or to grow in their business journey.

Instagram @founderinthechair

YouTube - Founder in the Chair

https://youtu.be/37Mhkf_A3gU

Email me if you would like to be a Founder in the Chair at founderinthechair@gmail.com