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

Aman Brar is the definition of real, raw and unstoppable. From raising three children to creating content that makes millions feel seen, she has built an empire on authenticity, chaos and culture - without ever compromising who she is.

In this honest and vibrant conversation, Aman opens up about motherhood, Punjabi identity, online judgement, and what it truly takes to stay grounded while growing a platform.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• Aman’s journey to becoming the internet’s “Punjabi queen”
• How she creates relatable content while raising three kids
• Managing chaos, routine and self-belief as a creator
• Dealing with trolls, criticism and family judgement
• Batching, consistency and her blueprint for content growth
• Why she prioritises culture, motherhood and authenticity above everything

🔗 Connect with Aman Brar:

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaurBeauty
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taurbeauty
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taurbeauty

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #amanbrar #punjabicontent #womenwhocreate #workingmums #creatoreconomy #authenticity

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

Most “transformations” fail because they start with food and workouts. Rowan starts with identity.

After walking away from accounting, he spent over 20 years coaching at the intersection of mind, body, and life - helping women rebuild their boundaries, bandwidth, and belief so that change actually lasts.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• The Meraki Method - 12 emotional pillars that create permanent transformation
• Why “just be consistent” doesn’t work (and what to do instead)
• How guilt, people-pleasing, and burnout silently sabotage women in their 40s and 50s
• The truth about menopause, metabolism, and muscle most trainers never mention
• From £8/hour PT to celebrity coach and founder of The Meraki Movement
• Why Rowan says, “Don’t find yourself - create yourself.”

🔗 Connect with Rowan (The Meraki Movement):

📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/themerakimovement_
📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/themerakimovementuk
✉️ Email – tribe@themerakimovement.com

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #mindset #womenshealth #identity #selfbelief #menopause #transformation

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