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

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

What happens when a woman walks away from a secure career to follow her soul’s calling?

After six years of infertility, IVF heartbreak, loss, and silence within her community, Hema found her purpose - helping others rise through the same pain. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply healing.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• How Hema transformed from dentist to fertility coach after her own IVF journey
• Why silence around infertility is damaging - especially in South Asian homes
• The emotional toll fertility struggles take on relationships (and how couples can reconnect)
• The moment she conceived naturally after years of IVF treatments
• How Lotus Fertility Coaching became a sanctuary for women and couples in pain
• What every woman should know about her body - from menstruation to menopause

🔗 Connect with Hema:

🌸 Website – https://www.lotusfertilitycoaching.com
💼 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hema-prashar-7773a2391/
📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lotusfertilitycoaching

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #fertilitycoach #southasianwomen #ivfjourney #womenshealth

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 happens when a 15-year-old girl refuses to follow tradition and chooses her own destiny?

Meet Neelam Challoner - multi-award-winning coach, author, and founder of Designer Life. A woman who walked away from expectation to build a life rooted in faith, purpose, and bold self-belief.

Her journey is powerful, honest, and deeply empowering - a masterclass in courage, conviction, and reinvention.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• Saying “no” to arranged marriage at 15 - and taking control of her future
• From corporate leadership to launching Designer Life Coaching at 30
• How faith, purpose, and discipline shaped her evolution
• The philosophy behind “live by design, not by default”
• Courage, coaching, and creating a life that truly fits you
• The advice she gives to women who want to start over at any stage of life

🔗 Connect with Neelam Challoner:

🌐 Designer Life Coaching: https://designerlife.co.uk/
🏠 House of Leaders: http://houseofleaders.co.uk/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designerlifecoaching
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelam-challonercoach5782/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designerlife.coaching

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #womensleadership #mindsetcoach #selfgrowth #womenempowerment #purpose

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

From postnatal depression to national recognition - Sharifa Begum’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.

After facing isolation, anxiety, and a loss of identity as a new mother, Sharifa found strength in connecting women, building confidence, and creating space for shared stories. That spark became the SHE Awards UK - a platform that now celebrates and uplifts thousands of women across the country.

🎧 In this episode:

• How motherhood changed Sharifa’s life and identity
• Turning pain and depression into purpose
• The vision behind SHE Awards UK and its growth
• Balancing ambition, family, and self-care
• Facing criticism and staying true to your mission
• What it really means to empower others

✨ A powerful reminder that your lowest moments can plant the seeds of your greatest impact.

🔗 Connect with Sharifa Begum:

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheawardsuk

✈️ Travel Page: https://www.instagram.com/shaftravels

💼 Personal: https://www.instagram.com/shafbegum

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHEAwardsUK/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/she-awards-uk/

🐦 X: https://x.com/SHEAwards

Hosted by Veena Nayyar | Founder in the Chair.

#makeupbyveena #londonmedialounge #uxbridge #founderpodcast #SharifaBegum #SHEAwardsUK #WomenEmpowerment #Motherhood #PurposeDrivenLife #Resilience #MentalHealth #FounderJourney

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