career as an interior stylist, Sheela has worked on projects which celebrated diversity on cultural & design sense. Engaging in an exclusive interaction with the Women Entrepreneur magazine, Sheela spoke about her journey of styling homes and achieving success.

Take us through the prior industry experience that you bring to the table. Also, what inspired you to establish Ovili?

I began my professional career at my uncle’s firm, FHD Group. In addition to being my mentor, he motivated me to pursue a career in interior design. As a result, I began my career at his firm as a FF &E designer, and because Fountainhead (FHD) is recognized for its classical home designs, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects under the guidance of my uncle. There, I received extensive exposure and understanding about the designer soft furnishings and space styling which instilled in me a strong desire to explore it further. My further persuasion of interior styling through a course I did from Chelsea Arts College (UK) has cemented my passion to create my own niche, and then Ovili happened.

What are the various roles & responsibilities that you currently shoulder at Ovili?

As a stylist for spaces, I mostly collaborate with interior designers. A home or space is a reflection of the personality of individual or the family that lives in it. Interior Designers reflect their design keeping the above point as core. Space Styling completes the interior design process by bringing the aesthetics that connects the design language dots of that home. I provide an output for the space styling based on their blueprints, taking into account all of the features given by the home owners to the interior designers.In addition, I maintain a collaborative relationship with my clients and solicit their opinions on the interior styling concepts I have developed. At Ovili, our goal is to meet and exceed all of our client’s design expectations. The artwork we create for them is an integral part for me as an entrepreneur, therefore, I ensure their satisfaction is a priority.

What are some of the most challenging aspects of your role as the Managing Director? How do you overcome them?

As a creative person, in addition to designing and styling interiors, I should function like a observer/researcher to deeply empathize with the client’s preferences, choices, likes and dislikes for styles, colors, and many other factors. Because each design reflects the essence of the home, here is where the creative or artistic part of the project comes into play. A stylist must keep an eye out for a range of elements, including understanding all of the minor and large needs specified by clients and conveying them to all stakeholders engaged in the styling process, such as suppliers, craftsmen, and artists. Furthermore, while creating interior styles, I mostly draw inspiration from nature and attempt to integrate it with the customer’s view, which always results in a high level of customer satisfaction.

What have been the most significant milestones that you have achieved so far in your professional journey? What is your guiding leadership philosophy?

In 2021, after years of hard effort, I was finally able to open my own studio, which was a significant professional achievement for me. And for all these years I was mainly in the residential sector, but now, after gaining good recognition for my work I am getting clients from different industries like hospitals, hotels, commercial, and so forth.

As a successful businesswoman, what would your advice be to young women and girls who aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Before starting a business, make sure you have a solid skill-set and a high level of self-assurance in your talents. In order to be a successful entrepreneur, you must never give up on your desire to learn and grow. Your passion and drive will carry you far in life, in my opinion. And when your skill-set is combined with your passion, there is no looking back. Secondly, don’t forget about your team. They are an important part of your journey, don’t leave them behind; bring them along and be sure to recognize their contributions along the way.