Piyusha Sharma, a name synonymous with resilience, passion, and innovation, has carved a niche for herself in entrepreneurship, fashion, and social advocacy. With a compelling journey from a military background to becoming a successful telecom entrepreneur and a fashion influencer, her story is evidence of the power of perseverance and self-belief. Piyusha’s work has earned her recognition from the All-India Consumer Foundation for her groundbreaking contributions to interactive TV and media productions, and she has been celebrated as India’s most inspirational influencer in fashion and lifestyle. We are thrilled to have Piyusha for an insightful conversation.
Growing up in a military family, Piyusha’s early years were a mash-up of many cultures, customs, and experiences. We asked Piyusha to tell us a bit about her childhood and how it shaped her personality, and she answered,
“My journey has been shaped by a blend of personal experiences and professional ambitions. When I lost my father in 2010, I realized the importance of financial stability and decided to establish my path. I ventured into the telecom industry, which I understood well. Over time, with astute leadership and dedication, I was able to establish a thriving multinational telecom enterprise. I think this exposure and the discipline instilled by my defence background shaped me into the person I am today. But my career turned towards the fashion sector on International Women’s Day when I received an unexpected accolade for my sense of style. This realisation sparked a long-neglected interest of mine, and I started experimenting with social media as a way to express my love of style and fashion.”
Piyusha’s achievements are truly inspiring. She continued about her transition from telecom to becoming a social media trendsetter and added,
“It was quite an organic transition. I believe in crafting a unique narrative and infusing authenticity into every post. My aim was never to just gather followers but to build a community based on trust. Social media provides a boundless platform to inspire, educate, and foster connections. I wanted to use this platform intentionally to create a more informed, empathetic, and connected world. The response was overwhelming, and it encouraged me to delve deeper into this space.” She emphasized authenticity.
Despite her academic prowess, with a Master’s in Computer Science and a double honour in Math, Piyusha’s professional journey was marked by exploration and self-discovery. From hospitality to journalism, aviation to organic farming, Piyusha tried her hand at various fields before finding her calling in the telecom industry.
Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Piyusha is a staunch advocate for women’s rights.
“Advocacy for women’s rights is a cause close to my heart. I leverage my platform to advocate for positive industry transformations. I collaborate with organizations like FICCI and Lakshyam, an NGO dedicated to children’s education. Initiatives like “Fashion with a Cause” allow me to intertwine style with social responsibility. It’s about using fashion as a medium to bring about social change and empower women.” She told us about her advocacy work.
As a successful entrepreneur and influencer, Piyusha is a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. She believes in the importance of financial independence and the power it brings to make decisions. However, she also emphasizes the need for respect and cooperation between genders, advocating for a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.
That’s a commendable act. When asked about balancing her multifaceted roles she said,
“It’s all about passion and time management. Whether it’s serving as a jury member for prestigious pageants like Miss and Mrs. India, gracing the ramps of esteemed fashion houses, or featuring in various magazine covers, I ensure that each role aligns with my core values and passions. My journey is a fusion of business acumen and a fervent dedication to effecting meaningful change in fashion and beyond.” She added with pride.
Her hard work has certainly paid off. Piyusha received accolades from the All-India Consumer Foundation and has been lauded as India’s most inspirational influencer in fashion and lifestyle. She shared with us about the impact of these recognitions,
“These recognitions are humbling and serve as a validation of my efforts. Being acknowledged for my contributions to interactive TV and media productions, and being celebrated as an inspirational influencer, motivates me to continue pushing boundaries. It’s a reminder of the impact one can have through dedication and authenticity.”
She continued mentioning her involvement with initiatives like “Fashion with a Cause” and elaborated on blending fashion with social responsibility,
“Fashion with a Cause is about using fashion as a vehicle for social change. For instance, we might host fashion shows where the proceeds go to charitable organizations, or collaborate with brands that support sustainable practices. It’s about making fashion more than just a statement, it’s about making it a movement for positive change. By highlighting issues like sustainability and ethical fashion, we can raise awareness and drive real impact.” She added.
Piyusha is passionate about supporting the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for animal welfare, particularly stray dogs. She believes in the importance of sustainable fashion and works with brands that resonate with her values. She practices upcycling and supports local artisans, emphasizing the need for eco-friendly fashion choices.
“I deeply value their genuine nature. Advocating for their rights and recognition is important to me. Additionally, I rescue and care for stray dogs, providing them with shelter and medical care. These causes are close to my heart, and I strive to make a positive difference in these areas.” She pointed out the importance of being supportive.
Before wrapping up this wonderful conversation we asked her, as a mother, what legacy she hoped to leave for her daughter and she said,
“I want to instil in my daughter the values of compassion, passion, and hard work. I hope she pursues her dreams with confidence and dedication. She needs to understand that success comes from aligning her goals with her passions and working tirelessly towards them.” She concluded with this remarkable advice.
