Tell us about yourself, your background and what you do currently.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Science & Doctor of Naturopathy. Initially, I was working in Pharmaceutical MNC, but as art and education is my passion I left my job to pursue it. I started my own institute, called Harshaa’s Modern Art Classes, where I started to give art and educational training courses for women. I also work as a jewellery designer for films, TV serials, ad films and portfolios from last 18 years.
I have given more than 45+ episodes of demonstrations on Colors TV and Channel 9. My interviews have been featured in newspapers like Times of India, Indian Express, Sakal Times, Sakal and various magazines. I also used to write column on small-scale business for women in various business magazines and newspapers.
I have been honoured to receive the “Mahila Bhushan Award”.
Tell us about any current projects or initiatives you wish to promote.
Our institute is like an art studio where students can learn different art forms under one roof. We conduct more than 60+ courses such as Jewellery Designing, Home Science, Murals, Chocolate Making & Chocolate Bouquet Making, Interior Designing and Personality Development.
The Chocolate & Chocolate Bouquet Making Course is our speciality. We also provide the course as a corporate gift. We also conduct many other short courses.
Many of our students are from India, as well as foreign countries like Canada, Las Vegas, London, Dubai and Germany. We have trained over 100,000 students since opening and we are continuing to grow.
Our aim is to train our students professionally so that they can start their own start-up. We are trying to transform the passion of art into a profession. Many students after taking training from our institute have started their own successful start-ups.
We also supply Indian ethnic jewellery to our clients in Las Vegas and Canada.
What has been your biggest challenge in achieving your success?
As I am conducting many different courses, time management is the biggest challenge. Bi-weekly and daily planning, overcomes this challenge.
What has been your greatest achievement personally?
As aforementioned, I have been honoured by “Mahila Bhushan Award”. I have also been a judge for Pune Navratra Mohotsav, which is one the biggest Nvaratri fest of Pune. I was a judge for Pune women’s group for the Mrs. Pune Competition.
I have also trained slow learner students to make different handcrafts. Now every year, these students make their own handcrafts and they conduct exhibitions, getting an amazing response every year.
If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?
I would be empowering women in maybe some other way.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
We can say everyone around us has something fascinating about them and that’s what inspires me. Key people who inspire me though would be Leela Poonawala, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Chanda Kochhar and Sania Mirza.
What does the future hold for you?
We would like to expand our business by opening branches across India, especially in rural areas where women can start their own small-scale business which don’t require much of initial investment. There is also a major need for women to be independent. I think,“we can’t change the world, but we can change someone’s world!”
About Harshaa Seth
I had a happy childhood with many friends, rigorous studies and various extra-curricular activities like music, dance, art and sports. I have been training in Bharatnatyam for seven years; and appeared for the renowned musical exam of Gandharva MahaVidyala up to three levels; and represented my school in basketball at Inter-School level.
Contacting Harshaa Seth
Mobile number: 9890217294
