Avni Gandhi Varma, the dynamic founder of Transform with Avni, recently graced the 77th episode of Jam With Sam, hosted by Sampath Iyengar. From her humble beginnings in Mumbai to her transformative journey as a life coach and image consultant, Avni shares invaluable insights into her life, passions, and mission to make a difference.
A Proud Mumbai Girl with a Passion for Learning
Born and raised in the bustling city of Mumbai, Avni is a true Mumbaikar at heart. She attended St. Joseph High School and later ventured into jewellery design after high school. Despite marrying young, her love for learning persisted. She delved into hypnosis, and NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), and later found her calling as an image consultant. Reflecting on her journey, Avni proudly shares how her unique blend of skills now helps her transform lives holistically.
Career Highlights and HR Philosophy
Sanjay began his career as a management trainee at Crompton Greaves, where he learned that people management is the heart of any business. A lesson from a senior leader—”Look at the big picture”—has stayed with him throughout his career, inspiring him to approach challenges with a long-term perspective.
In his later roles at RPG Group, Hinduja Group, and Piramal Healthcare, Sanjay focused on transforming HR practices. His efforts included introducing employee value propositions and leadership pipelines while advocating for HR’s presence on the shop floor to understand employees’ real needs.
The Birth of Transform with Avni
Avni’s turning point came during a challenging phase of her life when she sought help from a hypnotherapist. Inspired by how it helped her break free from mental blocks, she decided to pursue this path professionally. Her journey evolved further as she began exploring the role of image consulting. By 2012, Transform with Avni was born—a venture that combines psychology, self-confidence, and fashion to help clients feel complete.
“The process is subjective,” Avni explains. “When people come to me, we first address the root issues, such as confidence. Once they feel good from within, they naturally start looking good too.”
Fashion and Fine Dining Tips with a Personal Touch
As a grooming expert, Avni’s take on fashion is practical yet refined. From preferring classic socks that match trousers to recommending loafers for casual no-sock looks, her tips are all about balance. Her advice on fine dining decorum highlights the importance of practice over pretension, making high-end dining accessible for everyone.
She shares a fun anecdote about food preferences, revealing her love for chicken lollipops as her ultimate comfort meal. Her approach to life is lighthearted yet rooted in professionalism, evident in her humorous banter on banning bikinis or her take on happy socks!
The Role of Beauty Pageants and the Grooming Industry
Avni, who has served as a grooming partner for Femina Miss India, sheds light on the authenticity of beauty pageants. “The contestants work incredibly hard,” she says, dismissing claims of rigged events. She appreciates the holistic evaluation of pageant participants, especially now that swimsuit rounds are being phased out.
Avni believes this shift allows pageants to focus more on confidence, talent, and overall personality. “Women are so much more than their appearances,” she emphasizes.
Balancing Business, Family, and Social Causes
As a single mom to two daughters, aged 16 and 11, Avni balances her roles as an entrepreneur and mother with remarkable grace. Her daughters are her biggest supporters, and she credits her close-knit circle of friends and family for her success.
Beyond her business, Avni actively engages in social causes. From supporting her household staff to collaborating with Rotary initiatives, she believes charity begins at home. Her honours, including the Karamveer Puraskar and the Best Woman Entrepreneur Award (2016), reflect her commitment to touching lives.
Looking Ahead
Despite her achievements, Avni prefers taking life one day at a time. “I don’t plan too far ahead,” she admits. “I focus on giving my best each day.” Her grounded approach resonates with her overall philosophy—transforming lives from the inside out.
As Sampath Iyengar aptly concludes, Avni’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of continuous learning.
About Avni Gandhi Varma:
Avni Gandhi Varma is the founder of Transform with Avni, a venture dedicated to holistic transformation through image consulting and life coaching. An award-winning entrepreneur and mother of two, she is a trailblazer in the grooming industry, blending psychology and fashion to empower individuals to achieve their best selves.