Life coach, image consultant and the founder of Getting to Happy, Shireena Shroff Manchharam talks about inspiring others to live happier and healthier lives.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how the founder of Getting to Happy, Shireena Shroff Manchharam, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
I’m a certified image consultant and life coach. I started my business, Sheens Image Consulting, in 2008 in Hong Kong. As my business grew, I worked with universities, corporates and individuals, combining image consulting and life coaching to help my clients reach their highest potential. I’m also a maternity coach. I work with working mothers to help them reintegrate back into work after having their children.
In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, I created a well-being and happiness tool called Getting to Happy. It’s a movement to inspire our community to live happier and healthier lives. Getting to Happy morphed into a box set of 31 cards that can be placed as reminders in your home, to encourage you to remember that happiness is within your control. We’ve since launched a Getting to Happy adult and kid set, as well as Getting to Happy New Mom.
I’m a firm believer that happiness is a journey of ups and downs. The toolbox to standing back up again is in your hands.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was starting a handbag line in 2012 called House of Sheens, which challenged my creative potential. I learned a lot, but most of all, I learned how to shut down a business. After 7 years, I felt the loss of motivation and was burdened by the negative impact it was having on me. I had my coaching practice as well, so I was doing that while creating new collections of bags, working on production, selling, events and managing two small children.
It was very difficult for me to finally decide to shut the business – not because we weren’t making money, but because I’d lost all motivation. I realised my true passion and what I was inherently good at was coaching. I’m proud that I tried, but ultimately it was a hard decision of going back and forth, feeling ashamed and sad to close this business I’d put so much into. When I finally decided to close House of Sheens, it was such a relief and one that I didn’t regret.
How do you stay motivated and energised?
I stay motivated and energised by exercising every morning. I do a combination of runs on a treadmill, personal training, Ufit with my best friend, tennis lessons, and sessions of yoga and stretching. I set a daily intention every morning and practice meditation every evening with my kids. Also, I plan and organise my days efficiently to work and transition to mum mode once my kids are home.
I’m a big stickler for practising gratitude every evening with my kids, and have a no-tech policy at night, preferring to read and decompress in my room to unwind from the day. This keeps my mind relaxed and in a positive frame of mind.
How do you keep stress levels low?
I acknowledge that certain days and moments will inevitably be high stress. Because I plan everything in advance and am quite organised, I usually know which days will be more challenging than others. I tackle those days with less rigidness and a willingness to be flexible and sacrifice certain things.
Sleep is very important to me. If I feel like sleeping in and sacrificing a workout, I will do so. I also nourish myself right when I feel stressed. I believe in gut health relating to our mental state, so I take supplements to keep my stomach in check, too.
Favourite place to work?
My favourite place to work is my balcony. It’s surrounded by lush green plants and the sound of birds, and it just makes me so invigorated and peaceful.
Can you share a work ‘mantra’ that you use?
My mantra is that I don’t have to do anything, I get to do everything.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
My children, my dog, and the journey of motherhood.
Your go-to self-care activity?
My self-care activity is after my kids are asleep. I absolutely love doing face masks, hair treatments, my nails… you name it. It relaxes me. Finally, at the end of the evening, it’s time with my books. I’m an avid reader as it transports me to a different world.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
I would love to tell my younger self that no one is in competition with you. There’s no ideal or perfect version of yourself. Life is a journey, one that encompasses failure and success. Each moment and each hardship makes you stronger and more resilient, so have faith in yourself and the choices you make.
Get in touch with Shireena Shroff Manchharam online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
