Mentored by dreams

"I've always believed that dreams are strong mentors in life. Allow them to lead you and you will surely succeed. However, you must also believe in yourself and never doubt your future or destiny." - Smitha Nishanth, managing director, Client Advertising, Dubai

Risks are an important part of everyday life. You cannot succeed without facing them. Also, you may never know whether you could have excelled at anything if you did not give it a try.

I owe a lot to my upbringing ...

Since childhood, it has always been important for me to give my best because I respected the trust my parents placed in me.

Whether it was drawing, painting, clay modelling, fashion designing, music, dance or even academics, I was always a topper in school and college.

The awards and certificates I won motivated me to beat my own record and aim higher.

For me success is a long, unpredictable road ... and success is not in the attainment of the goal itself, but in the process one goes through to achieve it.

I began my career as a fashion designer ...

... but was at the same time [I was] doing a course in advertising. Whether it is fashion designing or advertising, I believe it is all about creativity and expression.

Fashion designing is a form of communication – communicating one's personality through clothing.

Last year, I was in the US doing an extensive course in digital film-making at the New York Film Academy, at the Universal Studios, Hollywood.

During my stay there I worked with professionals who have made a mark in the Hollywood film industry, including Jason Tomaric, an award-winning director who won 14 Emmys.

My work, comprising a short film and a music film, were voted the best and the standards I applied were commended ... it was an experience of a lifetime. I will be applying the expertise I learnt to my future projects.

I love to explore different aspects ...

... of life. Now I am involved in meditation, pranic healing and feng shui.

I am most excited about my new TV show, Destination Destiny [which will be on air by the end of the year]. It will be a unique show on the realities of life.

Advertising is just one part of our business. I also run a production house which specialises in making corporate films, short films and commercials.

The serials and films we make always carry a message. They tend to tickle the viewer's mind – only then can we leave behind a lasting impression.

I must confess I am very particular about quality and look into all the finer details of the production myself.

The commitment to work ...

... does add up to long hours in the office but I also lead a happy married life. I have a supportive husband, who values my goals and accepts me as I am.

Balance is essential and all working women should realise this. A career and the family [can] exist side by side, each in its own orbit.

Be organised and learn to prioritise your commitments. Set aside some time for family and home – be it over the week or during the weekend.

It should be exclusively for the family and yourself. Only then can you keep abreast of both home and office matters.

Women ... have limitless resources within themselves, but some of us never take the trouble to find out what we are really capable of doing.

When entering a career/business, always venture into a field where you have a strong base and have hands-on experience of the subject. Also, in business, the right partnership is important.

I believe that each day ...

... is a fresh start. Life is too short to be spent with a bad temperament. Live simply. Smile. Do not try to measure up to anyone else's standards. Set your own ... and look beyond.

My thirst for more has helped me find myself – but I know there is more in store for me. My search continues ...