Ad land’s young guns: Janvi Mankani, Founder, Mint + Milk

Janvi Mankani is the visionary founder of Mint + Milk, a dynamic platform revolutionizing the wellness industry. With a passion for holistic health and a commitment to empowering individuals, Mankani has propelled Mint + Milk to the forefront of the wellness movement, offering innovative solutions and inspiring communities worldwide. As a trailblazer in the field, Mankani embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and continues to inspire others to embrace a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

In conversation with Adgully, Janvi Mankani, Founder, Mint + Milk, speaks about the importance of understanding holistic wellness in today’s fast-paced world. With Mint + Milk, she champions the significance of nurturing both the body and mind, recognizing that true well-being stems from a harmonious balance of physical, mental, and emotional health. Through her innovative platform, Mankani underscores the transformative power of prioritizing self-care and self-awareness, empowering individuals to embark on their journey towards a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

Could you share the key milestones that led you to where you are today in the industry?

Starting my journey at the age of 19 provided me with invaluable insights into the industry, insights that continue to shape my approach to this day. With over 15 years of experience in the PR field, I realized my desire to forge my own path. Thus, I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship, driven by a determination to apply the lessons I had learned.

My initial goal was to establish a boutique PR agency from scratch. Witnessing the evolution from persuading brands to collaborate with us to now being sought after by brands seeking our expertise marks a significant milestone in my career. This transition underscores the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, affirming the effectiveness of my approach.

In your experience, what are some common challenges that young professionals face when starting their careers and how can they overcome them?

Navigating the early stages of a career can be daunting for young professionals, yet with a strategic approach and a resilient mindset, they can not only overcome challenges, but also thrive once you find your path. It’s imperative to prioritize self-care, seek guidance from mentors, commit to ongoing learning, and cultivate a robust professional network. It is imperative that while we are starting our career to constantly upskill and reskill ourselves in order to align on our growth goals.

While transitioning from education to employment for young professionals it is important to understand the change and help them out on their needs whether its training and helping them pave the way for a rewarding and fulfilling career trajectory.

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and developments, and what resources or strategies would you recommend to young professionals seeking to for the same?

Even as an entrepreneur juggling a busy schedule, I prioritize staying informed by dedicating time to reading and researching. Keeping abreast of current trends in the fashion, lifestyle, and beauty domains, areas central to my work through newspapers is crucial. Drawing inspiration from international brand campaigns enriches my understanding and guides my strategies with my own brands.

In today’s digital age, the internet offers an abundance of knowledge and information. However, for young professionals, it is essential to curate their consumption wisely. Focusing on content that enhances their work experience is key. This might involve engaging with informative podcasts relevant to their industry or delving into books authored by industry leaders, offering invaluable insights and perspectives. By maximizing the value of the content they consume, young professionals can optimize their professional growth and development.

What led you to pursue a leadership role at a young age, and what are your long-term leadership goals?

From early on in my career, I harboured a strong inclination towards working for myself and immersing myself in something I was truly passionate about. Fortunately, I discovered that passion early on and made the decision to pursue it on a full-time basis, taking on leadership roles to drive its success.

Looking ahead, my long-term leadership aspirations extend beyond the familiar. I aspire to explore new avenues of business, venturing into realms that challenge my existing knowledge and understanding. By embracing these new horizons, I aim to broaden my expertise and make meaningful contributions to diverse areas of enterprise.

What strategies do you use to motivate and inspire your team members or peers?

I firmly believe in setting clear and measurable goals and communicating the same with my team. This approach makes them feel important, valued and further encourages them to bring their best to the table. I also feel that constructive and positive feedback along with timely rewards further boosts team morale. Moreover, ensuring teams are given opportunities for growth and development whilst giving them ample space is something that is really important.

What initiatives have you taken to develop your leadership skills and knowledge?

One never stops learning and growing and I am a firm believer of the same. For me, being a first generation and a self-taught entrepreneur, I spent way too much time reading whatever piece of literature I could find on the internet or in bookstores. While I could not resonate with a lot of things, I did pick up a few things that have stayed with me and helped me in my daily operations. I still read a lot and I hope to continue to stick on to this habit irrespective of how I spend my time at work and beyond.

What advice would you offer to aspiring young professionals aspiring to leadership positions?

A very simple and plain advice would be to communicate. Irrespective of the sector that you operate in, communication is key. As a leader, one needs to look into multiple aspects and work with too many people. Managing temperaments, ensuring productivity, mapping profit and loss, and more importantly, leading a team or a company is only possible when ideas are shared. Another most important advice would be to be open to a lot of criticism and feedback. These two attributes, when put together, works wonders.