NIRMALA NAIR, INTERIOR DESIGNER

At 67, Nirmala Nair is an epitome of grace, poise and beauty. She is also a very well-respected interior designer in Kochi. Nirmala is accustomed to raised eye-brows and dropped jaws when she tells people that she started her career at the age of 51. “Age should not stop you from doing something you love” she says. In fact, after 16 years in this industry, she feels that it is her work that has helped keep her mentally and physically active.

Nirmala’s parents were doctors, but growing up, she knew she would choose a different path and preferred one with a creative bend. She dabbled in many hobbies like singing, sketching, dancing, designing clothes, jewellery and homes and finally after encouragement from a dear friend and mentor, Nirmala decided to take designing homes as her chosen path.

Having spent close to two decades in this profession, Nirmala has learned that one does not need formal training, degrees / diplomas to be successful but more importantly, one needs to have a sense of colour, proportion, originality, aesthetic sense and belief in oneself! She does not follow trends and norms blindly, but strives to be original and keep an open mind.

Apart from promoting the mind-set that age should not come in the way of your dreams, Nirmala feels that “Everyone has one talent or another. It is how we recognize it and nurture it.” While not everyone can pursue a career of their choice due to various circumstances, the lucky few who can must go out whole heartedly and she guarantees that the end result will be worth the effort!

Nirmala doesn’t feel she is a multi-tasker, but is proud of having singlehandedly and successfully managed work, family responsibilities, friends and social responsibilities side by side.  This wonder woman, who built a fabulous business with no training, formal company name, website or even business cards says she was glad she was given the freedom to follow her heart and requests all mothers to do the same.