Tina Singh Walia is an ICF Certified Life and Wellness Coach, as well as a Certified Master NLP Practitioner. She is also a popular influencer on Instagram, where she shares valuable insights on wellness, image management, behavior, communication, and etiquette. Throughout her career, Tina has worked with prestigious organizations such as HCL Healthcare, Indigo Airways, Kotak Life Insurance, HP Petroleum, and ASK Wealth Management, helping transform the professional lives of many individuals through her expertise in image management, grooming, and soft skills.
Tina's journey is one of transformation and resilience. Raised in a loving and supportive family, she faced significant challenges growing up. Often teased and called "Big Ethel" due to her tall, skinny frame, unibrow, cystic acne, and hirsutism caused by PCOS, Tina struggled with her self-esteem and confidence. However, despite these challenges, she found the strength to overcome them and turn her struggles into a driving force for her career and personal growth. Through her work, Tina continues to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and transform their lives, proving that with perseverance and self-love, it's possible to break free from self-doubt and achieve true empowerment.
Q1: Tina, thank you so much for joining us today. You've had an inspiring journey as a successful Image Consultant and Wellness Coach. Can you share with us what initially sparked your passion for this field?
As an Image Stylist, Wellness Coach, and Image Consultant, my expertise is centered on helping individuals transform their lives by focusing on a holistic approach. I guide clients through image management, grooming, wellness, and personal growth to help them become the best version of themselves. My process is a blend of internal and external transformation, ensuring that both the visual aspects of their image and their overall well-being are in harmony. This approach not only enhances their outward appearance but also boosts their confidence and mindset, leading to a more fulfilling and empowered life. I began exploring design, styling, and makeup as creative outlets, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in image consulting. I wanted to help others who were struggling with their own image and self-esteem to discover their inner and outer beauty.
Q2: What challenges did you face growing up?
My personal experiences with body-shaming, cystic acne, a unibrow, and hirsutism due to PCOS deeply affected my self-esteem and confidence. However, I chose to face these challenges with an indomitable spirit and shifted my focus toward designing, styling, and makeup, which became my creative outlet and a source of deep purpose. These experiences have shaped the way I approach my work with clients today. They’ve made me more empathetic and understanding of the struggles people face with their image. I focus on helping clients not only transform their outward appearance but also build their inner confidence, as I know firsthand how powerful this holistic transformation can be.
Q3: How did you overcome the weight challenges and regain control of your life?
I decided to take charge of my life by pursuing a degree in Economics Honours. I excelled academically, topping both my first and final years. This academic success gave me a sense of discipline and confidence, which were pivotal in setting the stage for my personal growth. It not only reinforced my belief in my abilities but also provided the foundation I needed to pursue my passion in image styling, wellness, and personal development. This experience proved to me that with dedication and focus, I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
Q4:You’ve worked with several prestigious organizations, such as HCL Healthcare, Indigo Airways, and Kotak Life Insurance. What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with these organizations?
The most rewarding part is witnessing the transformation in the professionals I work with. Helping individuals enhance their image, soft skills, and overall presence in a corporate setting is incredibly fulfilling. When clients gain confidence, improve their communication, and manage their image effectively, it not only elevates their careers but also boosts their personal growth. The feedback I receive, especially when clients share how they’ve overcome their challenges and achieved success, is what makes my work so rewarding.
Q5: What steps did you take to lose weight, and what were the consequences?
Initially, I resorted to crash dieting and over-exercising in an attempt to lose weight. While I did manage to shed the extra pounds, this approach led to the development of eating disorders that negatively impacted both my physical and mental health in the long term. It was a difficult period, but it taught me the importance of balance and self-care when it comes to wellness, which later influenced my approach to helping others achieve a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Q6: How did you find your true calling in life?
I discovered my true passion in designing, styling, and makeup, which allowed me to fully express my creativity. This passion led me to launch my own retail stores for women, which became quite successful and were embraced by celebrities. The success of these stores helped me gain recognition as an Image Consultant, further solidifying my career and giving me the platform to help others transform their image and confidence.
Q7: You've also built a significant following as an influencer on Instagram. How has this platform helped you connect with others, and what do you enjoy most about sharing insights on wellness, image management, and etiquette?
Instagram has been a great platform for connecting with a larger audience. It allows me to share valuable tips on wellness, image management, behavior, communication, and etiquette with people from all walks of life. What I enjoy most is being able to inspire and educate others on how to improve their image and well-being in practical, everyday ways. Social media gives me the opportunity to reach people who may not have direct access to my services but can still benefit from the content I share. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I’m helping others feel more confident and empowered.
Q8: How did you transition into the field of image consulting and corporate training?
At 39, I made the decision to enroll in a course that would shape my future. By the time I turned 40, I became an internationally certified Image Consultant and Soft Skills Trainer, which marked the beginning of my career in image consulting and corporate training. This milestone not only opened up new professional opportunities but also reinforced my commitment to helping individuals and organizations elevate their image and communication skills for greater success.
Tina is currently working on her first book, which will further establish her as a thought leader in her field. Her journey of reinvention serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and commitment to personal growth, inspiring others along the way. Tina’s story teaches us that with determination, passion, and a willingness to embrace change, it's possible to overcome personal challenges, reinvent ourselves, and achieve success at any stage of life. Her journey is a powerful example of self-love, growth, and resilience, showing us that transformation is always possible, no matter where we start.
