#FunkyMaharani - Maia Sethna
Maia Sethna is a Fashion, Beauty, Luxury, Travel & Lifestyle Content Creator. An avid traveler, with an elegant sense of style, Maia also heads up Shakti Himalaya, a Luxury Travel Company. We recently sat down with Maia and talked about everything from her journey as a content creator, to her passion for fashion, and her love for her father’s cooking.
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Maia Sethna wearing our Moonlight Maang Tikka - Matte & Glossy Silver from our Cosmos Collection
City you presently live in:Â Bombay
Currently watching: Bridgerton on Netflix
Currently reading: Think Like A Monk – Jay Shetty
Most favourite dish: My Father’s cooking. He makes a delicious Khow Suey.
Most favourite city in the world:Â London
If not a Content Creator who also works for Shakti Himalaya, what would you be?
A psychotherapistÂ
How would you describe your personal sense of style?
I think your personal style is something that evolves with your personality. It also depends on the time of year and the travel destination. I’m currently into feminine, comfortable and playful styles.
What first comes to your mind when you think of Funky Maharani?Â
A marriage of modern and traditional. I love the brand’s unique, modern twist on the maang tikka, a piece of traditional jewellery, with its roots found in ancient historic paintings and artefacts.
If you have a favourite Maharani from history, who is she?
Maharani Gayatri Devi, for her grace and sense of style. She was the ultimate style icon in her day.
What does heritage mean to you?
It is one’s inherited sense of culture, values and traditions.
Did you always know you wanted to become a Fashion, Beauty, Luxury and Lifestyle Content Creator? Tell us a little bit about your journey.
It’s not something that was planned. I was sitting in a coffee shop at University in the UK, when a designer approached me to model for her upcoming campaign. I began modeling every now and then and signed with an agency when I returned to Bombay. I enjoyed the process and the creativity and collective effort that went into every image. Fashion was always something I enjoyed, ever since I was a little girl. After my stint in modeling I began working with my Father’s businesses, Banyan Tours and Shakti Himalaya at the head office in Delhi. I travelled to various trade shows and on marketing trips to promote the businesses. I began using Instagram at the time to capture my daily outfits. When I got married and moved back to Bombay at the end of 2017 I realised the potential and power of Instagram/Social media. I began liaising with brands and designers and gradually started growing.
You’re presently also working with mountain-based company Shakti Himalaya founded by your father. Tell us a little about what that’s like.
It’s been fantastic – travelling to some of the most beautiful parts of the Himalayas. Shakti Himalaya offers a rare opportunity to discover compellingly beautiful and remote regions of the Indian Himalaya, combining an honest and sustainable approach with refined simplicity and style. The Shakti Himalaya Village walks operate in Kumaon, Sikkim and Ladakh and are designed for sophisticated travellers who appreciate privacy, authenticity, beautiful vistas and comfort.
In your work as a Content Creator what have been some of your most favourite and valuable learning experiences so far?
I’ve been exposed to a number of fantastic homegrown and well as international fashion and lifestyle brands, hotels and people. This in itself has helped me grow and learn.Â
Do you think as a Content Creator these days it is important to keep up with trends or carve a niche for yourself?
You do you. Whatever works for your brand/page. I think in order to survive in this vast ocean of content, one must stay relevant, authentic and find a way to standout.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Happy, healthy and content.
