Aparna – A Creative Force with a Flair for Style and Soul

There are people who make an impression in school, and then there are people like Aparna, effortlessly stylish, unapologetically jovial, and always full of life. Back then, she was the one with a sparkle in her eyes and a spring in her step, and honestly? Nothing’s changed. In fact, she’s only grown more graceful with time, blending creativity, resilience, and curiosity into everything she does.

In this edition of Power Edit, I’m thrilled to feature Aparna, a multitalented powerhouse who’s currently crafting her way through an exciting journey of self-made success. From studying Trichology (yes, the science of hair!) for her content creation, to building a dreamy portfolio as a children’s book illustrator, she’s showing us how learning never stops. And just when you think that's a full plate, she’s also learning Korean, simply out of her love for languages adding it to her impressive list that already includes Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and of course, English.

Before this creative chapter, Aparna was charting a very different path, an MTech in Biometrics & Cybersecurity, a stint at Infosys as a systems engineer trainee, and then came a pause. The pandemic, a pregnancy, and a new phase of life. But instead of letting the break define her, she shaped a whole new narrative. For the last four years, she has been working on her own terms as a content creator, a freelance illustrator, and a forever-learner.

And can we take a moment to talk about her crochets? Absolutely adorable, each piece speaks volumes of her aesthetic sense and handcrafted warmth.

Aparna’s journey is not just about career pivots; it’s about reinvention with grace, the joy of learning, and the courage to follow your heart even when the path isn’t linear. She’s the kind of woman who inspires you to keep dreaming, keep creating, and most importantly, keep being yourself.

You beautifully recreate looks from old classic movies. Which vintage fashion era do you feel most connected to, and why?

1999 to 2014 ..the movie aesthetic I grew up watching since childhood to my teenage. Where the movies used to have heroine intro songs. I wanted to recreate these ..because I love how actresses were portrayed poetically by veteran film makers .it’s  same as a fairy tale or a princess story. Who doesn’t want to be a fairy/princess??I’m just granting my younger self her wishes 

If you had to describe your personal style in three words, what would they be?

Comfortable, effortless, and most importantly son approved. I’ll pick my outfit and ask him ..he’ll say “apputty cute ayi” ..he is my stylist

What’s one fashion trend from the past you think deserves a big comeback?

I adore actress lissie’s wardrobe ..they’re so underrated, I have never heard anyone talk about these ..i must say the those were effortlessly cute. I wish it should  comeback. Nevertheless they used minimal makeup. Being a 90s kid i have zero makeup skills..i tried to learn but failed..i think that era should come back. In my opinion fashion must not be difficult..it should be easy for anyone to follow

How do you blend traditional and modern elements in your fashion content?

The traditional elements in my look book comes from South Indian movie aesthetics, and the modern elements from k drama. I love watching movies/series the language doesn’t stop me ..I get inspired from what I watch. Let’s say my wardrobe is like a fusion cuisine. If you give me idly I can make tteokbokki with it .It’s always fun to mix and match 

You have such a calming way of explaining hair and beauty tips. What’s a beauty secret passed down to you from your mother or grandmother?

The calming way of explaining self care is inherited from my father ..he can explain everything in such a way.. mother and grandmother were extremely bold women.. they were always hustling so that they could give me the luxury to do selfcare.. I’m so grateful to them ..as a token on gratitude I teach them to pamper themselves as I’m old to be pampered now. But they still prioritize me..

What’s one underrated hair care ingredient you swear by?

Fermented foods are underrated hair care ingredient according to me .For good hair and skin you should have a good gut ,so that the nutrients, veggies and proteins you consume are absorbed by your body. I have talked a lot about external factors of hair care. It's equally important to do internally too

For busy moms who don’t have much time, what’s your ultimate 5-minute glam routine? 

Five minutes would be very less ,don’t you think??We do a lot for everyone else, so we need to spend time on self care, it’s doesn’t not end with a simple 5 min scalp massage/ a 10 min face mask. One can include time to relax with meditation or self reflection on a journal. Also finding a hobby can help (anything that you enjoy doing)As doing the chores and taking care of everyone and working on your job are all very exhausting..so with whatever time you have in your hands do something which makes you feel good and rewarding. Because self appreciation is more valuable than seeking validation from other people

How do you keep up with beauty trends while still staying authentic to your own aesthetic?

As I already said according to me fashion should be easy to follow by anyone. I keep it very simple. There are numerous trends popping around every day. I would not follow every single thing that is trending, I just stick to my idea “simple to follow  by everyone”

Your crochet creations are absolutely charming! What inspired you to start crocheting, and what has it taught you?

When I was 15 my grandmother’s colleague visited home ..she saw my paintings and craft works ..she loved them and took me to her house and taught me crochet for the first time also gifted me with my first hook and yarn ..I would never forget Meenakshi teacher. she was retired from job when I met her ,she taught me this amazing skill thinking I will love it ..little did know that I would start my own small business with the skill she taught me ..the small business came to my head when a brand named cosmic wellness saw my work and ordered the first piece .i was just sharing my work on the Instagram story. But i didn’t expect them to notice ..I sold a good number of things..im so grateful to all people who supported my small business.

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hectic day?

Watching a movie with my husband and son  at home with some homemade munchies

Can you share a small lifestyle habit that has made a big difference in your day-to-day life?

Journaling, I pour my heart out there …adulting sucks..no one has time hear other struggles/little achievements..as everyone has their own. Hence journal really helps when you feel the need to talk. Eventually you would start to enjoy your own company…when we were kids ,we had friends we could talk about anything and think of your journal as that friend because it never judges you.. self reflection has helped me to grow as a better person

How do you find time to create content, crochet, and still enjoy being a hands-on mom and wife? 

I like to plan every single thing ..I just follow the time table , I create content at least for 7 days when I have 2 hours of time(mostly on Saturdays),I cook first thing in morning within half an hour I finish cooking breakfast and lunch, it will take at least two hours of pampering my son for him to let me illustrate/ crochet/sew. I work while I make him do an activity he loves. He loves pretend plays ..drawing…by lunchtime i might have finished illustration/crochet/sewing …if not I’ll take it to next day .post lunch we watch movies.. we both need break from work.. after tea I would start working on something.. if I was working on illustration in morning then I’ll pick crochet/ sewing. I would work at least an hour. then I would prepare dinner.. post dinner I would like to read and do my journal entry ..then have good sleep of at least six hours..it very easy.. you just need to enjoy the process 

Mom life in one word?

Mom life is like being a student. And the baby is your teacher. You never know what you get to learn. It’s full of surprises