Ankita Nandkeolyar
Chief Brand Strategist

Passion is the only thing that keeps one motivated and only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to supreme things. This was that constant force which encouraged Ankita Nandkeolyar, who at that point in time was only 16 years-old to step into the creative world of branding and communication. It turned into a nice side hustle, and eventually gave her the confidence to do what she loved doing. For many, teen-age is considered to be filled with dreams and infinite imaginations, but for some their zeal and enthusiasm to learn something new and get a sense of the real world excites so deep that they start identifying their inner desire, extreme interest, and others.

Such is Ankita, an avid Arsenal FC fan who is interested in experimental cooking and diverse cuisines. For this Pune girl, the first year of the college itself was enough to make her believe in the practicality of the real happenings taking around. In no time, she made up her mind to join an advertising agency and undergo an internship. It was not really easy for her. Making continuous round– up’s to the ad-firm and finally being able to convince the senior management, she finally got the opportunity to work there. Her stints which started as an intern gradually promoted her to be a full-time account manager. But her thirst didn’t end here. That’s where adding fuel to her passion began.

Going ahead, she decided to take up the challenge of knowing more about how branding and communications that has evolved over the years. Given to the situation, life meant to be explored and she pushed the envelope by moving to Italy and decided step outside of the comfort zone. Spending ample time, garnering exposure while working with big brands, Ankita was quick enough to notice the gap that existed in creating a brand in India which deemed to be very functional. Mean while, India was going through the start-up wave. Each day show ushered a lot of great ideas. There was a need for an extended arm that could assist those upcoming brands. Also, Ankita who had traveled across the globe never wanted to be a cog in the wheel instead desired to create a dent in the universe. Combining all her passion, interest and utmost desire, she ventured firebrand – an approachable and strategic branding and communications agency.

“For me, the truth is that great success in business grows from just one tiny seed. I wanted to create value and long-lasting impact with taking charge of my own situation. This true calling was so loud that it helped me to establish Firebrand, which instantly reflects with my personality, i.e., being a person who is very passionate about a call,” she says.