Chandni Modha was born in Leicester, England to Jagdish and Ranju Modha. Chandni’s early schooling years we’re spent at Our Lady’s Convent School in Loughborough. She was a very high achiever from a young age, winning various Awards of Excellence. Chandni then went on to complete a foundation course at Leicester College of the Arts where she was Awarded Student of Year for her performance and talent as the no.1 student in the college. She then went on to study an honours degree at the prestigious Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London.
Chandni continued her professional career and secured a job with luxury Fashion House Dolce&Gabbana heading up the Celebrity dressing and Press department, it was here that Chandni found her calling and was headhunted by Global PR agency Starworks, she joined the fast-paced team as head of VIP & Partnerships.
In 2016 Chandni started up her own luxury Brand Partnership and VIP agency CJM Publicity. Chandni continues to work with high profile brands luxury brands and celebrities such as Helen Mirren, Sonam Kapoor to Beyonce and travels the world attending Film Festivals, Red Carpet events and film sets.
1)Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I live, work and breath in London, however my hometown is Leicester. One of the most ethically and culturally diverse cities in the UK. The energy, the people, food, fashion, and entrepreneurship are what makes Leicester a thriving city! I am a proud British Asian female with strong family roots and business acumen that originated from the family business Anokhi House of Sarees; founded in 1967 by my grandfather the late Gokaldas Modha in Leicester.
My grandfather a pioneer was one of the first Indians to migrate from East Africa to Leicester in the sixties. Starting from humble beginnings, he built a global empire. His work ethic and unconditional love for his family was an abode to his success and certainly runs in my DNA.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I am lucky enough to have achieved a few milestones in my lifetime, both personally and professionally. One of my earliest and most special achievements that started my career was when I was accepted at the world-renowned Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London – an enviable alumni of master creatives include Alexander Mc Queen, Albert Elbaz, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney. Starting my business as a young female entrepreneur, undeniably is my proudest achievement. CEO of CJM Publicity has opened a world of challenges, life lessons and unforgettable experiences. Here I will continue to grow and achieve greater heights.
` 3) What inspires you?
Different things inspire different people in different ways. There are copious amounts of inspiration in the world, and I strongly believe one must be open and accepting of the world we live in.
Recently, I have been inspired by South Asian Art. In particular Artists such as Rana Begum, Ali Kazim to Raja Ravi Varma. I am fascinated by their journey as young up-coming artists to the lengths they have now reached and the value that is put on their precious pieces of Artwork.
Incredible women such as Mala Yousafzai. She is a beacon of inspiration. Mala survived a Taliban assignation attempt as retaliation for her activism for girls’ education and went onto to be the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. At the age of 20 she was already changing the world with her words and work.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Finding that work life balance.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My mentor Salvo Nicosia he was the first person to take a risk and give me an internship at Dolce&Gabbana. He took a chance on me, and I hope that to this date I have never let him down. He is the first person I call when I need advice on clients or a job role. I will forever be grateful for his leadership, insight, and guidance.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
The freedom to create my own job role
7) And the worst?
Having too much freedom!
8) What are your long-term goals?
My long term business global is to create a global accessible platform that bridges luxury western brands, celebrities and entertainment experiences with talent across South Asia. A one stop PR agency that represents South Asian Talent that can partner with globally recognised personalities in fashion film, music and the arts. We have a long history with India and the UK, so opening that line of communication and building a stronger creative bridge for talent and brand to work together in unison would be my ultimate goal.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Reverse Brexit
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
Cleopatra (69-30 BC) the last Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt. Cleopatra sought to defend Egypt from the expanding Roman Empire. In doing so, she formed relationships with two of Rome’s most powerful leaders Marc Anthony and Julia Caesar. She came to represent, as did no other woman of antiquity, the prototype of the romantic femme fatale and was the greatest beauty of her time. She was highly intelligent and well educated. I would ask her what it was like to be the only female woman head of state during her lifetime and if she would my become my mentor!
