In a recent conversation with Riya Anchliya, communications specialist and personal branding strategist, we uncovered a story of resilience, reinvention, and purpose-driven work.
Riya’s journey into the world of branding began much earlier than her professional career. At just six years old, she wrote her first poem for her mother, a moment she describes as the beginning of her lifelong relationship with words. “Writing has always been more than a skill to me,” she reflects. “It’s an emotion, a form of expression, and a way to connect.”
After completing her studies in Mass Communication and an MBA in Media Management, Riya entered the corporate landscape, steadily climbing the ladder in the media and communications space. For four years, she worked in dynamic roles, gaining industry experience and honing her skills, until an unexpected layoff altered her course.
What initially felt like a professional setback soon transformed into a pivotal moment. “That’s where everything really began,” she shares. Turning to LinkedIn, Riya started sharing her thoughts and insights online, not with the intent of building a business, but simply to express her perspective. The response was organic, yet significant. Gradually, she began helping professionals and entrepreneurs craft their presence on the platform.
Her approach, she explains, isn’t about chasing virality. “Branding isn’t about being loud, it’s about being aligned,” she says. With this philosophy at the core, Riya built a niche in personal branding, specializing in positioning, storytelling, and visibility strategies tailored to individual voices and values.
Today, Riya works with clients across industries, helping them build credibility and influence through authentic communication. Her work focuses on transforming thought leaders into trusted voices, not through templates, but through tailored narratives.
Now transitioning from a solo consultant to building a boutique brand strategy firm, Riya is developing scalable systems and a growing team, while remaining committed to a hands-on, personalized approach.
Her guiding belief remains clear: impact is greater than influence. And while not everyone may identify as a storyteller, she believes everyone has a story, they just need the right framework to articulate it.