Kiran Baweja on entrepreneurship, dedication, and passion

Age leaves its trace on us all, but it is never the finest detail of a life. Time leaves its mark on our faces and frames, yet what truly endures are the qualities that grow stronger with every passing year.

Professionalism, vigour, compassion, style, and dedication do not diminish; they flourish, becoming the essence of what others remember and admire. Trends shift, fashions fade, and beauty evolves, but passion is timeless. It shapes the energy we carry, creating an aura that adornments alone could never provide, inspiring those around us in ways that linger long after each encounter.

Within the community, Kiran Baweja stands as a woman who embodies this truth. As Founder and CEO of Keeran The Wedding Planner and Instagram lifestyle and fashion creator under @Sassy70s, she continues to channel her fervour and creativity with elegance and conviction. In a series of conversations with Masala, her story unfolded, revealing a life shaped by a devotion to excellence, love, and enduring style.

Tell us about your upbringing.

I grew up in a modest home where luxuries were few, but love and encouragement were plenty. My parents didn’t measure success by what we owned. Instead, it was measured by the effort we put into life.

My father would always remind me that “consistency matters more than talent,” and my mother believed in celebrating even the smallest wins.

That environment made me ambitious but also deeply grounded. I may not have had brand-new toys or fashionable clothes, but I had self-belief instilled in me early, and that’s far more lasting.

What inspired you to pursue a career in wedding planning in the first place?

It wasn’t planned at all; it was born out of my daughter’s wedding. I threw myself into every detail, from flowers to food to guest experience, and people still talk about how warm and unique it was.

Soon after, friends and family began asking me to help with their weddings. What started as one joyful family occasion slowly became a career. Looking back, it feels like the industry chose me rather than the other way around.

Was there a defining moment that made you realise this was your calling?

There wasn’t a single lightning-bolt moment. Instead, it was the accumulation of emotions I experienced after every wedding. Watching a bride take her first walk down the aisle, or seeing a father’s eyes well up with pride, those little moments gave me goosebumps. And when families began telling me, “We felt like you were one of us,” I knew this wasn’t just a job. It was something that fed my soul.

How did Keeran The Wedding Planner come to life, and what makes your approach unique?

The company started informally after my daughter’s wedding. Word-of-mouth did the rest. For years, I ran it on instinct and passion until my daughter formally joined me 15 years ago.

She brought in structure, corporate culture, and systems–things I hadn’t thought about because I was more focused on emotions and creativity.

In fact, what makes our approach unique is this combination: creativity with precision and warmth with professionalism. Every event is personal. We don’t just design weddings; we hold the family’s hand as though it’s our own celebration.

As an entrepreneur, what has been the most surprising challenge you’ve faced in building your business?

People often assume wedding planning is all glamour, but it’s mostly grit. The surprising part wasn’t a single challenge, it was realizing how unpredictable every day can be.

I’ve learned that this business tests your ability to stay calm under fire. And strangely, I’ve come to enjoy that—solving problems is what makes each wedding unforgettable, not just for the clients but for me too. Wedding planning is a meticulous process.

How do you stay on top of all the checklists and details?

There’s the technical side: timelines, vendor coordination, logistics, and backup plans—I approach each detail with precision. Systems and consistency are key.

However, over the years, I’ve realised that wedding planning is equal parts strategy and soul. You’re not just managing events, you’re managing emotions, expectations, and energy. Balancing both the human and operational sides of the process is what truly keeps everything on track.

My daughter often jokes that I have a sixth sense for spotting what might go wrong before it happens—and maybe she’s right! But honestly, the real secret is composure and presence.

Can you offer some insight into how you balanced finding your professional direction with personal growth?

For me, the business and my personal growth evolved side by side. The more weddings I planned, the more I grew as a person in patience, resilience, and empathy.

In my 50s, I was learning contracts and negotiations; in my 60s, I was learning Instagram reels! Growth never stops. I don’t think of them as separate journeys.

Building this company has shaped me into a stronger human being, and staying true to myself has shaped the company in return.

Your Instagram covers fashion, styling, travel, and daily vlogs. How does this influence your entrepreneurial mindset?

When I started @Sassy70s, it was simply to share my love for style and travel. But it soon became a reminder to myself and to others that age is never a limit.

It’s just a number! Wearing bold colours at 70 or trying out a trending Instagram Reel, is a statement of confidence. That mindset reflects in business, too.

In wedding planning, I don’t believe in following the guidelines of “safe” or “traditional”, unless it’s truly what the couple wants. I encourage individuality, creativity, and risk-taking. Whether on Instagram or at a wedding, the core is the same: be authentic and enjoy it.

For women looking to start their own ventures, what’s your top tip for staying authentic and confident?

Don’t wait for permission. Too many women hesitate because they feel they need approval from family, society, and peers. My advice? Just take the leap, however small the step may be. Also, stay rooted in what feels right to you, and surround yourself with people who want to see you thrive. Don’t hide your uniqueness. In fact, make it your superpower.

What’s one unexpected lesson you’ve learned since launching @Sassy70s?

I thought Instagram was just about pretty pictures. The unexpected lesson has been the real human connections it creates. I’ve received messages from women across the world telling me, “I wore red lipstick again because of you,” or “You reminded me it’s never too late to travel solo.”

It still surprises me that showing up authentically on a small screen can inspire others to be bold in their own life.

As an entrepreneur, budding influencer, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, how do you keep all those hats on without letting one slip?

Honestly, I don’t keep them separate. To me, they overlap. Being a grandmother makes me more compassionate as a planner. Being an entrepreneur keeps me disciplined at home.

And my friendships provide me with the laughter I need to balance out the stress. The trick is presence.

When I’m at work, I give my clients my full self; when I’m with family, I don’t check emails. Of course, I drop a ball now and then, but I’ve learned that’s okay. Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about joy.