A Turning Point: Winning Mrs. India Dubai International 2017
Jyoti Dave, winning the prestigious title of Mrs. India Dubai International in 2017 marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation in her life. The crown was not only a symbol of achievement but also an entry into the world of modeling, glamour, and fashion – a world that she found herself increasingly drawn to.
“This was the turning point in my life. It introduced me to the world of modeling and glamour, and I realized I had a natural liking and flair for the camera,” Jyoti explains.
Before the crown, Jyoti had always harbored a love for fashion, but this victory opened doors she hadn’t yet imagined. It was during this phase that she discovered her talent for social media content creation, a skill that came to her naturally. Her passion for styling, fashion, and creating looks propelled her toward becoming the influential figure she is today.
Career Milestones: Fashion Awards and Industry Recognition
While her victory in 2017 was a significant moment, it wasn’t the only highlight of Jyoti’s career. In 2024, she was honored with the Filmfare Middle East Social Media Award in the fashion category, a recognition that reflected her growing impact in the fashion industry and her influence as a content creator.
“These awards were pivotal points in my career, and they hold utmost importance to me,” she says, reflecting on her achievements.
The combination of these two titles not only cemented Jyoti’s place in the world of fashion but also motivated her to continue pursuing her passion with even greater fervor.
Expanding Beyond Fashion
Though she is celebrated for her influence in fashion, Jyoti has ventured into multiple industries, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to various sectors. “Even though I do a lot of fashion assignments, I’ve worked on campaigns for malls, retail stores, supermarkets, jewelry brands, home services, salons & spas, real estate, events, and travel,” she shares.
This wide-ranging experience highlights Jyoti’s adaptability and proves that her influence reaches far beyond the fashion world alone. Brands like Life Pharmacy, Silicon Central Mall, Mazyad Mall, Lulu Hypermarkets, Tanishq Jewelers, Thangals Jewelers, Malabar Gold, Joy Alukkas, Kanz Jewellers, Calvin Klein, Danube Home, Home Box, and Air Arabia are among the many names Jyoti has recently collaborated with, further cementing her place as a multi-faceted influencer.
Challenges of Early Days as an Influencer
While today she is an established fashion influencer, her journey was not without its challenges. Jyoti’s early days in the industry were marked by a constant struggle to secure paid assignments. The world of content creation and social media was still evolving, and much of the work available was based on barter systems, offering exposure but no financial compensation.
“In the early days, it was difficult to get paid assignments, and everything was about barters. It was great for building a profile, but it didn’t pay the bills. That was a real challenge,” Jyoti recalls.
Despite the obstacles, she remained persistent, using every opportunity to build her portfolio and strengthen her brand. Her determination paid off, and over time, Jyoti began securing high-profile assignments that contributed to her growth as an influencer.
Finding Her True Calling Beyond the Family Business
Before entering the world of fashion, Jyoti had been part of her family’s business. Her family operated a corporate gifting and printing unit and later developed a cosmetic brand that expanded into the Indian and African markets. However, despite the success of the family business, Jyoti felt a pull toward something more personal – a passion she had yet to fully explore.
It wasn’t until five years ago that Jyoti stumbled upon her true calling. Through modeling, fashion styling, and social media, she realized that her passion for fashion and creating content was her true purpose.
“Finding my passion took time, but I did get there, and for that, I am very grateful,” Jyoti reflects.
While her family’s cosmetic brand in the UAE didn’t take off as planned, Jyoti views this as a learning experience, one that ultimately redirected her toward a more fulfilling path. “At the time, it seemed like a failure, but looking back, I see it as a detour that brought me to where I stand today – a happier version of myself, doing what I love best,” she explains.
Empowering Others: Mentor, Speaker, and Influencer
Today, Jyoti’s role extends far beyond fashion and content creation. She is deeply committed to using her platform to empower others. As a mentor and motivational speaker, she works on emceeing events, judging beauty pageants, and conducting workshops for aspiring pageant contestants. For her, being an influencer means more than just creating content – it means helping others by sharing her knowledge and experiences.
“I believe a true influencer is one who can help and empower others by spreading awareness and imparting knowledge gathered from experience,” says Jyoti.
Her passion for mentoring stems from her own journey of self-discovery. Jyoti aims to inspire others, especially women, to follow their dreams, no matter where they are in life. Her story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passion.
Inspiration from Family and Resilience
At the heart of Jyoti’s personal journey is her deep admiration for her father, who has been a constant source of inspiration. Even at 72, her father continues to embark on new ventures, demonstrating an unyielding commitment to hard work and perseverance. These qualities are the foundation of Jyoti’s own approach to life and career.
“My father has always been a pillar in my life. When I see him starting new ventures at his age, I feel inspired. It reminds me to keep my eyes on the goal – the road ahead has no end in sight. The sky is the limit if you believe in yourself,” she says with admiration.
Of course, Jyoti’s success would not have been possible without her supportive family. “My husband and kids are my biggest motivators, and at times, my biggest critics. They keep me grounded and remind me to stay true to myself,” she shares.
This sense of resilience and belief in continuous self-improvement drives Jyoti to remain focused and motivated. She refuses to see setbacks as failures but rather as lessons that help her become a better version of herself.
“I don’t believe in setbacks – only lessons that make us better versions of ourselves. Staying motivated is the only choice I give myself,” she asserts.
A Message of Empowerment and Consistency
For Jyoti, success is about consistency, passion, and hard work. She emphasizes that there is no substitute for hard work, and as one grows in their career, their responsibility increases. With every success comes the need to set new benchmarks and continue striving for more.
“There is no substitute for hard work. No matter how successful you get, you cannot get lax. In fact, your responsibility increases toward your profession as you constantly set new benchmarks for yourself,” she advises.
“I hope to inspire women who find their passion later than they would want to. Age is just a number, and you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. The only things needed are passion and consistency,” she concludes.
Click here to check her Instagram.
