Another solid testament of the Tangkhul Nagas from Manipur state, making it big in the Tier 1 cities in India, Yuikan and Leiya’s journey from high school classmates in sleepy Ukhrul town to reconnecting in Bangalore led them on a remarkable path. Starting from humble beginnings at the same company, they ascended to significant roles and eventually became spouses and, to take it a step further, co- founders of a thriving interior design firm, Brand Neurons—a testament and a brainchild to their shared ambitions.
Amidst the cutthroat competition in Bangalore’s real estate and interior design landscape, they founded Brand Neurons Designs in 2016 after exiting a very comfortable and lucrative positions at their previous company, a real estate construction firm, to pursue their passion for creating dream homes. With steady and careful yet significant strides, they have now completed over 200+ projects in Bangalore and forged collaborations with renowned luxury builders and developers like Brigade, Sobha, Prestige, Puravankara, Godrej, and more. Standing out among over 10,000 registered competitors, they have over the years, solidified their presence as major player in Bangalore’s thriving real estate and interior design scene, all the while Balancing their roles as CEO and Managing Director while raising their young daughter, their story embodies the ideal of a power couple—a demonstration of enduring love, practical partnership, and unwavering dedication to their craft. Their narrative evokes a filmy love story and stands as a proud example of the Tangkhul Naga’s achievement in metropolitan cities.
Humble Beginnings
Leiya began her career in 2005 as a receptionist at a construction and real estate development startup. The company was at its initial stage with just around 10 -15 staff members, Leiya saw an opportunity for growth and through hard work and dedication, she quickly climbed the ranks, becoming a manager within three years and eventually the General Manager in five. By 2016, when she left the company, she was the Chief Operating Officer (COO), responsible for critical business decisions. Her journey from handling clients at the front-desk to managing the company’s operations in the executive suite mirrored the startup’s growth to significant heights in Karnataka’s real estate scene.
Her husband, Yuikan, joined the same firm in 2007, initially overseeing branding, PR, sales, advertisement, digital marketing, Research and Development, 3D Department and other prominent roles as the Chief Branding Officer. Their professional paths were destined to intersect, but their shared journey began much earlier.
Leiya and Yuikan’s story dates back to their high school days in 2002 at Galaxy High School in Ukhrul, Wino Bazaar. Though classmates, they were polar opposites—Leiya, academically inclined and brilliant, and Yuikan, laid-back and more socially engaged. After high school, they both attended Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School.
Their paths diverged after higher secondary school and it seemed destined never to cross again; However, fate intervened years later when they reunited in Bangalore and found themselves working at the same real estate construction company all this while pursuing correspondence courses—Leiya in executive MBA, marketing and Yuikan in MBA, branding and mass communication. This time, their shared ambitions and complementary skills drew them closer, paving the way for their future partnership in business and life.
The Leap of Faith
Leaving behind the security of their established roles to start Brand Neurons Designs in 2016 was a bold leap of faith to pursue their passion in the real estate industry—creating and delivering dream homes through interior design. Unlike the traditional real estate business of merely building and selling apartments, they were driven by the satisfaction of crafting perfect homes that resonate with clients. However, transitioning from fixed roles and responsibilities to the dynamic demands of a startup proved challenging. They found themselves constantly hands-on, managing every aspect from the ground up, with full plates and no shortage of tasks to handle.
“When we were in the previous company, I knew the business like the back of my hand,” Leiya reminisces. “We had everything—the company offered a home, a car with a personal driver and many other perks and benefits but most importantly stability and peace of mind But deep inside, we wanted to create something of our own and hence took the biggest chances on us and ventured out,” she added.
Their passion was not just in building houses but in transforming them into dream homes. This desire led to the creation of Brand Neurons Designs in 2016. The name itself symbolizes their meticulous attention to detail—much like neurons that communicate messages in the brain, Brand Neurons Designs aims to understand and execute clients’ visions to perfection.
Starting from scratch, Leiya and Yuikan faced numerous challenges in client acquisition, building a portfolio, and gaining a steady reputation. However, their established network of vendors and initial client trust owing to their indelible and reputable mark in the previous organization laid a solid foundation. Today, they continue to focus on upscaling their market presence, constantly learning new tools and strategies to stay ahead.
Building the Brand
Brand Neurons Designs quickly established itself as a leading interior design company in Bangalore, specializing in both residential and commercial projects. Their inventive approach, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction set them apart. From initial concept to final execution, they transform spaces into striking and practical environments tailored to each client’s vision.
Their portfolio boasts over 200 projects in Bangalore and collaborations with top real estate developers like Brigade, Sobha, Prestige, Puravankara, and Godrej. They maintain a dedicated team of 10 in-house employees who oversee everything from marketing and PR to conceptualizing projects in the boardroom and translating them into 3D renders of floor plans. On the execution side, they work closely with 30 carpenters and technicians, ensuring seamless coordination to deliver work of exceptional quality. Their commitment to detail is unwavering, catering to high-ticket clients who spare no expense to realize their dream homes.
In short, Brand Neurons Designs has grown into a reputable brand in Karnataka’s competitive interior design market.
Balancing Life and Work
Balancing their business and personal lives requires careful navigation. Leiya, more emotional and prone to stress, contrasts with Yuikan’s cool and positive demeanor. “Yuikan is the rock that I cling to avoid being carried away. He is resourceful and solution-oriented, always finding a way to manage crisis with a cool mind. Together, we balance each other out perfectly,” Leiya confesses.
Their family plays a crucial role in managing their responsibilities, especially in caring for their five- year-old daughter. The couple has vowed to keep family and work separate, ensuring that neither suffers due to the other. This commitment has been crucial in maintaining harmony and thriving in both realms.
The Secret to Their Success
Leiya also said, “Running a business is an everyday effort and not for the faint-hearted. Dealing with big builders and high-ticket clients involves high risks, but we give 100% in every project to ensure client satisfaction. The ups and downs are part of the business, but working out solutions together with God has always been our priority.”
Their journey from high school classmates to successful entrepreneurs is a testament to their dedication, passion, and the unyielding support they provide each other. Brand Neurons Designs is not just a business; it’s a manifestation of their shared dreams and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Celebrating Excellence
Brand Neurons Designs was recently honored with the prestigious Karnataka Business Award for Excellence in the category of Best Interior Design Company of the Year, presented by the Karnataka Traders Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes outstanding performance and achievements across various fields, highlighting innovation, quality, and contributions to the economy and culture of Karnataka.
The Karnataka Business Awards (KBA) are prestigious accolades designed to enhance productivity and quality in companies, entrepreneurs, and service providers. By celebrating exceptional performance and innovation, these awards aim to promote business excellence and position Karnataka as a leading state in building the Indian economy.
Future Prospects
As Brand Neurons Designs celebrates this milestone, the company looks ahead to continuing its mission of delivering exceptional interior design solutions. Emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and client satisfaction, Brand Neurons Designs aims for even greater accomplishments in the future.
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