Aishwarya Iyer leads with the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly what matters. As the founder of Brightland, she’s built a brand rooted in quality, beauty, and connection — shaped by the women who’ve shown her that true leadership is about lifting others up. Raised in a home where fresh, simple food was a daily ritual, she carries forward a deep respect for tradition, local makers, and the moments that bring people together.
In our conversation, Aishwarya shares the imprint of her mother’s example, the influence of everyday traditions, and why, in a world that blurs the personal and the public, she’s committed to keeping certain parts of her life offline — preserving the spaces that keep her grounded, present, and inspired.
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We always begin with the women who’ve shaped us. Who are the strong women — past or present — that have left an imprint on your life, your work, or the way you see the world?
"The women who are currently inspiring me are those who lead with unapologetic authenticity — people like Emma Grede, Mel Robbins, Oprah who I don’t know personally, but love their points of view. And the real OG... my own mom, who always showed me that leadership is about lifting others up. These women have made me realize that strength isn’t just about power; it’s about showing up with integrity, being adaptable, and inspiring others to do the same."
Your work feels deeply rooted in honoring where you come from. Are there specific traditions or memories from your upbringing that have influenced how you approach building Brightland?
"Growing up, I was always surrounded by fresh, simple food that was rooted in tradition, and that’s something that’s stuck with me. It’s about honoring quality ingredients, celebrating the moment, and being intentional with what we put on our tables. That mindset is reflected in Brightland’s approach — keeping it simple, but always elevating the experience. And, of course, the emphasis on beauty and supporting local farmers was something that my family always valued and has shaped how I see the business today."
You’ve cultivated a brand that’s warm, expressive, and deeply human — while keeping much of your personal life intentionally offline. In a world that often blurs the lines between personal and public, how do you protect your sense of self?
"I think of my life as a pie with many pieces — Brightland is one slice, but it’s not the whole thing. My identity isn’t tied to the brand because I’m a human being, not a logo or a company. Brightland is something I’m deeply passionate about, but it’s only one part of who I am. There’s a whole world beyond the brand, from family and friendships to personal growth to the little things that make life meaningful. I make sure to protect those pieces and keep a healthy distance, because while the company is bigger than me in many ways, I’m bigger than the company too. Keeping that balance is key for my sense of self and well-being."
"I think of my life as a pie with many pieces — Brightland is one slice, but it’s not the whole thing."
Choosing what to share and what to hold close is an act of care. Has your relationship with privacy evolved as Brightland has grown? What boundaries feel sacred to you?
"My approach to privacy is very intuitive. As Brightland has grown, I’ve come to realize that sharing everything online just feels… flat. I prefer meaningful, real-world connections — sharing moments with people I see and catch up with face-to-face or over the phone. That feels more authentic and personal to me, rather than putting everything out there in a public space where it can get lost among the noise of thousands of other lives. The sacred boundaries for me are about preserving those in-person moments and conversations that allow me to stay grounded, connected, and present with the people who matter most."
We imagine there are a million moving pieces behind the scenes. Are there grounding practices — morning routines, meals, moments — that help you stay creative while leading a fast-paced business?
"I’ve found that a solid morning routine helps me stay grounded and creative, especially with the fast pace of the business. I start my day with the Intelligent Change Gratitude Journal, which helps me focus on the positive things, and I just got the Warrior Journal, which I’m really excited about. I also practice meditation with Open and do morning affirmations to set the tone for the day. Another piece of joy comes from cuddling with my 5-month-old daughter — it’s a jolt of optimism and love that helps me tackle whatever’s ahead. And coming to my office in LA is the perfect way to start my day — it’s a space where I can dive into work with clarity and energy."
Aishwarya's Ritual:
