Meet Swetha Chinnari

We recently connected with Swetha Chinnari and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Swetha, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

My journey toward developing my self-esteem and confidence has been a blend of experiences across my personal and professional life. As an international model and pageant winner, I’ve had the opportunity to work in industries where confidence is key. Initially, the pressure to meet certain standards was challenging, but over time, I learned to focus on what makes me unique. I realized that true beauty and confidence come from within, and embracing my individuality became empowering.

As a mom, I learned that confidence isn’t just about appearance or professional success; it’s about being a role model for my children. Balancing motherhood with my career has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of nurturing my own self-worth so that I can be the best version of myself for my family. Being a mom also taught me the value of self-compassion, which played a big part in building my confidence over time.

In my career as a software engineer, I encountered challenges in a male-dominated field. But each challenge became an opportunity to prove to myself that I was capable and deserving of success. I pushed through, continuously learning and evolving, and that commitment to growth helped me build confidence in my technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve had to take risks and face setbacks, but I’ve learned that these are all part of the process. Building my own business taught me how to trust myself and my decisions, reinforcing my belief that I am capable of creating success on my own terms.

Finally, as a community leader, I’ve seen how confidence can inspire others. Whether it’s empowering women or mentoring the next generation, I’ve learned that true leadership is about showing up authentically and with purpose. It’s about embracing vulnerability and learning from every experience.

I continue to nurture my self-esteem by setting personal and professional goals, surrounding myself with a strong support network, and remembering that confidence is a lifelong journey. Each of these roles has contributed to my confidence in a unique way, and I’m grateful for the lessons that continue to shape me.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Swetha Chinnari, and I believe in the power of embracing all aspects of who we are. I’m proud to wear many hats—an international model, a successful software engineer, a pageant winner, an entrepreneur, and a dedicated mom and community leader. My journey has been one of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment, and I’m passionate about inspiring others to confidently pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges.

What excites me most about what I do is the way each role complements and elevates the others. As a model, I’ve learned to embrace my individuality and inspire others to do the same. Through pageantry, I’ve discovered that true beauty is rooted in confidence and authenticity, not just appearance. In my role as a software engineer, I break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, proving that women can excel in tech with skill and determination. My entrepreneurial ventures have allowed me to build businesses that are not only successful but also purpose-driven—creating opportunities and empowering others along the way.

My work as a community leader is deeply meaningful to me. Whether embracing culture and diversity, fostering connection, or creating a space where people feel valued, I’m committed to helping others grow and succeed. I believe in the importance of giving back and using my platform to make a positive impact in the world.

What makes me unique is the intersection of beauty, technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. I’ve made it my mission to inspire others through my diverse experiences, showing that success doesn’t have to be defined by one narrow path—it’s about leveraging all of your strengths and passions. My goal is to break stereotypes, empower others to trust themselves, and create a ripple effect of confidence and leadership.

What’s New? I’m thrilled to announce a new chapter of growth in my pageantry, entrepreneurial and community leadership journey. I’m a finalist for Mrs India Worldwide 2025 to be held in the summer, and looking forward to share the experiences, which will empower individuals to take charge of their personal growth, whether that’s through tech innovation, confidence-building workshops, or mentorship programs. I’m excited to connect with even more people through these initiatives and continue creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

At the heart of everything I do is this belief: confidence, self-worth, and a commitment to growth are the most important ingredients in any success story. My personal brand is a reflection of the multifaceted, authentic person I’ve become—and I’m excited to continue sharing my journey and inspiring others to do the same.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, I’d say the three most impactful qualities and skills that have shaped my success are resilience, self-belief, and continuous learning. These have been foundational in navigating the different roles I’ve taken on—from being a model and pageant winner to a software engineer and entrepreneur. Each of these qualities has allowed me to stay grounded and focused, even when faced with challenges.

Resilience: In both the modeling industry and tech field, I’ve encountered my fair share of setbacks, rejections, and moments of self-doubt. However, resilience has been a key factor in overcoming those obstacles. Resilience is about bouncing back from failures and seeing them as learning opportunities. It’s not about avoiding hardship, but embracing it and pushing through it.
Advice for others: To build resilience, embrace challenges and view them as part of the growth process. When you face setbacks, take time to reflect on the lessons and use those experiences as stepping stones. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages you through tough times.
Self-Belief: As a woman in both the competitive world of modeling and the male-dominated tech industry, there were moments when I questioned my abilities. But my confidence in myself has been crucial in achieving success. Whether on the runway, in boardrooms, or as a community leader, self-belief allowed me to take risks, trust my judgment, and show up as my true self.
Advice for others: Cultivate self-belief by focusing on your strengths, celebrating your accomplishments, and being kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. It’s important to remember that you are capable, and that believing in yourself is half the battle. Practice positive self-talk and affirmations to strengthen this mindset.
Continuous Learning: Technology is always evolving, and as a software engineer and entrepreneur, staying ahead means constantly learning. Whether it’s gaining new skills, learning from mistakes, or keeping up with industry trends, the ability to adapt and grow has been essential to my success. I take pride in my curiosity and desire to keep learning and evolving, whether it’s through formal education or hands-on experience.
Advice for others: Embrace lifelong learning by seeking out new experiences, taking courses, attending workshops, or reading about new trends in your field. Stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find mentors who can guide you, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow and think outside the box.
For those early in their journey, I’d say focus on building resilience, trust in your abilities, and never stop learning. The path to success is rarely linear, but with these qualities, you’ll be able to navigate any challenges that come your way and keep moving forward with confidence.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have a number of key people who have played significant roles in helping me overcome challenges and develop the skills and qualities necessary for success.

First, my family—especially my mother—has been a huge source of support. As a mom, entrepreneur, and leader, balancing these roles can be overwhelming at times. My mother’s guidance, encouragement, and unconditional belief in me helped me navigate some of the more difficult moments. She taught me the importance of resilience and staying grounded in my values, no matter what external pressures or challenges I faced.

In my professional journey, mentors have been crucial in helping me grow and excel, particularly in my career as a software engineer and entrepreneur. I’ve had mentors who were leaders in the tech space, and their advice has been invaluable in guiding me through navigating a male-dominated industry, refining my technical skills, and understanding how to succeed as an entrepreneur. They helped me embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and taught me how to lead with confidence.

Additionally, my peers and colleagues in both the tech and modeling industries have played a pivotal role. Whether it was collaborating with other models who inspired me to embrace my uniqueness, or working with talented engineers and entrepreneurs who challenged me to think outside the box, the exchange of ideas and shared experiences with my peers has significantly contributed to my growth.

Lastly, the community I’m a part of—whether it’s through my work as a community leader or with the people I interact with through my entrepreneurial ventures—has been a constant source of inspiration. The people who support and believe in the vision I’m creating have helped me stay motivated, develop new skills, and continuously refine my leadership abilities.

It’s been a combination of these people—my family, mentors, peers, and community—that has shaped who I am today and helped me overcome challenges, build essential skills, and stay focused on my goals. I am deeply grateful for all of them and the role they’ve played in my journey to success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Swethachinnariofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swetha.chinnari
• Linkedin: Swetha chinnari

Image Credits

Raj photography
Hclicks
Amie Hana