#LifeLessons - Vaishali Shah

NAME: Vaishali Shah

INSTAGRAM HANDLE:

www.instagram.com/CREATIVEIDSOCIAL

www.instagram.com/ANANYACARDS

JOB TITLE: FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR - Creative ID & Ananya Cards

Vaishali is an international, award-winning entrepreneur, running two successful brands and celebrating her 25th year in business in 2025. With Creative ID, a branding and marketing consultancy, and Ananya Cards, a luxury wedding and event stationery business, Vaishali combines an exquisite attention to detail and her vast international experience to create beautiful branding and memorable touch points that cultivate loyalty, achieve sustainable growth, and build inspirational solutions that captivate the target audience and clients.

Vaishali's commitment to positive impact is evident in both her client work and her philanthropic endeavours, donating 10% of profits to charity and having served as an advisor for several charities worldwide.

Vaishali uses her 25-year marketing background, real-life experience and in-depth knowledge of different cultures to support businesses internationally, many from the food, hospitality and lifestyle sectors. Clients range from Michelin star chefs and international hotel chains to business coaches and interior designers all of whom benefit from her strategic guidance and creative vision.

For the last 19 years, Ananya Cards, has created sophisticated wedding and event stationery for celebrations rich in personality and culture.

Vaishali is regularly called upon for industry comment, speaking engagements, and features in global publications, blogs, and media, including Forbes, BBC, Huffington Post and The Sunday Times.

Today Vaishali shares with us her 3 biggest life learnings:

#LIFELESSON – 1 - Give to Grow

One of the most important lessons I've learned is the power of giving back. Since starting my business 25 years ago, I’ve proudly served as an advisor to several charities worldwide, and from day one, I committed to giving 10% of my profits to worthwhile causes.

Building a business isn’t just about striving for profit - it’s about creating something meaningful that allows us to give back and make the world around us a little better. Success is not only measured by financial growth but also by the positive impact we create in our communities.

‘Give to Grow’ reflects my belief that generosity - whether through time, resources, or support - unlocks new avenues for both personal and professional growth. When we give, we build meaningful connections, encourage learning, and create opportunities beyond ourselves.

I’m deeply grateful to my clients for their trust and support. Together, we’re trying to create a positive impact in the world. Every act of giving, no matter how small, has the power to make a difference in lives and businesses alike. When we give, we grow - beyond numbers and profits - into something far greater.

#LIFELESSON – 2 - Embracing Diversity

Travelling for both work and pleasure has profoundly shaped my worldview. Living and working in diverse locations like London, Jersey, Paris, and now Dubai has opened my eyes to fresh ideas and perspectives that are key in today's global business landscape. Each city has offered unique experiences and insights, enriching my understanding of how different environments influence personal growth and cultural appreciation. My time in these places has provided me with a broader lens through which to view the world, as I’ve engaged with people from various backgrounds and traditions.

In our interconnected world, embracing different cultures and ideas can lead to innovative solutions. An international mindset promotes open-mindedness and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment. With a multicultural team that speaks eight languages between us, I see firsthand the power of collaboration. Everyone brings unique experiences and cultural reference points, which sparks better ideas. By valuing diversity, we cultivate a workplace that thrives on creativity and inclusivity, ultimately driving success and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best.

#LIFELESSON – 3 - Make Things Happen

As someone who tends to be more introverted, I've learned the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone to achieve success. I can’t simply wait for opportunities to come to me; I must actively seek them out. Making things happen requires visibility and a willingness to put myself out there. It’s about taking initiative, networking, and embracing challenges head-on, even when it feels uncomfortable.

The freedom of owning my own business has empowered me to run it in a way that I’m proud of. This lesson has not only shaped my entrepreneurial journey but also helped me cultivate genuine connections and seize opportunities that I once thought were beyond my reach. Each interaction is a chance to learn and grow.

By embracing this proactive approach, I’ve seized opportunities I once thought were beyond my reach, from speaking at events to media opportunities. I hope that others can find confidence in my experience; if I can step outside my comfort zone and make things happen, they can too.