Interview by The Success Today
Could you tell us about yourself and your work?
Hi! My name is Aksheyaa Akilan.
I am a mental health professional, social entrepreneur, and neurodivergent individual with a deep personal connection to my work. Growing up with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, I experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating education and professional spaces without adequate support.
My struggles with mental health led me to a path of advocacy, ensuring that others receive the resources and understanding I lacked.
To bridge these gaps, I founded the House of Hibiscus, an umbrella organization with three key initiatives: Hibiscus Foundation for Social Welfare, a non-profit working on mental health, gender equality, climate action, and human rights; Hibiscus Counselling, which provides accessible therapy and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP); and Hibiscus Connect, a digital platform supporting mental health professionals with practice management tools.
My work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Through my engagement with the United Nations, WHO FIDES, and global advocacy platforms, I continue working toward systemic change, ensuring mental health is prioritized in policies and institutions worldwide.
How are you and your services are helping society?
Mental health is often overlooked, especially in marginalized communities. Through Hibiscus Counselling, we provide therapy and corporate mental health programs, ensuring emotional well-being is accessible and stigma-free. Our low-cost and pro-bono therapy services reach those who may not otherwise have access to professional support.
With Hibiscus Connect, we empower mental health professionals by offering digital tools for practice management, making mental health services more efficient and widely available. This platform fosters a strong network of therapists, encouraging knowledge-sharing and collaboration. We also offer courses to budding therapists, facilitating sessions with practical skills that bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Through Hibiscus Foundation, we conduct mental health sensitization and awareness programs in schools, workplaces, and underserved communities. We advocate for gender inclusivity in mental health spaces, acknowledging the intersectionality of mental well-being, gender identity, and societal norms. We understand the power of communities and consistently organise events like the Indian Mental Health Youth Summit that brought together professionals and youth and played a key role in starting important conversations around mental health, policies, and systemic marginality. Our work is deeply rooted in empathy, ensuring that the people we serve feel seen, heard, and supported in their mental health journeys.
What is the USP of your work?
Our core philosophy is that people are at the center of everything we do. Unlike many mental health initiatives that focus solely on clinical treatment, we take a holistic and inclusive approach that recognizes the social, cultural, and economic factors affecting mental well-being.
We actively challenge outdated models of therapy by integrating intersectional, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive approaches. Our services are designed for accessibility, ensuring that therapy and mental health resources reach the most vulnerable and underserved communities.
Moreover, we are one of the few organizations that support both clients and mental health professionals. Hibiscus Counselling ensures individuals receive quality therapy, while Hibiscus Connect empowers therapists with tools to grow and manage their practice.
In a world where mental health is often commodified, our USP lies in genuine care, community-building, and systemic change. We are not just service providers—we are advocates, changemakers, and supporters of a more inclusive and empathetic world.
What are your Vision and Mission?
Our vision is to create a world where mental health is not a privilege but a fundamental right—where everyone, regardless of gender, neurodivergence, or socioeconomic background, has access to compassionate and inclusive mental health care.
Our mission is to increase accessibility to mental health services through affordable therapy, workplace programs, and digital platforms.
Bridge the gap between mental health professionals and the people who need them.
Challenge stigma through awareness, education, and community-driven initiatives.
Advocate for policy changes that make mental health a priority at institutional and governmental levels.
Empower therapists and professionals with tools and networks that enable them to thrive in their practice.
At the heart of it all, we want to normalize mental health conversations, ensuring no one feels alone in their struggles.
What are your achievements in this industry?
My work has been recognized on global platforms, including the United Nations and WHO FIDES, where I have contributed to discussions on mental health, disability rights, and social inclusion.
Through House of Hibiscus, we have:
Impacted over 200,000 individuals through mental health awareness programs.
Provided therapy for 2,000+ marginalized individuals.
Built a network of 5,000+ mental health professionals through Hibiscus Connect.
Hosted the Indian Mental Health Youth Summit, creating a platform for young voices in mental health advocacy.
Conducted corporate mental health workshops for leading companies, ensuring employee well-being is prioritized.
Every milestone reinforces our mission—to make mental health care accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.
Does your work ever feel tedious to you? If so, how do you stay driven and motivated?
Mental health advocacy is deeply fulfilling but also emotionally demanding. Hearing people’s struggles, navigating systemic barriers, and constantly pushing for change can be exhausting. However, I remind myself why I started—because I know what it’s like to feel unheard, unseen, and unsupported.
What keeps me going is the impact we create—when someone tells me therapy helped them find hope again, when a therapist finds stability in their practice, or when a corporate leader implements a mental health policy after our sessions.
I also prioritize my own well-being. I set boundaries, take time off when needed, and engage in activities that help me recharge. I have an incredible team and support system, and that collective energy keeps the mission alive.
At the end of the day, I believe in intentional, sustainable work—pushing forward but also knowing when to pause.
What are your hobbies and specific interests other than your profession?
Outside of work, I find solace in swimming and trekking. Both activities give me a sense of freedom and clarity—whether it’s the rhythmic motion of water or the quiet stillness of nature.
I also enjoy creative storytelling. Storytelling is a powerful tool, and I often integrate it into my advocacy work. I also engage in painting and other crafts related things.
Another passion of mine is community-building—not just professionally but in my personal life. I love creating safe spaces for meaningful conversations, whether through casual meetups, book clubs, or creative discussions.
These interests help me maintain balance, ensuring I don’t lose myself in the intensity of my work.
You have achieved so much in life. Any specific advice you’d like to share with our readers to grow in life?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that intent matters more than anything else. Success is often romanticized as external achievements, but what truly sustains us is why we do what we do.
Find your purpose—something that aligns with your values and brings you fulfillment. Don’t chase success purely for validation; chase impact, meaning, and authenticity.
Also, embrace failure. Every setback is a stepping stone, and growth comes from discomfort. The most transformative moments in my journey were when things didn’t go as planned, but I adapted, learned, and kept moving forward.
And finally, take care of yourself. Burnout doesn’t serve anyone. Rest is productive. Joy is necessary. Your well-being is just as important as the work you do.
Keep going, stay intentional, and never underestimate the power of your voice
linkedin @Aksheyaa Akilan
Instagram @aksheyaa.akilan
website https://www.aksheyaaakilan.com/
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