In a world where career decisions and mental well-being often get overshadowed by academic scores and societal expectations, one woman is reshaping the narrative — Monalisa Singh, the dynamic founder of Hashtag Counselling. A seasoned professional with over two decades of experience, Monalisa’s journey is a compelling blend of empathy, strategy, and purpose.
Introducing Monalisa Singh: A Multi-Faceted Leader
A full-time mother, passionate writer, and mentor to thousands, Monalisa Singh describes herself first and foremost as a listener. Her ability to empathize and provide rational, timely guidance has positioned her as a trusted voice in the world of psychological and career counselling. Over the years, she has mentored more than 2,500 students, helping them navigate their academic, personal, and emotional journeys with confidence.
The Genesis of Hashtag Counselling
Born out of a powerful personal realization, Hashtag Counselling was founded with the aim of providing a scientific and empathetic approach to guidance. “Many bright, capable individuals lose direction due to a lack of proper guidance,” Monalisa reflects. “I wanted to create a safe, scientific, and empathetic space that bridges that gap.”
Hashtag Counselling offers a range of services, including career fitment analysis, psychometric assessments, emotional well-being support, and customized career mapping. Whether it’s a student unsure about subject choices or a professional seeking a career pivot, Monalisa’s approach combines data-backed insight with deep human understanding.
Educational and Professional Journey
Monalisa’s academic foundation is as diverse as her professional experience. She holds:
- A Master’s in Psychology from IGNOU
- A PG Diploma in Human Resource Management from Symbiosis, Pune
- A Master’s in Commerce from Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University
Additionally, she is internationally certified in Career Counselling by the NCDA and trained in emotional intelligence, psychological counselling, and digital content writing.
Her career began in teaching but evolved toward full-time counselling, leading her to work with a variety of institutions, NGOs, and even on government projects — including a UNICEF-supported initiative in Haryana. As the founder of Hashtag Counselling, she now designs counselling programs, conducts workshops, and fosters partnerships with schools and community organizations.
Areas of Expertise and Essential Skills
Monalisa’s core strengths lie in career counselling, psychological guidance, and emotional intelligence coaching. She has a particular knack for helping individuals align their aspirations with suitable educational or career paths, especially those dealing with low self-esteem or anxiety.
The foundation of her effectiveness, she says, rests on a few key skills:
Empathy, deep listening, non-judgmental thinking, and the ability to decode unspoken concerns. Add to that strong research capabilities and clear communication, and you have a counsellor who is not just insightful but deeply impactful.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hashtag Counselling
Monalisa is now focused on expanding Hashtag Counselling beyond metro cities, with a goal to serve underrepresented communities through collaborations with schools, NGOs, and digital platforms.
One of the most exciting projects in the pipeline is the launch of a student wellness platform that will integrate AI-assisted assessments with human counselling — making expert guidance more accessible and scalable. She’s also working on a podcast and video series focused on parenting, mental health, and student decision-making — aimed at normalizing these essential conversations in mainstream spaces.
Achievements That Inspire
Among her many achievements, one moment that stands out to Monalisa is helping a financially challenged student secure a scholarship to study in Europe — a success story that began with self-doubt and ended in triumph.
Her book, Step Up Your Career Journey, has also earned recognition as a go-to handbook for schools and parents, further reinforcing the value of her work.
Advice to Young Entrepreneurs
Monalisa’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful:
“Prioritize your mental health as much as your pitch decks. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision. Practice mindfulness and be kind to yourself on the bad days — because there will be plenty.”
She emphasizes the importance of building a purpose-driven business: “When your work aligns with your values, it fuels resilience. Success isn’t just about growth charts – it’s about how fulfilled and balanced you feel at the end of each day.”
Monalisa Singh’s journey is a testament to the power of empathy, purpose, and lifelong learning. Through Hashtag Counselling, she continues to inspire a generation to make mindful, informed choices — not just for careers, but for life.
