19 Questions With Priyanka Murthy
by The Candidly Team
This article is part of our series called "People We Like," in which we highlight interesting women, across all walks of life.
Leaders, great cooks, doctors, parents, writers; people who inspire us.
Today, we’re highlighting Priyanka Murthy, lawyer, mother, and CEO of Access79, an online styling service that allows customers to try on fine jewelry, in the comfort of their own homes, before buying. Smart.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. What’s your most compelling quality?
I practice candor in all facets of my life – professional and personal, and I am able to be candid and clear about what I think and want while still being kind and respectful. People often describe it as “refreshing.”
2. What’s your worst quality, according to your friends?
I am impatient and do things too fast – walk fast, talk fast, act fast, think fast—and I get frustrated when people can’t keep up. I need to slow down.
3. What’s an overrated value you don’t buy into?
That a first impression is the most accurate impression of a person, place, or thing. Just not true.
4. How do you feel about cilantro?
Ew.
5. Are essential oils anything?
They seem to be having a moment and I would like to jump on the bandwagon. I like Eucalyptus oil and am searching for a good version of it.
6. What's the most effective beauty trick you know?
The old Indian tradition of using hot oil in your hair to reduce breakage and strengthen.
7. How do you get your self-esteem?
By engaging with friends and colleagues about topics that mutually interest us and getting into a dialogue with them. I always feel energized after having a great conversation with someone about a meaningful topic.
8. What meal can you make the hell out of?
Squid ink pasta. I had the best ever in Split, Croatia back in 2007. I’ve been obsessed ever since and have perfected the recipe.
9. What’s your favorite item of clothing you own?
Spanx Black Faux Moto Leggings.
10. How do you handle conflict?
Like most people, I don’t enjoy conflict, but I’m better at handling it than most— my years of training as a litigator prepared me for it. I confront it head on and address it immediately.
11. What idea has really challenged you in the last year?
Work-life-balance. I do not think it exists for an entrepreneur and parent whose partner has an equally demanding career. I’m trying to find a different framework that will keep me happy and sane.
12. Who is the most interesting person in the zeitgeist right now?
Reese Witherspoon. She is doing so much in film, TV, fashion, and startups.
13. What Insta account speaks to you deeply?
The Lincoln Project. They are badasses who intelligently and wittily call out leaders who are (at the most basic level) not doing right by our country.
14. What quote or phrase has stayed with you?
“Speak what you think now in hard words, and tomorrow speak what tomorrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict everything you said today.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
15. What’s your favorite movie from the last ten years?
BlacKkKlansman.
16. What’s the most delicious bite of food you’ve ever had?
Shish Kebab at a restaurant called Dhaba by Claridges in New Delhi, India.
17. Is social media ruining our brains?
Sigh. Yes. There is a benefit to social media – e.g. a platform for creators and a way to keep in touch with friends and family.
However, the costs are outweighing the benefits. We are unable to discern fact from fiction and are being exploited by the main stakeholders.
18. Describe your actual bedtime routine.
I talk to my husband about our 4 year old son right before going to bed. It’s like a ritual – we note all the little quirks and things about him from that day. Then I watch some re-run episodes of Frasier and sleep.
19. What’s your relationship with bangs?
It’s akin to a yo-yo diet. I go back and forth – some years I am all about them, and then some I am like, “yuck, no bangs.” In spite of being exceedingly decisive on most things, here I am unable to decide!
What is your single favorite:
Wellness product that *actually* works: Molton Brown Eucalyptus Body Polisher.
Lip balm: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
Jeans brand: Agolde.
Mascara: My new year’s “self-care” resolution is to lengthen my lashes because they are woefully short. So I am not wearing mascara, but instead using Rodan and Fields Lash Boost.
Sweats: Carbon38.
Effective “lady” product: Tampax Pearl Tampons.
Last minute gift: Cash.
Bra: T-Shirt bra from ThirdLove.
Shampoo: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo.
Comfortable shoes: Lucchese cowboy boots are so so so comfortable, especially during winter.
Splurge skincare: Zo Skin Health Texture Repair.
Drugstore skincare: I don’t buy skincare at drugstores. I do buy Almay black eyeliner. Does that count?
Everyday bag: Deauville Tote from CHANEL.
Guilty-pleasure TV show: The Hart of Dixie (please don’t judge me, it’s so bad it’s good).
Drink: My dad makes Casamigos Mezcal Margaritas. They’re the best.
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