Member Bzzz Interview: Menaka Iyer
Menaka Iyer
Beacon Member
A brand strategist and connector of ideas and people with a “very colorful career,” Menaka joined the Beacon hive in early 2025.
I’m a(n)…
strategist and connector of ideas and people.
I’m passionate about…
women’s health.
Briefly describe your work.
I work with health and wellness startups to tell their brand story in a way that makes people care and want to be part of it, helping my clients stand out and grow their business. I also make sure teams have the tools they need to keep making smart decisions that strengthen their brand, from writing a single email to launching something entirely new.
What do you love about what you do?
I love sitting at the intersection of business strategy and creative development. It allows me to blend intellectual and intuitive thinking to create solutions that my clients wouldn’t have thought of on their own.
How did you start (your work)?
I’ve had a very colorful career, from working in fashion PR to launching a walking wine tour in Buenos Aires to coordinating big productions at Essence Fest and SXSW to leading the US marketing team at the dating app, Bumble. Having worked so hands-on across the world of marketing has made me a very street-smart strategist vs. one who gets lost in abstract ideas.
Where do you see your work going in the next year… five?
I recently launched a brand marketing collective, called the Vitamin Pack. A small group with varying related talents collaborate to take on larger-scale projects, like complete rebrands, website launches, and brand campaigns. I would love to become well-established among bold health and wellness startups as the go-to team for brand-building.
What do you like best about BEAHIVE?
The office environment may be relaxed, but just under the surface, there are connections waiting to be made. Within the first month, I met some wonderful people and even forged some new business opportunities, partnering on a new client pitch. It all feels completely effortless and intentional at the same time.
What’s your favorite thing about the local community (of whichever hive you’re a member of)?
Easily the variety of small businesses and third spaces that exist in Beacon. You can easily fall into conversations with strangers or run into friends at a coffee shop, wine bar, bookshop, home store, or Beahive. I always leave Main Street feeling restored and inspired.
Anything else you want us to know?
I will never turn down an invitation to grab a coffee and have a chat.
