Meet Twinkle Mohan | Creative Product Designer Shaping Meaningful Experiences

We had the good fortune of connecting with Twinkle Mohan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Twinkle, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to reflect someone who dreamed big but stayed rooted in authenticity and humility. I hope to achieve meaningful things that create value and inspire others to believe in their own potential.

More than anything, I want people to remember how I made them feel—motivated, encouraged, and seen. Whether through my actions, my words, or my work, I hope to leave behind a sense of belief: belief in themselves, belief in their dreams, and belief that they can go after the life they truly want.

If even one person says, ‘Because of her, I found the courage to take a chance on myself,’ then I’ll know I’ve left a legacy worth remembering.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art, in the form of design, is driven by a deep passion for creating meaningful, user-centered experiences. As a UX designer, what sets me apart is my commitment to not just the visual aesthetics of a product, but the entire experience behind it. I’m fascinated by human behavior and constantly look for ways to merge creativity with functionality to solve real-world problems. My designs aim to make people’s lives easier and more enjoyable while addressing their needs and emotions.

I’m most proud of the fact that my work goes beyond just solving design challenges; it’s about crafting solutions that leave a lasting impact on people. Whether it’s through a small interface change or a major redesign, my goal is always to create something that truly adds value. The excitement comes from seeing an idea transform into something tangible that can be used by others to improve their everyday lives.

My journey to where I am today has been anything but easy. Moving from India to the US six years ago was a leap into the unknown, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I had to adapt to a new culture, a new professional environment, and often felt out of place. But that sense of being an outsider pushed me to work harder, grow faster, and constantly challenge myself. Balancing a full-time job while pursuing my studies and working on a new portfolio of projects has been a tough but rewarding experience. There have been late nights, sacrifices, and moments of doubt, but I’ve learned that resilience is key. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow, and I’ve come to realize that the hard work is just as important as the end result.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that ambition, while important, must be grounded in authenticity. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing external validation, but true success comes from staying true to yourself and your values. I’ve also learned that the journey is just as valuable as the destination, and every step I take, no matter how small, brings me closer to achieving my dreams.

What I want the world to know about me is that I’m not just a designer—I’m someone who is passionate about making a difference. I’m constantly striving to create impactful, user-centered designs that solve real problems. My story is about the hustle, the growth, and the determination to achieve big things, while remaining true to my roots and values. I’ve got a long way to go to reach my ultimate goals, but I’m enjoying every bit of this journey, knowing that every challenge along the way is part of what will make my story meaningful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting New York, I’d want to show her the city through my eyes—full of cozy spots, unforgettable views, and incredible food. We’d start our mornings at Bluestone Coffee for breakfast, because their coffee is amazing and the perfect way to kick off a day. After that, we’d take a peaceful walk through Liberty State Park, where the views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline are always breathtaking. It’s one of those places where I can just relax and take it all in.

For brunch, I’d take her to Sam Am, a small but wonderful coffee shop where the food and vibe are perfect. It’s one of my favorite places to grab a bite and start the day in the city. We’d then head to the One Vanderbilt observatory for a stunning bird’s-eye view of New York. After soaking in the skyline, we’d stroll along the High Line, grab a snack at Chelsea Market, and stop by Starbucks Reserve for a treat—especially their tiramisu, which I can’t resist.

On another day, I’d take her to Central Park, my go-to spot to unwind and enjoy the city’s natural beauty. For lunch, we’d check out Beyond Sushi for some unique, plant-based bites, or head over to Shukette for delicious Mediterranean flavors. From there, we’d head to Dumbo to enjoy the beautiful views of the Manhattan Bridge. For dinner, we’d indulge in pizza at Lucali’s, which I truly believe is the best in the city.

The next day, I’d take her to Exchange Place Waterfront and Hoboken Waterfront in New Jersey for incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. We’d hop on a ferry to explore the World Trade Center area, and later grab dinner at Indian Accent for modern Indian cuisine or Semma for more traditional dishes. If we’re craving Italian, L’Artusi would be the spot for mouthwatering pasta.

During the winter, I’d definitely take her to the Bryant Park Winter Village Festival. The lights, the food, and the overall festive vibe are something I look forward to every year. We’d also visit Overstory, a rooftop restaurant on the 64th floor that offers stunning views of the city. And to top it all off, we’d check out Battery Park Field and Washington Square Park, both of which are such iconic spots with their own unique energy.

One of my personal favorites is a Georgian restaurant called Chama Mama, where the food is deliciously rich with flavors that remind me of home. It’s definitely a place I’d love to share with my friend for an authentic, heartwarming meal.

And, of course, no trip to New York would be complete without a night of jazz! I’d take my friend to one of the city’s legendary jazz clubs for an amazing live performance. The music, the atmosphere, and the energy of a jazz night are unmatched, and it would be the perfect way to cap off our week of exploration.

This itinerary would give my best friend a real taste of what makes New York so special to me—the perfect mix of quiet moments, breathtaking views, incredible meals, and unforgettable experiences. It’s all about enjoying the little things in the hustle and bustle of this amazing city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible people who’ve been with me through thick and thin—my family, friends, and mentors. Their support has meant everything to me, especially during the moments when I’ve questioned myself or felt stuck. The encouragement from those who truly believe in me has been a guiding light, helping me push forward and grow.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the books and thinkers who’ve inspired me along the way. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg opened my eyes to the importance of leaning into leadership and balancing ambition with personal fulfillment. Tim Brown’s work at IDEO has encouraged me to see design not just as a profession, but as a way to create lasting, meaningful change. All of these influences, combined with the love and guidance of the amazing people in my life, have been pivotal in shaping who I am and where I’m headed.

Website: https://www.twinklemohan.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/twinklemohan/

Image Credits

Victor Hilitski