Opening Doorz

By Aashvi Attal | Opening Doorz Editorial | June 10, 2026

The 'Deniese Pereira Career Paths' story challenges the idea that success comes from following a single, predetermined route. At just 23, she has embraced diverse experiences across football coaching, fitness, hairdressing, and startups, proving that curiosity and adaptability can be powerful guides in building a fulfilling career.

In an age when many young people are encouraged to specialise in a single field, Deniese Pereira’s story offers a contrasting perspective. At just 23 years old, she has already explored a wide range of occupations, including football coaching, fitness training, hairdressing, marketing, and even startup ventures. She approaches each role with enthusiasm and a desire to learn.

Along the way, Deniese has gained valuable insights into the importance of discipline, leadership, and building meaningful relationships. Her journey also reflects a growing trend among young people who are redefining success by pursuing unconventional career paths rather than following traditional expectations.

For university students and young adults planning their futures, Deniese’s story offers an important lesson. Success is not always the result of a carefully mapped-out plan; sometimes it emerges through exploration, adaptability, and the willingness to discover opportunities along the way.

Opening Doorz to Deniese Pereira and her unconventional path to success.

Excerpts

You’ve worked in a lot of different areas, from football coaching and fitness to hairdressing and start-ups. What made you want to explore so many different paths instead of sticking to just one?

I’ve always been naturally curious. Whenever I discover something new, I want to understand it and experience it firsthand. Doing the same thing every day doesn’t excite me. Whether it’s coaching, hairdressing, or working with startups, each experience teaches me something different. I genuinely enjoy all of them, and having that variety keeps me motivated and constantly learning.

What attracted you to the start-up world?

It happened quite naturally through conversations and connections. One opportunity came from meeting a parent of a player I coached, while the other developed through my existing work in sports. What excites me most about start-ups is the opportunity to contribute across different areas. On any given day, you might be involved in marketing, operations, strategy, or customer engagement. That variety keeps things interesting and allows me to learn constantly.

Can you tell us about the start-ups you’re currently involved with?

I’m currently working with two organisations. One is ShowUp, a fitness-focused app and community platform, and the other is Liga, a sports academy where I coach and assist with marketing. Both roles allow me to combine my interests in sports, fitness, and working with people.

Was there a particular moment when you realised you wanted to create your own path rather than simply following the societal norm of getting a degree and acquiring a job?

There wasn’t one specific moment. Growing up, I watched my parents build their own journey, especially my dad, who took risks and followed his passion. Observing him made me realise there isn’t just one path to success. My parents encouraged me to pursue my own path, and that gave me the confidence to explore different opportunities and create my own direction.

Growing up with a father, Savio John Pereira, who has built a successful business, what are some important lessons you’ve learned from watching his journey?

The biggest lesson is that success takes time. People often see the result but not the years of hard work, setbacks, and rejection behind it. I’ve also learned the importance of having a strong support system and believing in your vision. Passion and consistency are what keep you going when things get difficult.

Many people might have expected you to join the family business right away. What made you decide to gain experience in other industries first?

I wanted to challenge myself outside my comfort zone. Working with family is great, but I felt I needed to prove myself independently and understand the value I could bring to other organisations. Building confidence through outside experiences will ultimately help me contribute more meaningfully to the family business as well.

What has been one of the biggest setbacks you’ve faced so far, and what did it teach you?

One of the biggest challenges has been dealing with uncertainty and not always knowing whether I was making the right decision. When you choose a less conventional path, there’s often no clear roadmap. There have been moments when things didn’t work out as planned or when I questioned my choices. Those experiences taught me to be tough and the importance of trusting the process. I’ve learned that setbacks are not failures; they’re opportunities to grow and gain clarity.

Many young people feel pressure to have their entire future figured out by the time they leave school or college. Have you ever felt that pressure, and how did you deal with it?

Absolutely. There were times when I looked around and saw people following more traditional paths, and I wondered if I should be doing the same. But over time, I realised that everyone’s journey is different. Instead of comparing myself to others, I focused on exploring opportunities that genuinely interested me. That shift in mindset helped me embrace my own pace and trust that I was moving in the right direction.

You started coaching football and fitness at a fairly young age. What was it like taking on a leadership role while you were still quite young yourself?

It started during COVID when I was allowed to coach online. I quickly realised how much I enjoyed working with young athletes. Coaching taught me responsibility, communication, and leadership. It was also rewarding to earn my own income while doing something I loved.

As a coach, what qualities do you think matter more than talent when it comes to succeeding in sports?

Discipline is probably the most important. Talent can only take you so far if you’re not willing to show up consistently. Having the right attitude, respecting your coaches, and being dependable are equally important. In team sports, especially, people rely on you, so commitment and character make a huge difference.

What has been one of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced while coaching young athletes?

Recently, a player I’d coached for three years moved abroad. On her last day, she gave me a heartfelt goodbye, and it made me realise the impact I had on her journey. Moments like that remind me that coaching is much more than sports—it’s about building meaningful connections.

When young athletes face setbacks or lose confidence, how do you help them stay motivated and believe in themselves again?

I draw from my own experiences as a player. I’ve faced challenges, taken breaks from the game, and struggled with confidence, too. I always tell my athletes to allow themselves to feel disappointed, but to remember that setbacks are temporary. Growth comes from pushing through difficult moments, not avoiding them.

School sports in India are growing, but there are still challenges. What changes would you like to see, especially for young girls who want to get involved in sports?

I’d love to see stronger support systems from schools and families, along with more opportunities for girls to participate. Having more female coaches can also make a big difference because young athletes often feel more comfortable and understood. Progress is happening, but there’s still plenty of room for growth.

Hairdressing and football coaching seem like completely different worlds. Were there any skills you learned in one that surprisingly helped you in the other?

Absolutely. Both roles require understanding people. Whether someone is sitting in a salon chair or joining a training session, being able to read their mood and communicate accordingly is important. Learning how to make people feel comfortable and understood has helped me in both environments.

What did working in a salon teach you about understanding people and building strong relationships with them?

It taught me that trust is everything. When someone sits in your chair, they’re placing confidence in you. I’ve also learned that simple conversations can lead to meaningful connections. My dad always taught me the importance of talking to people because you never know where a genuine conversation might lead.

You’re only 23, but you’ve already explored several careers and industries. What advice would you give to high school students who are still trying to figure out what they want to do in the future?

Don’t panic if you don’t have everything figured out yet. Most people are still discovering themselves well into adulthood. If something genuinely interests you, permit yourself to explore it. There are more opportunities today than ever before, especially in emerging industries and startups. Stay curious, work hard, and remain open to new experiences. Sometimes you discover your future not by following a fixed plan, but by being willing to explore different possibilities.

All Images: Deniese Pereira

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