Sarvesh Thamilselvan : A Wizard In Telling Brand Stories To The Right Audience
Sarvesh Thamilselvan
Founder
He founded Desert Hawk, a boutique full-service digital marketing agency that is transforming the way brands communicate by creating and executing tailored, results driven digital marketing strategies. Combining creativity, technical expertise, and strategic insight, the company empowers clients to build their online presence, engage meaningfully with audiences, and achieve measurable business growth.
Sarvesh began his professional journey with a deep interest in ad filmmaking and went on to chisel his technical skills by directing commercials for the biggest of global brands. This experience quickly exposed him to the opportunities and gaps in the digital marketing landscape.
Cut to the present, with a carefully curated team of 25 professionals, Sarvesh is building a purpose driven agency dedicated to connecting brands with their ideal audiences through impactful storytelling at just the right moment, resulting in measurable outcomes. The agency’s expertise is further strengthened by the skills of marketing expert Rahul, who oversees operations at Desert Hawk. We are delighted to engage in an exclusive interview with this Young Turk, wherein he talks about his academic journey, leadership and future.
What are some trans - formative lessons you recall from your time at Loyola College?
The most transformative lesson I gained at Loyola College was realizing that classroom learning alone isn’t enough. Networking, internships, and real-world industry exposure provided invaluable experience beyond books, and my third-year internship became a true turning point in shaping my outlook.
How did these experiences shape your entrepreneurial mindset and business acumen?
My journey has been shaped by many hurdles and learning experiences. After college, I spent five years gaining knowledge and researching market needs before starting Desert Hawk. The initial years were challenging, with little success and over two years to turn profitable. However, those struggles taught me resilience and business acumen, and today I am proud to say we are among the top digital marketing agencies in the country.
How accessible were the faculty, and did you have any memorable interactions with your professors?
The faculty was very accessible and supportive, making it easy to reach out whenever needed. Professors like Bharathi, Susan and Eugene went beyond the curriculum, sharing valuable industry experience and life lessons that prepared us for the real world beyond the classroom. Those teachings remain some of my most impactful memories from college.
What is the most cherished memory from your college days that brings you happiness?
Though I wasn’t a top student, my teachers trusted me and believed in my potential. That faith, despite my struggles with academics, remains one of my happiest and most memorable experiences from college.
How do you engage with the alumni network today?
The most transformative lesson I gained at Loyola College was realizing that classroom learning alone isn’t enough. Networking, internships, and real-world industry exposure provided invaluable experience beyond books, and my third-year internship became a true turning point in shaping my outlook.
How did these experiences shape your entrepreneurial mindset and business acumen?
My journey has been shaped by many hurdles and learning experiences. After college, I spent five years gaining knowledge and researching market needs before starting Desert Hawk. The initial years were challenging, with little success and over two years to turn profitable. However, those struggles taught me resilience and business acumen, and today I am proud to say we are among the top digital marketing agencies in the country.
Growth is meaningful only when the company and its people rise together
How accessible were the faculty, and did you have any memorable interactions with your professors?
The faculty was very accessible and supportive, making it easy to reach out whenever needed. Professors like Bharathi, Susan and Eugene went beyond the curriculum, sharing valuable industry experience and life lessons that prepared us for the real world beyond the classroom. Those teachings remain some of my most impactful memories from college.
What is the most cherished memory from your college days that brings you happiness?
Though I wasn’t a top student, my teachers trusted me and believed in my potential. That faith, despite my struggles with academics, remains one of my happiest and most memorable experiences from college.
How do you engage with the alumni network today?
We maintain active alumni networks through WhatsApp groups, where opportunities and professional support are shared across the country. Our company itself was founded by a group of friends under the banner ‘Desert Hawk,’ which became well recognized through short films and projects. Even today, we continue to collaborate with alumni on various initiatives, keeping that connection strong.
How would you describe your leadership style and the values you follow as a leader?
I believe leadership today is less about salary and more about creating a positive work culture, respect, and belonging. I make it a point to understand my team’s challenges, both professional and personal, and ensure they feel valued. For me, growth is meaningful only when the company and its people rise together.
What is your vision for the next five years?
We began two and a half years ago and are currently the leading agency in our city. Over the next two years, our goal is to become the number one agency in Tamil Nadu and expand across South India within five years. We also plan to open branches in metropolitan cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad while ensuring we maintain the same quality and carefully evaluate every step of our growth.
Sarvesh Thamilselvan, Founder, Desert Hawk
Sarvesh leads Desert Hawk toward transforming brand communication benchmarks, combining creativity, strategy, and technology and delivering impactful digital marketing solutions.
•Hobbies: Air rifle shooting, go kart and board games
•Favorite book: Phantom by Lee Falk
•Favorite Travel Destination: Southern Kerala
•Favorite Cuisine: Cuisines of Tamil Nadu
Awards and Recognition:
•Mommy’s award for the best festive content by mad over marketing
•Rotary awards for contributing toward the marketing of various welfare projects
How would you describe your leadership style and the values you follow as a leader?
I believe leadership today is less about salary and more about creating a positive work culture, respect, and belonging. I make it a point to understand my team’s challenges, both professional and personal, and ensure they feel valued. For me, growth is meaningful only when the company and its people rise together.
What is your vision for the next five years?
We began two and a half years ago and are currently the leading agency in our city. Over the next two years, our goal is to become the number one agency in Tamil Nadu and expand across South India within five years. We also plan to open branches in metropolitan cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad while ensuring we maintain the same quality and carefully evaluate every step of our growth.
Sarvesh Thamilselvan, Founder, Desert Hawk
Sarvesh leads Desert Hawk toward transforming brand communication benchmarks, combining creativity, strategy, and technology and delivering impactful digital marketing solutions.
•Hobbies: Air rifle shooting, go kart and board games
•Favorite book: Phantom by Lee Falk
•Favorite Travel Destination: Southern Kerala
•Favorite Cuisine: Cuisines of Tamil Nadu
Awards and Recognition:
•Mommy’s award for the best festive content by mad over marketing
•Rotary awards for contributing toward the marketing of various welfare projects