What do you remember the most from your childhood? Is there any special memory you’d like to share?

My fondest memories are times spent with my parents who encouraged me to try new things and always taught me to follow my heart. I remember visiting museums and art galleries with them and that is where my love for handmade and beautiful things stems from. My father introduced me to the world of Art and would patiently explain the significance of the artifacts in the museum or the story behind the artisan or artist who created something beautiful. It inspired me greatly and instilled the seed of wanting to encourage artisans and craftsmen very early on.

My mother would encourage me to explore my sense of fashion and would teach me about all the beautiful weaves and fabrics of India, I remember waiting for days when I could peep into her wardrobe to touch and feel her beautiful collection of sarees and designer clothing.

Growing up, what were those habits that made you the person that you are today?

I was always encouraged to share my ideas, thoughts, and opinions even as a child. My parents were more like friends to us growing up and encouraged us to read and reason. They were also very passionate about art and handmade products and even as a child I was more appreciative of things made by people and the slow lifestyle. We were taught to respect all around us and especially those who were makers, I think all of these have led me to become an open-minded, individual with a love for the slow life and all things artisanal.

What would you like to share about your family, your bond with them, how do you stay together despite the busy lives we live?

The pandemic has been an eye-opener for me. It has made me appreciate the time spent with them and even though I haven’t met them much in the past year technology has brought us closer than ever before. I am extremely close to my parents but this year has brought me closer to my in-laws as well and made us all cherish the bond we share. My strongest and newest bond is with my little girl, she is my muse and also has been a source of pure joy and hope through the pandemic, and spending time reading to her or doing fun activities with her is the best part of my day.

Where do you draw your strengths from? Who or what are the biggest inspirations of your life?

The 2 men in my life are my biggest sources of inspiration - my father for his vision and passion for the fine things in life and my husband for his hard work and perseverance. My little girl is also my muse, I want to teach her by setting an example for her so I do what think she should see and learn from. I draw strength from my family and of course from my dream to make a difference to the way we all live and shop.

What is your formula of balancing your work and personal lives and being an ace in both?

I learn every day. Being married to a workaholic helps me focus on my work as well. However, we leave all work at work and focus on our time together once we are home. Sundays are sacrosanct for us and we spend the day with our little girl and do fun activities with her. The pandemic has taught me to juggle work and home life well, especially as a new mother. However, adjustment and accommodation from all members is the only way to go!

What disparity do you still see on the gender front at the workplace?

Even though things are changing and the gap is closing in, I feel that we need a more inclusive environment. I have been fortunate enough to not have experienced any disparity firsthand.

If you would be given the superpower for one day to do something for Women, what would be that?

Oh, there are so many things that come to my mind. I think motherhood has upped my appreciation for women a whole notch. One of the things I would like to do is instill self-love and a little selfishness in women, something they tend to forget as wives and mothers. I have been guilty of this off late and no matter how successful or hardworking you are at home or work, self-love is the key to happiness too. Women tend to feel they need validation all the time but that is not the case or at least I would want the superpower to show them how amazing they are, multitasking and creating so much joy around them.

What is the happiest moment of your life that you’d like to share?

I think holding my baby girl for the first time, and every time since is the most amazing and special moment in my life. Nothing comes close to it. It has been the most rewarding and fulfilling moment and experience for me.

What was the biggest setback in your life and how did you overcome it?

A few years ago I was faced with immense stress and pressure at work and I had to make a very big decision that would have a huge impact on my efforts of almost five years of work and of course a huge financial loss as well. However, since it was my ethical code in question, I took that decision and left the rest to my destiny. I believe that nothing is more important than being able to sleep peacefully at the end of a day knowing you have done the right things and done the best you could in a situation.

I took the learnings of those years and used them to found a consultancy to help women entrepreneurs and social enterprises and that has been one of the best decisions I could have made.

Share any initiative/s you have taken to empower other women if any?

A Charmed Life was founded as a consultancy to help women entrepreneurs and social enterprises helping women and artisans. Dedicating my time and efforts to helping and empowering women trying to live their dreams is what I do on a daily basis. It motivates me when I see the impact even small changes and efforts can make on the lives of women we work with. Whether working as a consultant for a social enterprise employing over 4000+ rural women artisans or supporting women-led businesses by creating a marketplace for them, my day is dedicated towards supporting and empowering women around me. A Charmed Life also Chai + Sing + Rainbows a small non-profit started to support and educate women who lost their jobs as domestic help during the pandemic. We teach them how to stitch hair accessories from fabric waste and help them market and sell the products in India.

Define in your own words - #WorkingWomenWonders

Women can do it all and do it better if they put their heart and mind to it.

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