Hello, Forty!
The Chapter I’m Ready to Own
The Daughter’s Dream
In my 20s, I lived mostly for my parents’ dreams. I had always wanted to study medicine — to heal, to serve — but life steered me toward Textile Engineering, where I discovered a fascination for innovation and functionality in industrial and medical textiles. Even when opportunities arose to pursue medicine through AIIMS, the thought of leaving home felt impossible. My career path shifted again, this time into Information Technology, and pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration transformed me from a rookie trainer into a Business Analyst. Yet, through every twist and turn, curiosity, creativity, and self-expression burned quietly within me — not as a passing spark, but as a steady fire that refused to fade, reminding me there was a life I was truly meant to create..
The Partner’s Promise
At 28, I moved to the United States for my husband’s career, and my professional life came to a pause. Unsure how to spend my time, I turned back to a long-loved passion: photography. My first camera, a gift from my grandfather when I was 18, had ignited a flame that never truly faded. Years later, my husband’s gift of a professional camera felt like an invitation — permission to explore, to see the world through my own lens, and to grow in deeply meaningful ways. During this career break, CreativeLive became my classroom, where I honed my artistry and learned the foundations of building a business. And when the COVID lockdowns brought stillness to the world, they also gave me space — to focus, experiment, and nurture a craft that was slowly transforming into a calling.
Turning Point: Learning From Experience
In my mid-30s, I encountered a situation that left a lasting mark on me — one that reshaped how I approach both life and business. It was a rigid, transactional experience, a moment that could have easily shaken my confidence. Even after I had already invested and made a purchase, words were spoken through a proverb: ‘If a dog could eat what a horse eats, then every home would have a horse,’ leaving me feeling judged rather than respected.
That moment became a turning point — a clear reminder of what I would never allow to take root in myself, my business, or my brand. From that day forward, I made a promise: to build a life and a business grounded not in greed or transactional thinking, but in connection, respect, and authenticity. As the timeless wisdom of the Thirukkural reminds :
“பொருளின் பெருக்கினால் பெருக்கம் உண்டோ, அறத்தின் பெருக்கினால் பெருக்கம் உண்டோ.”
(Does true growth come from material wealth — or from the abundance of virtue?)
Photography and Creativity
Every day, I am reminded of the profound responsibility and privilege of this work. I have built my business into a brand grounded in a philosophy that honors craft, service, and integrity equally. Each session is intentional, meaningful, and deeply personal — yet above all, it reflects the respect, care, and attention I hold for everyone I encounter.
From the very first client who trusted me with rented wardrobe pieces, to those who notice and cherish the subtlest nuances in their images, to anyone who reaches out with a question or simply connects with me — every interaction matters. Every person is honored, valued, and treated with authenticity and care, regardless of whether they book, participate in a model call, or simply inquire. Their time, trust, and stories are gifts that inspire me to approach every frame, every conversation, every experience with intention, heart, and integrity.
This is the essence of my brand: a commitment to respect and honor all who cross my path, because true value isn’t conditional — it’s rooted in connection, empathy, and authenticity.
I am ready. My turn is here - Unapologetically!
Now, at 40, I finally claim my turn. This isn’t about rejecting my past, parents, or partner — I love them deeply. It’s about honoring my love for my family while embracing my passions. Self-love, to me, has always meant adapting with grace, embracing change, and focusing on growth rather than complaining or comparing.
They always say, “Empty vessels make the most noise,” and that “silence speaks louder than words.” Wise counsel, of course — and much of it holds true. Yet there are moments when silence simply won’t suffice, especially as shade is cast, stories are twisted, and false narratives are spun with surprising creativity. In those moments, the world leaves no choice but to speak for yourself, assert your worth, and claim what is rightfully yours.
I celebrate the woman I’ve become:
A cultivator of wisdom, meaningful experiences, and growth for those around me.
A woman who treasures integrity, purpose, and the principles that give life depth and meaning.
A professional who pursues excellence, intention, and ethical practice in everything I create.
A human committed to compassion, authenticity, and uplifting others through action before words.
I also take a moment to sincerely apologize to anyone I may have knowingly or unknowingly hurt along the way. Every choice, every interaction, every decision has been a lesson — and I commit to moving forward with respect, care, and integrity.
This chapter is about visibility — a space I’ve long struggled to claim. I’ve never sought attention, never shouted to be seen. I’ve always connected deeply, spoken meaningfully, but mostly in person. Now, I am learning to show up fully — to present my brand, share my work, and express my values unapologetically.
I am soft and strong, nurturing and creative, vulnerable and powerful — all at once!
