I was born in India and came here when I was around 4 years old. I lived in a home with an alcoholic and emotionally unavailable father, my mother raised my brothers and I while she worked the graveyard shift. We were extremely poor growing up and shopped at secondhand stores and clothing depots. We struggled but I had to take responsibility quickly since my mom was working nights. I became the mediator in the family because I didn’t want to upset my father who already had extreme anger issues along with his excessive drinking.
I lived through a difficult marriage for many years and finally decided to leave with my year old daughter after a domestic violent household. My extended family turned their backs on me and talked about me and so did members of our community. I prevailed though. I fought back and went back to school to get my MBA. Ran a successful restaurant the entire community frequented and was in several dozen magazines, newspapers, articles, tv shows, museums, books, and started various non profits, community festivals, and served on the boards and organizations.
I raised my daughter on my own with the help of my parents and proved a single Indian woman can still accomplish anything on her own despite what the community thinks.
I’ve been through financial hardships, health struggles, relationship difficulties yet I’ve persevered and stayed on top. I know what it’s like to feel when you’ve hit rock bottom but mindset is everything. No one can propel you to move forward except for your thoughts and self talk. We are all worthy of our desires regardless of what reality currently shows us today. Be bold and be strong.