“I spent my childhood in Muscat. When I turned 18, I moved to India for college, seeking a variety of courses unavailable in Oman. Chennai, where my grandparents lived, became my new home. The city was foreign to me, and language was a barrier, but my grandparents’ home offered a sense of security.

I enrolled in a Travel and Tourism course. College life was a bit challenging as everything was new, but despite all that, I passed out as the Univerity Gold Medalist. But soon after graduation, my grandparents passed away by the time I graduated, leaving me feeling incomplete and lost. My sister urged me to come to Dubai to find a job, and soon after, I got married, which was a typical arranged marriage. We settled in Abu Dhabi, where I worked for top corporations. However, after seven years, my marriage ended mutually, and I moved back to Chennai, starting anew.

I came to Chennai with a job in 2019, but soon after COVID-19 struck, my job dwindled, and my salary was insufficient. During my time in Abu Dhabi, I baked for family and friends. Inspired, I decided to turn my baking hobby into a business. It was daunting at first, but in early 2021, I launched “My Baking Chapter.” Despite initial fears and struggles about the place, the kind of market, etc., I never felt out of place in Chennai.

A severe skin condition hit me hard, affecting my business and personal life. Feeling stuck, I began therapy in 2023, seeking professional help. Consistent therapy sessions helped me understand myself better, and gradually, my skin improved along with my outlook on life.

Despite being on steroids and medications that only slowed the condition’s spread, there’s always a will-power that is required to cope up with the physical journey. During all these times, my healing journey continued. I started creating cakes with affirmations, a unique touch that resonated with my customers. Baking became not just a business but a form of creative expression and healing for me.

I’m still taking up therapy, and the process of healing happens every single day. When I look back on all that has happened, I see it as my biggest learning, and I see how I have reclaimed my power in every situation thrown at me. Life happens for you and not to you!

There will always be ups and downs in life, but it’s how you see them and react to every situation that counts. And I think I have done a good job so far, like you!”