Story of Entrepreneur Prati Bhatt

Meet our featured beauty with brains Prati Bhatt, an entrepreneur based in Perth, Western Australia. She is the founder of Teaphoria – Experience Ancient India and Native Australia in one blissful bespoke cup of tea (http://www.teaphoria.com.au). Here is her story:

“I am Prati, founder and tea developer at Teaphoria. I was blessed to be trained by one of the finest tea masters of India about a few years ago. While I was on that journey little did I know that it was going to turn into a burning passion that will burn inside me forever creating waves inside and outside.

My tea master was in his 80s and wanted to train a student. I happened to be a hungry student who wanted to absorb it all and there was a perfect match. I did not manifest it, but life unfolded itself in front of me. I always had a passion for great quality tea and perhaps that passion led me to where I was in that very moment.

A decision that changed it all – It was one regular afternoon when the life changing decision had to be taken. I was married into a very abusive relationship, living in Melbourne. Melbourne had become a living hell and my husband had plans of his own that would not align with any of my dreams. Neither did he have plans to try and align them at some point.

I knew that if I had to become who I truly was then I had to decide although there was little hope since my tea master had passed away and I did not know my next move. I thought that maybe a trip to India would clear things out and I started looking for sustainable tea farms to visit. I landed on a site which was going to shape the next few years of my life.

I saw this old man who was running the legacy of Sustainable farming in India and he walked everywhere in India on foot, trying to change the way we “Think”, “Dream” and “Breathe” the world. I was immediately attracted to that cause, so I picked up my phone and called the person in the picture.

A journey of life in the foothills of Himalayas –

The conversation on the call went like this: “Hi I am Prati, I love what you do and…….” Him on the other side – “Thank you for calling me but I don’t want to hear anything you have to say if you are a million miles away in your comfortable home in Melbourne. You have to come to India on the 6th Jan and sumit at the foothills of Himalayas”. He hung up and I was stunned. Next thing, I booked a ticket without any thoughts and started my journey towards the Himalayas.

Next 6 days were groundbreaking and life changing. We walked in -20 degrees with a snow storm and talked with locals. We are learning sustainable farming and how to make them thrive. We met farmers who had it hard and some who made millions of dollars a year in profit from nothing but the right techniques and sowing. I did not know what to do with this knowledge that I have just gained but it was an amazing feeling.

A company was born in Perth WA –

Upon returning to Perth in March 2020, the world was hit by pandemic Corona. It was unreal to see what was happening. In April 2020 the fear grew and there was only one way to break the fear pattern. I formed Teaphoria in the middle of Pandemic in Perth. My husband in Melbourne was frantic with my decision and asked me to leave my dreams and take the next flight to Melbourne and do my duty as a wife. At this stage I saw two paths. A path that I carved from scratch that was full of excitement and a path of forever slavery. I picked my phone once again with shaky hands and advised him that “it was over”.

Surrender and Thrive –

All I could tell you about my journey in the last one year or so was a bumpy ride. It was full of self doubt, more fear and more surrender. One thing I learned is that when you are not sure where you are going, allow the universe to take you to a path you don’t know yet. Trust me it has better plans than you do. Just when you want to take control, surrender. It’s like a rollercoaster, you can’t do much, might as well let it go and enjoy the ride.

I started making vision boards and started working on it. I made my own website and launched my first edition of teas. It still wasnt what I wanted to do. Something was missing. Until I had another phone call that changed my course of action.

Magnificence –

One day I was thinking of creating a special blend that no one had ever tasted and then this strange thought came to me that what if I sell this blend before it’s there. So I called up a few world class resorts and spas. They were all multinational but I knew that only they would invest in the idea. About 3 calls later I landed on a call that was perfect. I was talking to a spa (can’t name) that wanted my creations badly. At this point for them and for the fact I was the only female Tea developer that specialised in Indian Ayurveda and Australian Antive ingredients. They invested in the idea and paid in advance.

This was the beginning of magnificence as the “World’s first AromaTherapy Tea – Amrit” was born from this vision with 21 botanicals of Himalayan and ancient India as well as native Australia.

My magical present –

After this wonderful journey, I am working with some of the thriving and established health professionals, creating their range of teas. I work with many other companies as I design their bespoke element in form of “One blissful cup”

Your magical purpose – Your purpose is inside you. Neither can I or anyone tell you what it is. It could be a simple 9 to 5, it could be a business. It could simply be community service but it is yours.

I dare you to drop down your ego and urge to take control. Take one day at a time and surrender to the magic of the universe and ignite your purpose within.

Tips – Every morning do mediation practice (I won’t give you a time of how long to sit). I sometimes go into 4 hours of meditation. Deep dive and dare to swim into your subconscious ocean of subconsciousness. You will find incredible jewels to share with the rest of the earth. Remember to love yourself and trust your own opinion.” – Prati.

Feel free to check out the Teaphoria FB page:

http://www.facebook.com/tphoria

August 2021 Fashion Issue

Theme: Dynamic Denim

“In the right denim, a girl can conquer the world.” – Razelle T.

Denim is a material that is strong, lasts long and doesn’t tear easily and there is no doubt in the perpetuity of this classic fabric. The birthplace of denim is the southern French city of Nimes. The word ‘denim’ is derived from the French “serge de Nimes”, meaning “serge (a sturdy fabric) from Nimes”. The theme for our August 2021 Fashion Issue (in collaboration with Sakhi magazine) is Dynamic Denim.

Enjoy the photos of our models in denim, whose spirits like this fabric, are strong, sturdy and not easily breakable.

Alpana Srivastava
Liana Chakrabarty
Poornima Prashanth
Pallavi Gupta
Sarbani Dhur
Poornima Vamsi
Shantana Deka Dutta
Anu Kulkarni
Reeta Josan
Piyali Chatterjee
Kaveeta Prasad
Tiya Gorain

Writeup & Concept ©️Empowered BWB & Sakhi Online 

Supported By:

Artantana (http://www.instagram.com/artantana_handmade)

Light Antana Photography (http://www.instagram.com/light_antana)

Glam Gloire Makeup (https://www.facebook.com/glamgloiremakeup/)

The Fashion Sparrow (https://www.facebook.com/R-J-Mehrok-1794363417492202/)

Ethnic Threads (https://www.facebook.com/askethnicthreads/)

Zumba With Anu (https://www.facebook.com/zumbawithanukulkarni/)

The purpose of our fashion features, photoshoots, online magazine issues etc, is to empower and uplift women through fashion and make them feel confident about themselves. Another purpose is to provide a platform for women in the fashion & beauty industry to showcase their talents, skills and products.

Interview With Property Advisor Hannah Gair

Meet beauty with brains Hannah Gair who recently joined our platform as a Property Advisor. She is the managing director of Empire Lane Advisory (https://empirelaneadvisory.com.au/).

Here is an interview with her:

  1. Tell us more about yourself – what you do, your hobbies, passions etc.

I have the privilege of raising three beautiful children (one with special needs) as a single mum and count it an absolute blessing – I call motherhood a beautiful mess. I have a passion for educating, equipping and empowering women on how to begin, grow and diversify their property portfolio, as I see financial security a must for all ladies (and men), which is why I birthed Empire Lane Advisory. I’m a 50% Owner in a F45 and am super passionate about having a gym where people of all ages, levels and abilities are championed into their fitness potential. I have a crazy sense of humour, like a good dance in the kitchen while rocking a messy bun and believe kindness is a free gift, we can extend to those who cross our path. I love public speaking, writing and inspiring women to harness their uniqueness and gifts so they reach their full potential.

  1. Who or what inspires you?

I have a lot of people who I can name for this section. However, I’m going to highlight two people. One being my Father and the other my brother Ryan.

Dad has been in local politics since I was a young teenager and holds the current seat as Mayor (yes Mayor Gair…it rhymes;). Watching him in leadership over the decades has been very inspiring. There have been tough times, especially when the media publically misrepresents or defames the family name or Dad’s intentions, yet against all odds, he rises with integrity, honesty, grit, against popular opinion (some days) and will always represent social justice, the marginalised and his community to the best of his ability. I am really inspired that Dad has been elected for council continuously for the past 27 years, as it speaks of his character, tenacity and passion for the group of people he represents.

Ryan, my kid brother, well only by 18 months, who was mistakenly called my twin our entire childhood, is the Founder and CEO of Rate Money. Anyone who owns a business understands the sacrifice and boldness it takes to back yourself and the dream that is laid on your heart, while harnessing the ‘never, ever, give up’ attitude when the going gets tough (Ryan is an excellent example of this). I’ve watched Ryan try different tactics and strategies within his business model in order to expand over the years, where he is met with great success today – opening seventeen offices in two years.

  1. What are your goals in life? Have you achieved them?

The simple goals are those where I can constantly live in a state of continuously improving myself daily on all levels. I am very passionate about self development and reaching my potential. I’m always making sure that I’m reading a book to stretch my mind, grow my business, make me a better human/mother/friend and challenge the status quo. Have I achieved it? Call me a work in progress!

I have a strong desire to own different businesses, as a silent business partner, that represent a plethora of industries and place competent operators within the required roles for the company’s success. The old saying, having the right people on the bus but furthermore, having the right people sitting in the right seat on the bus.

I would also like to provide capital to small businesses, who require an injection of funds and mentoring for expansion. I’m joyed at the thought of setting someone else up for their success and seeing that person reach their potential and goals.

I’d also love to have a stronger voice on a social level, whereby I’m speaking value into women, their individual roles and inspiring them to be the best version of themself.

  1. Have you faced any gender related challenges in your personal or professional life?

Unfortunately yes! This has been something I’ve needed to face in my professional career. Working in a male dominated industry (a boys club) has required me to posture myself in order to not tolerate disparities due to my gender. That has included being remunerated, the way I have been addressed in a Boardroom setting and being sexualised due to being a woman. The upside to this, is the growth in my confidence, my passion for equality, sharpening myself to perform professionally and becoming a stronger role model to my daughters!

Virtual Retreat July 2021

As part of our Mental Wellness/ Positivity Series we are organising a virtual retreat on 30th July in collaboration with Sakhi magazine (https://sakhi.online) hosted by Poornima Vamsi Academy (https://www.poornimavamsi.com/optin).

Lockdown, staying indoors, not being able to socialise is not something we are all raised with from childhood. When something that is not normal is mandated, it takes a toll on:

  1. Our physical well being
  2. Our psychological health
  3. Our energy overall

Leading to fatigue and unknown STRESS.

That said, Poornima Vamsi is organising a virtual retreat to

✅ Teach yoga postures to balance our hormones

✅ Walk us through journey of consciousness aligning our energy chakras

✅ Provide us with journaling prompts that can be used to connect to our soul

Become a Volunteer

Mental Wellness/Positivity Series

Tips by Indu Harikrishna
President – Sydney Community Group
(https://www.facebook.com/SydneyCommunityGroupSCG/)

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”-Mahathma Gandhi

Lockdown moments are the most difficult times where we have limited interactions with others.
These moments pave way for many families in the community to face difficult times which disturbs their mental health. To overcome this difficult time and keep your mental health safe and sound one needs to be appreciated, supported and uplifted for the work they do and the efforts they take.

As a Community Group we receive lot of request to support people in the community in this Pandemic times. Here we would like to encourage, motivate and inspire the community to give credit to yourself and the community around. To keep your mind, body and soul happy and healthy sharing few tips to try and follow.

Keep your mind open to think for others. It could be family members, friends, neighbours and the community you live around. Identify their needs and encourage them to get involved. It could be motivating them to do a simple cooking, a painting, learn a dance, encouraging them to walk, and it could be anything. Don’t stop just by motivating but start appreciating the efforts they have taken. Uplift them with your kind and thoughtful words to do more with your valid ideas and suggestions. Finally, inspire them to keep continuing the chain, requesting to pass on the same to others around them. When the chain keeps continuing the roots become stronger to hold for the branches to grow and spread the goodness to others. This is the best way to find yourself in the service of others. At the end of the day, give a pat to yourself and say “Yey, I did something good today and I feel great” and start thinking for others again. This is a simple step that you can take as a #Volunteer to support others and find the best in you.

Don’t wait for others to build your community it starts from you and be proud of yourself in gaining that momentum to find the best in you.

Become a Volunteer and taste the Power of Volunteering!

For more details on TeamSCG please reach us via
E:sydneycommunitygroup@gmail.com
M:0448 697 948

Thanks Indu for participating in our Mental Wellness/ Positivity series. You too can participate using the hashtag #positivitywithempowerednsakhi

https://empoweredbwb.com/2021/05/05/mental-wellness-positivity-series/

Light a Healing Candle

Mental Wellness/ Positivity Series

Tip By Alpana Srivastava, Founder of Sakhi magazine
(https://sakhi.online).

Light a crystal healing candle. It is like magic and improves wellbeing. I love the positive energetic vibrations that these candles emit. They are incredibly special and not like ordinary candles. They contain healing herbs and botanicals as well as crystals which lift the energetic frequency with each burn. The crystals often induce deep meditation and put us in contact with our higher self. They bring peace and wash away stress and worry.

If you would like to buy a healing crystal candle from Sakhi candles, you can click here

https://www.facebook.com/sakhicandles/

They are on lockdown special and you can grab one of these heavenly candles for just $15! For more details contact 0433128145.

You too can participate in our Mental Wellness/ Positivity series in collaboration with Sakhi magazine using the hashtag #positivitywithempowerednsakhi

https://empoweredbwb.com/2021/05/05/mental-wellness-positivity-series/

Have a Positive Corner

Mental Wellness/ Positivity Series

Tip By Poornima Vamsi
(https://www.poornimavamsi.com/optin)

When things get too tough, we surely want some time with ourselves – called as ‘ME’ time.

One way to use that time is by having your own ‘Positive Corner’. A corner, a spot which helps us recharge and become one with our thoughts allowing us to introspect on the emotions that we are currently under. This place can be used to give ourselves positive affirmations.

My positive spot is the backyard of our home, because it is a beautiful space where I get to sync with my soul and find inner peace. It makes me feel fresh and gives me assurance that everything will fall in place no matter what and a new day will begin. As I breathe in the fresh air, it reminds me how time changes everything and for our own good. So I cross my legs, sit up straight, close my eyes and affirm to myself –
“I am deeply connected, loved, cuddled and hugged by the universe within me in every aspect of my day”

to attain peace and solitude.

It is one such mantra which when religiously practiced allows oneself to connect with their inner-self.

Thanks Poornima for participating in our Mental Wellness/ Positivity series. You too can participate using the hashtag #positivitywithempowerednsakhi

https://empoweredbwb.com/2021/05/05/mental-wellness-positivity-series/

Fall in Love with Yourself

Mental Wellness/ Positivity Series

Tips by Ash Vinod (Dot Mandala Artist & Recipe Blogger).

“She did a lot of things but most importantly she continued to choose what was best for her each day. She stopped stressing over small stuff and learned how to grow into her full potential, she finally gave her heart away to herself.” – Zachry K Douglas.

For me being mentally fit is as important if not more than physical fitness. According to me both physical & mental fitness are ongoing journeys/processes and there is no magical pill or one time fix which could keep one happy or mentally strong forever. 

My day begins with gratitude and a small meditation. I try & do yoga at least 3-4 days a week which helps with my physical agility and mental clarity. For me keeping myself aligned inside out is primarily important. I keep my thoughts, words, energies & actions in synchrony and my journey for the last 7 years has been towards the same. “I say/act what I think, or I don’t think in mind something which I cannot voice”. This harmonious equation has helped me immensely to keep up with my mental wellness. I am also a firm believer of karma; the word karma simply means ‘one’s actions’. I always give what I would like to be given maintaining mindfulness through my day.

I spend quality time with my family but also give myself time out/catch ups with my girl gangs having some time off my regular chores and schedule. I feel as a woman most of us have innate needs such as dressing up, chit chatting, sharing some laughs etc and I make sure I get my quota of the same. 

I am also a strong believer of giving back/paying forward. I am a volunteer of special religious education for many years now, teaching my religion at the local public school. Being a recipe blogger & a culinary writer for the last 10 years, I have also conducted voluntary cooking workshops for kids & seniors.

Last but not the least comes my dot mandalas, another addition to my holistic journey. I started my dot mandala journey a year ago as a hobby and it has become part of me now. I do my dot mandala work with mediation music which makes it very therapeutic. I love immersing myself into the dot mandala world to get my quality me time which greatly aids my mental happiness.

I always keep my cup brimming to the top by doing things which fill my soul, for I cannot pour if my cup is empty. I am the best person to look after myself, for if I do not who will.

Spreading love & happiness 

Ash

Media links: 

Dot mandala Page: www.instagram.com/krivi.creations_dotmandala/

Recipe blog: 

Webpage: www.sowpernica-samayal.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sowpernicas.kitchen

YouTube: youtube.com/c/SowpernicasKitchen

Thanks Ash for participating in our Mental Wellness/ Positivity series. You too can participate using the hashtag #positivitywithempowerednsakhi

https://empoweredbwb.com/2021/05/05/mental-wellness-positivity-series/

Meet Makeup Artist Vanshika Sehgal

Meet our featured beauty with brains Vanshika Sehgal , a Psychologist & Makeup Artist based in Sydney, Australia,

“Being a psychologist by profession, I never had any sort of intrest in makeup. But God had different plans for me. I still have no idea how and what got me into this line. But I will forever be grateful. Work always came to me when I least expected it. I started off almost 5 years ago and my experience, practice and creativity got me here.

Almost 20 music videos, over a 1000 clients and fashion shoots, and hundreds of brand collaborations later, I am proud of what I do. My clients are my priority and I still do every makeup like its my first. My motto is ‘Love what you do and do what you love.’ This is what I will be doing forever.” – Vanshika.

Feel free to check out her Instagram
Www.Instagram.com/embellishbyvanshika