A warm welcome to beauty with brains Gaggu Dhaliwal, who recently joined our beauty platform as a qualified Skincare Expert and Skincare, Health and Wellness Blogger. Gaggu is intelligent, trendy and gorgeous, with exceptional skincare knowledge, alluding passion and confidence, and with magic in her hands.

“Hi, I’m Gaggu Dhaliwal, the owner of Glenhaven Skincare, a mother, a wife and a highly educated working professional in the Superannuation and Investment industry. My focus was to do something I really loved and follow my passion to make women look and feel gorgeous, while balancing a busy professional lifestyle.

Glenhaven Skincare is my pride and joy and is based in the heart of the Hills, and only a few minutes from Castle Towers Shopping Centre. I am a highly qualified Skincare Specialist providing an unparalleled level of expertise, and offering a quality, friendly and personalised service. I use only the best skincare products from Dermalogica, one of the world’s most recognised skincare brands. I have a real passion for taking care of my client’s skin needs and providing excellence in all our treatments.

My key focus is on delivering targeted and results driven skincare treatments designed to address each of my client’s skin concerns. Glenhaven Skincare is well known in the Hills and Sydney-wide for its amazing reviews and the delivery of real, visible results. My touch therapy techniques are also well appreciated, which revitalise my client’s complexion and provide them with glowing, healthy and radiantly beautiful skin” – Gaggu.

Feel free to check her facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/GlenhavenSkincareExpert

Check out her Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/Glenhavenskincare

Check out her official website and Dermalogica online platform:

http://www.glenhavenskincare.com

Retro fashion has an unique charm. It keeps making a comeback. We often rummage for vintage items in flea marets or raid our parents/ grandparents’ closets for yesteryear outfits. From bell-sleeved hippie dresses, floral shirts, checkered outfits to chokers, hair accessories and neckties, 60s and 70s fashion surely catches the eye and suits all body types.

Our ‘Blast From The Past’ photoshoot is a tribute to that era. Stay tuned for more photos.

Models:

Kylie Maree
(Www.instagram.com/_kyliemaree)
Liana Chakrabarty
Veronica Zangarelli
(Www.instagram.com/missvivy__89)
Shilpi Shah Gupta
(Www.instagram.com/crazysii)
Shantana Deka Dutta
Tiya Gorain

Organised & Supported By:

Sakhi Magazine
(http://sakhi.online)
Artantana Boutique
(Www.instagram.com/Artantana)
Light Antana Photography
(Www.instagram.com/light_antana)
Diya The Dreamer Photographer
(Www.instagram.com/diya_the_dreamer)
Basiya Bayar Makeup Artist
(Www.instagram.com/basiaamakeup)
Bhawna Garg Makeup Artist
(Www.instagram.com/mua_bhawnagarg)
An Jena Makeup Artist
(https://www.facebook.com/anjena104)
Mystical Elegance
(https://www.facebook.com/mysticalelegance/)

in collaboration with Empowered Beauties With Brains

Meet our featured beauty with brains Sarah Elizabeth Paget, a photographer based in the Gold Coast (Australia). Here is an interview with the lovely and talented lady:

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

I am a freelance, professional photographer based on the Gold Coast. I offer a wide range of services and have a passion for capturing genuine moments and emotions. I also create a healing, crystal jewellery line called Sarasvati Jewelry and each piece is designed with a purpose. I have worked as a professional chef and love working in the kitchen. I am very passionate about healthy living and also help women look and feel amazing and confident in their skin by selling amazing skincare devices and products. I organise a monthly, charity photoshoot collaboration. There are usually 30-50 photographers, 20 models and companies who fit to the theme. We also have hair and makeup artists for all of the models. We all pitch in about $5 or however much we are able and choose a different charity each month. I am very passionate about connecting with and supporting other creatives in my community.

2. Who or what inspires you?

Helping people grow their businesses, talents and networks inspires me. Also, helping people feel happy and confident and empowering women to go after their dreams. It also inspires me to be able to give back to my community and people and organisations in need

3. If you could photograph any celebrity, who would it be and why?

If I could photograph any celebrity it would have to be Audrey Hepburn. She was a fashion icon, spent a lot of her life pursuing philanthropic work and seems like she was a classy and intelligent woman.

4. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

In ten years from now I would love to be living on a self sustainable island with my partner, friends and family. I could remotely run my online businesses and would fly into bigger fashion shoots or campaigns when needed. I would like to have a vineyard to make my own, organic wine as well as grow organic fruit and veg. I want to have free range chickens who will lay delicious and healthy eggs and lots of animals running around.

Feel free to check out her website & social media:

https://www.instagram.com/pagetphotography/

https://www.facebook.com/sarahpagetphotography

http://www.pagetphotography.com

Meet our featured beauty with brains Ankita Chopra, a Dhol (Indian Drum) player based in Melbourne, Australia.

Here is an interview with this talented artist.

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

Hello everybody, I am Ankita Chopra and I am a dhol player in Melbourne, Australia. Basically, I hail from India and here in Australia I am pursuing my studies and my hobbies. Playing my instrument is my passion as it acts as a stress buster for me.

2. You play the dhol. Who or what inspired you?

Yes, I am a dhol player. As I said earlier that I hail from India and in India we have our temple of Baba Balak Nath ji where dhol players come to play. My parents told me that God has gifted me with musical talent. I learnt dhol from my father (Hardeep Chopra), my dhol teacher Kasturi uncle and Raju paji.

3. Do you think there is a difference between dhol players here and in India?

Yes, there is huge difference between dhol players in India and here as in India they are more professional and they work on minute details but here I can’t find professional Dhol players.

4. Would you like to collaborate with other artists?

Yes, I would love to collaborate with other artists because if we have talent, then we should showcase it and in future with God’s grace, you will get to see me playing dhol with other artists. But till then I will entertain you all on my YouTube channel, as a number of my videos are uploaded there, and the response I receive on the videos is very overwhelming.

Feel free to check out her YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCqz4A33L5TmnoUJb2yR0FAg

Meet our featured beauty with brains Dr. Harshim Mahendru, a homeopath based in India.

“Hi, I am Dr Harshim, I am a MD in homeopathy, practicing since 2011 in Ludhiana (India). Besides having my own clinic, I am also working as an associate professor in a medical college. I also have a YouTube channel based on health and fitness (dr harshim’s channel).” – Harshim.

Here is an interview with this talented lady.

1. what inspired you to become a homeopathic doctor?

I come from a family where everyone is health conscious, and for our medical needs we have always taken homeopathic mode of treatment as it is safe and effective, so I decided to take it up as my profession, it gives me an opportunity to serve humanity as well as enjoy my work.

2. Can u share some basic health and wellness tips for busy women?

When it comes to one’s own health, women often tend to ignore their health needs and priorities but if women suffer, the entire family suffers, so some basic tips are as follows:

Take care of your nutritional needs, never skip your meals, take a well balanced diet.

Take time out of your busy schedule for yourself and do whatever you like to do in that time, basically try to give time to yourself.

Include an exercise routine in your lifestyle, it can be as simple as a walk, but make sure u do something for your health.

3. How is homeopathy different from mainstream medicine? Is one better than the other?

Homeopathy is very different from mainstream medicine as in homeopathy we treat the patient as a whole, we put special emphasis on the symptoms of mind in chronic Diseases, because of which, homeopathy leads to miraculous results in chronic diseases.

There is no comparison between the pathies, every pathy has its scope and limitations and all the pathies which have a scientific base and evidence, supporting their existence, definitely give good results.

4. How do you handle critics?

Criticism and homeopathy goes hand in hand since ages, the basic reason behind this is some quacks which are there in our stream also. Homeopathy is a specialised field with qualified doctors who are really doing well in this field too. Rest I believe in one thing, let your work do all the talking, if I can get good results with my treatment I don’t care about criticism.

Feel free to check out her Instagram:

Www.instagram.com/harshim_dr

and YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/Drharshimschanneldrmahendru

Meet our featured beauty with brains Vivienne Dahms, a digital nomad based in Canada.

Vivi is a world traveler & digital nomad who has been to over 70 countries. She guides women to experience life on a deeper level through adventure, travel the world & create memories that fill their heart & inspire them to create a life of their dreams. She currently lives in Canada and focuses a lot on local adventure & living your best life within your city or state.

Here is an interview with this lovely lady:

1. You have travelled far and wide. What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

I honestly love them all because they all either turn into amazing & mind-blowing memories or into lessons & wisdom.

My favorites though is Vietnam, because of the culture, the food, the beauty of it, the incredible coffee (if you have never heard of egg coffee you are missing out on something!), the variety of landscapes from wide rice fields, beautiful bays to sand dunes, fairy streams and magical rivers flowing through the mountain landscape. Vietnam is a perfect combination of everything and no matter what you are looking for you can find it there! Oh and not to forget: tailor-made clothes for an amazing price.

My second favorite country is Jordan. I was very surprised by the country’s beauty and the hospitality of the Jordanians. I initially traveled to Jordan to see Petra, the one world wonder that was missing for me to check off the list of the seven world wonders. Not really expecting much of it I was so surprised by the clear night sky that made for some of the best star-gazing, floating on the dead sea, chasing sunsets & admiring the desert changing its color, and not to forget – Petra – the ancient city carved in stone. Jordan was one of these countries that is not overcrowded with tourists and is therefore a real jewel that is just waiting for you to be discovered.

2. You guide women. Are there any special or memorable experiences of your work that you would like to share with us?

There are many! My favorites are when women finally let go of all the things they believe they should do and start stepping into the life they truly desire. Anything is possible for us and this is what I stand for. One woman completely transformed not only her lifestyle but also her whole relationship. What set my heart on fire was that even her kids noticed that life had changed, that everything became more fun & effortless. That all their dreams had turned into memories and that she had never imagined that life could be this good. These are the transformations that I stand behind. A life we can’t get enough of.

3. If you could change any one thing in this world, what would it be and why?

Other than obviously erasing covid and all its consequences, I would stand for a world where clean water & food is available everywhere. Traveling has opened my eyes to poverty on a whole other level. That there are people living in this world suffering from malnutrition and hunger in a way we will never be able to understand is not only sad but also alarming and how some people in the year 2020 still do not have easy access to clean or fresh water is unbelievable. So I would start with this one thing giving everyone access to food & fresh water.

4. What does women empowerment mean to you?

For me, women empowerment means giving women the courage & the self-esteem to not only stand up for their rights but also to speak up and build the life they truly desire to live and not a life their family, religion, country, or society expects from them. This also means working together & having each other’s back rather than seeing life or business as a race or competition.

Shantana Deka Dutta, who recently joined our fashion platform as a photographer and jewellery designer, talks about her Tree of Life inspired creations:

“Who doesn’t love the Tree of Life?

Multiple cultures have different mythologies involving the Tree of Life. References to the symbol have been found in Ancient Egypt, Ancient Iran, Ancient Mesopotamia and Urartu, and many more places. The symbol was widely recognized and used in ancient cultures so it is difficult to pinpoint its exact origins and how it spread throughout the world.

Tree of Life Symbolism in different cultures:

Christianity – The Tree of Life is mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Genesis. It is the tree that grows within the Garden of Eden and is the source of eternal life. There are several meanings behind the Tree of Life symbol in Christianity. Some believe it to be the symbol of humanity free from corruption and sin, while others believe it to represent love. The tree is believed to have healing properties and its fruit grants immortality.

Hinduism – the Tree of Life, is depicted by the Eternal Banyan tree, a metaphor for hope.

Buddhism – the Tree of Life is known as the Bhodi-tree and is believed to be the Tree of Enlightenment. It was under this tree that Buddha reached enlightenment so it is seen as a very sacred symbol.

Celtic Beliefs – The Tree of Life is still a prominent symbol in the Celtic beliefs and is depicted in multiple forms. They believe the roots represent the ‘other world’, the trunk represents the mortal world and connects the roots and branches, and the branches represent the world above, or the heavens.

Islam – The Tree of Life is known as the Tree of Immortality in the Quran. It appeared in Eden and is the tree from which Adam and Eve ate after Allah had forbidden them from doing so.

The Tree of Life has always fascinated me. I have been wire wrapping on variations of Tree of Life in copper and silver by adding gemstone chips or just a single pearl and it is so satisfying. I started off with pendants and now I make a wide range of Tree of Life bracelets, anklets, rings and Maang Tikka too.

Do check out my creations and support handmade artists at:

https://www.facebook.com/artantanahandmade/
https://www.instagram.com/artantana/“ – Shantana

Meet our featured beauty with brains Simona Paganetto, an entrepreneur based in Darwin, Australia.

“Hi I am Simona, I’m a migrant from Europe, mum of two kids, I founded ‘I’M PLASTIC FREE’ out of a big passion for sustainability. I’ve just launched an online marketplace for sustainable, ethical & plastic free / upcycled products. It’s like a mini eBay but only for products that fit our criteria. Our goal is to help small Aussie businesses especially during this year of global pandemic and to help people reduce their dependence on plastic! I’m very passionate about this project.” – Simona.

Here is an interview with this very talented and passionate lady:

1. Tell us more about yourself – your goals, dreams, aspirations etc

Travelling and nature have always been my passion since I was a child, they were the reason I learnt six languages and I was lucky enough to see some of the most amazing areas of our beautiful planet.

Since volunteering to clean the beaches of the stunning Whitsunday Islands from polluting plastics in 2014, I realised how the plastic issue was under reported at the time and how plastic is pervasive in our society to the point that we are ingesting it without really knowing the consequences.

‘I’M PLASTIC FREE Marketplace’ was born in a bid to help Australians reduce their plastic and waste footprint with trusted sustainable products and information in a one stop online marketplace.

My goal is to make it EASIER for Australians to reduce their plastic footprint and have a sustainable lifestyle. All products are carefully selected, they are all either plastic free or made with upcycled materials, they are all ethical, palm oil free, cruelty free and toxin free.

My dream? I imagine a world with less dependence on plastic, and I’ll continue to fight for it… why? For the future of my children!

2. You migrated to Australia from Europe? What are some of your favourite things about Australia?

Yes, I had a promising and well-paid corporate career in Switzerland, I had friends and a good network but left everything behind to come to Australia, following love.

It was a bit challenging at the beginning, since we always lived in regional areas and I struggled to find a line of work I was truly passionate about, but ultimately, I decided to be an entrepreneur and dedicate myself to a cause I’m really passionate about.

Australia is a great country in which to live and raise children. The abundance and diversity of nature is second to none, the country is vast and the climate so diverse. My favourite things about Australia are its multiculturalism, the easy goingness of people & the concept of mateship.

3. What does women empowerment mean to you?

Having worked in a male dominated industry like Med Tech for ten years, it was hard for a woman with a non-engineering background to show my capabilities and values. Social media were not present at the time and gender equality was much less talked about than it is now. Still, even as a non-engineer I was able to provide a design feature for a medical device product, which was then accepted by engineers and surgeons and patented also under my name. Women empowerment means to me that no matter your gender, no matter your education background, your age or status in a company, everyone can contribute to a great idea. We are all equal. Ultimately, women should not have to work harder and longer to be recognised for what they do. I’ll definitely teach my daughter to never give up on her dreams.

Check out her website and social media:

https://www.implasticfree.com/
https://www.instagram.com/implasticfree/
https://www.facebook.com/Implasticfree
https://www.pinterest.com.au/implasticfree/

Meet our featured beauty with brains Mansi Khanna Bhatia, an entrepreneur based in Sydney, Australia. She is the owner of Mash Accessories.

https://www.mashaccessories.com.au

Here is an interview with this beautiful soul:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – your goals, hobbies, passions etc.

I am a mother of 2 naughty kids, a 11 years old boy and a 7 years old girl. My education has empowered me to become what I am today. My school, Welham Girls school Dehradun, made me into the strong minded woman I am today.

My hobbies are meeting new people, playing basketball and listening to podcasts in my free time.
My passion has been empowering women and supporting organisations in India and Australia.

I started Mash accessories with a passion for creativity and with the goal of supporting small organisations in India. We train and employ women from underprivileged background and give them a way to earn a livelihood. I wanted to build a bridge hence I introduced a category close to my heart which is an Indigenous collection.

We have collaborated with Award winning artist Zachary Bennett Brooke of Saltwater Dreamtime to create a range of bags and ties.

2. Who or what inspires you?

My surroundings inspire me everyday. There are such amazing bunch of people I come across. Every day is a motivation pushing me forward for achieving my goals.

3. What is a typical day in your life like?

My typical day is fun and relaxing. I give myself sometime to mediate and start the day. For me mental health is of utmost importance. I have the most amazing bunch of friends who I interact with whenever possible.

My work schedule is ongoing. I turned my passion of creativity into my work so its fun, not stressful. Everyday I create memories. Having a small business has taught me that even if u fall get up and try again. Just make sure you don’t make the same mistake again. Go get what you want to achieve. Dream big and work hard.

Meet our featured beauty with brains Fiona Lang (also known as Fi), a businesswoman based in Hervey Bay, Queensland (Australia). She is the owner of Petite Property Services.

http://www.petitepropertyservices.com.au

Here is an interview with the talented lady who came up with a very unique business idea.

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

I run a small business, Petite Property Services, which provides Handywomen services working exclusively for women. While I have a background in education, I had to learn how to transfer these skills into different fields over the years. I worked in Child Protection for many years, before working as a Trades Assistant – and absolutely fell in love with it! I was faced with some difficult circumstances recently and again had to ‘think outside the box’, after experiencing significant losses in my life. It was from these losses however that I coined the idea for my current business ‘Petite Property Services’, where I get to combine my love of DIY, Trades Assistant skills, along with my social work experience, to offer maintenance services to women who may not be feeling comfortable with having a male presence in their home.

When I’m not enjoying learning new trade skills or checking out the latest in tools (I don’t shop for clothes – I shop for tools!) I love to get out on the dirt bikes with my two children. I see it as a family activity – for my 8 and 6 year olds, it’s a great opportunity to learn about maintenance, safety and responsibility, whilst enjoying the great outdoors. I must confess I am also a bit of a book worm….I have studied for most of my life as I thoroughly enjoy learning new things – if I’m not at work or on the bike, I will be reading and researching – anything from trade skills to criminology!

2. Who or what inspires you?

It is a combination of both who and what. My children and their perspective on life! Back in my teaching days I stumbled across a saying – ‘Every child begins the world again’ – the way in which children see aspects of the world for the first time and verbalise their views on these aspects truly inspires me. We get so caught up in our old ways, to see and hear the world through the eyes of a child is at times just the medicine we need. Where we often catastrophise events, children will see them simply for what they are and will very often come up with pragmatic solutions – we just need to learn to open our ears and hearts to them more.

2. If you could change any one thing in this world, what would it be and why?

The way we as women constantly berate ourselves! We need to give ourselves both a break and some credit – not just for being who we are, but for what we each bring to the world, no matter how small or inconsequential we may feel it is. It is OK to not be the perfect version of ourselves that we think we should be, we are under so much pressure these days , how on earth are we ever expected to achieve ‘perfect’? To me the answer is this – we are simply not. Be kind to yourself, be gentle with yourself, and give yourself both permission and time to heal and grow so that you can be the best version of yourself.

4. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Ten years from now…hopefully alive! Let’s say that’s a given….I will have two teenagers on my hands by then, and they will be where they will be. For me, I’d like to see myself still in our home we are in now, still working the work I am presently doing. Plan B however, if my children ever decide to travel or relocate overseas, I have always had a dream of buying a little Chalet in Italy in the beautiful Valle D’Aosta, a place where I spent numerous mindful escapes whilst living in the UK. It will always hold a special place for me and I can very easily see myself there – even in ten years time!