Meet our featured beauty with brains Mala Kanwar, a Businesswoman and Project Management professional based in Sydney, Australia. She holds MBA in International Business and Strategic Management from University of Technology, Sydney. Mala works full time with NSW Government, and juggles multiple roles on a given day – a professional, a businesswoman, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, a friend and more.

Here is her story.

“I’m Mala, I’m the face behind this little biz Velvet along with my very stylish mother in law. I have 2 little guys – 6 year old and 2.5 year old, their daddy, their granddaddy and 1 furry canine Cavoodle.

I’m definitely outnumbered in this house so I make up for the lack of girly-ness by selling dresses! These dresses are channel to my own inner Madame Macron. Don them on and you instantly feel that lift in the way you walk and talk! I share this passion with my mother in law. Doing what we love doing we are a mother in law – daughter in law duo. We are like two beads on a string. We love the same man and we both share panache for styling women. A passion that turned into a business a while ago has dressed many lovely ladies over the last four plus years. We keep getting recommendations and our client’s word of mouth makes us very proud! It helps us do what we love doing.

Velvet initially started for the girls of the house and close friends. The word spread fast and we kept our first ever Velvet sell-out event 4 years ago and there has been no looking back since! Along the way we’ve made many wonderful friends and created our own ever growing velvet family.”

Here is an interview with her.

1. Do you have the secret mantra that you work with when recommending your clients what to choose?

Over the years helping women with different body shapes, I’ve decoded the style principles that apply to and empower women of different age, shape, style, lifestyle or occupation. Whether you are petite or plus size we help you find your own personal style. I personally don’t believe in rules or trends. I simply believe getting dressed should be easier and more joyful everyday activity. So if I may use Marie Kondo’s words here “Does this spark joy?” if it does then wear it with your heart on your sleeve. Velvet’s mantra is “Be inspired, Be Bold, Be the new you!”

2. How do you juggle so many roles in your everyday life?

At least once a week I am asked that magic question “How do you juggle it all?” I usually shrug my shoulders and smile while saying something like “I have no idea, you just do!” Like so many of the women (and men) around me I am ‘juggling’ many aspects to my life- mother, wife, friend, daughter, daughter-in-law, business owner, and professional. Between my husband, in-laws, friends and colleagues there is an amazing village who all play a part, make it possible and I couldn’t do it any other way. I prefer surrounding myself with positive, kind and trusted core who add so much to my life. Life is so short and those closest to us need our support, love and care too so why not fill your days with people who will hold you up rather than pull you back down. My very own village helps me every single day to provide for everyone I love, and I’m indebted to all of them and they know who they are.

3. As a business woman and as a mom is there ever self-doubt?

When it comes to being a mum, running a business and everything else in between, I have come to conclude that believing in yourself is an absolute key. In business, particularly as an entrepreneur, you have to back yourself even when you are not quite sure if you should! I have found the same with motherhood. It is hard (but fun!) and tiresome (but rewarding too) and I have found myself questioning regularly whether I am doing enough or the right thing for my family. In those moments of self-doubt I stop, take a few deep breaths and remind myself that as long as I am doing my best in that moment, that is all I can do. We must believe in ourselves before we can expect anyone else to. So next time you questioning your worth, stop, breath and remind yourself that your best is all you can do.

4. Tell us more about your business, what kind of dresses do you sell, what is your USP?

At Velvet we stock brands like Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Ivanka Trump, Cynthia Rowley, Tahiri and more. People ask me – why Velvet when they can go out and buy from big retail stores. My reason is –each dress at velvet is unique, and these flattering dresses are exclusive, hand-picked and offer sharp silhouette & classic colours making impact with structured shapes & clean lines, making an impact à la mode! All the dresses are genuine designer dresses and are sourced directly from USA keeping our prices low, and we love to pass on the savings to our customers. All these dresses are under $95. So that’s our biggest USP competing with the retail giants J

5. If you could choose any one female celebrity to dress up, who would it be and why?

I’d rather dress an everyday woman than a celebrity.

I’d love to provide guidance and honest feedback regarding finding her dream dresses/outfits. I’ll provide styling tips for easier joyful everyday dressing and help create looks to add to her wardrobe, tailored to different occasions, figure and taste in line with Velvet’s mantra – “Be inspired, Be Bold, Be the new you!”

Feel free to check out her Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/velvet.dresses.au/

Meet our featured beauty with brains, Harinder Kaur. She is the owner of the Harman Foundation Charity Organisation. Here is an interview with her:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you started the Harman Foundation.

My name is Harinder Kaur. I am an Educationist, social counselor and registered Sikh Chaplain. I am passionate and compassionate, working as an education coordinator for Justice since 1993. I am a mother of three including Harman, wife, and most importantly a survivor.

In 2012 I lost one of my beloved children Harman in a tragic accident; he was the purest of souls and had the biggest of hearts. Through this tragic event we as a family and friends decided to continue his legacy through the founding of the Harman foundation.

2. You are doing a lot to help the less fortunate. What inspires you and motivates you to keep going?

It’s the smile and appreciation on people’s faces that gets me every time, the feeling that you have done something even though may not be big, it’s all about contribution to the community. I feel that this country has given a lot to my family and myself in ways you cannot imagine therefore, I want to give back to those that are in need or need support. I feel that we as a member of society should also adopt that charitable model as a united and diverse community and help those in need like Australia has gifted to us.

Just being able to be there for those that are in need that’s a reward in itself.

The more I indulge into this kind of field, I find that we can do a lot for people in our community. I feel that I haven’t done enough, it is imperative to reach out and encourage others to help towards volunteering to organisations that assist those that are in need.

3. What are the foundation’s goals? Have you achieved them?

Our main aim is to grow further across NSW especially those in remote areas and eventually reach out to other states through our support lines. We also want to strengthen our relationships and collaborate with other organisations both government and non-government sectors to achieve better outcomes.

Yes and no.

Yes because we are working with more than 25 organisations, NGOs and government agencies and continue on a regular basis and develop these other relationships as well.

No, as we are a young organisation that has a lot more room to grow. In each and every aspect, I also believe that no matter how old anything is, it is never too old to learn and evolve.

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

I like to wake up before sunrise, do my prayers, this helps me summon that inner strength through my passions to power on and do as much as possible within the day to help those that are in need. Helping others around me and developing the Harmon foundation in its growth sets an example to others to offer their helping hands towards building a more united community.

5. Are there any major changes in Harman Foundation’s work?

Since its formation in 2013, the foundation has continued to evolve into a web of cost-free community support services, delivered by a committed group of volunteers, to address a range of individual and group needs, issues and concerns. This includes:

2013 to 2019

· Chaplaincy in hospitals, prisons etc. (30+ people a week in hospitals and prisons)

· 24 x 7 helpline (More than 6000 calls of needy people in the last 5 yrs)

· Direct counseling through professionals (Referrals , Telephone conferencing and direct one on one support groups )

· Setting up and provide welfare schemes and financial assistance through fundraising for various reasons which has resulted about $130,000 of funds raised to assist individuals in a crisis. (see below for intricacies of assistance)

· Collaboration and partnership with other organizations more than 25 Govt and NGOs

· Seminars and workshops (organized more than 70 seminars/workshops and 10 health expos)

· Free Food Services for the Homeless which allows HF to provide for 7000+ meals annually at Blacktown. 75-80 needy or homeless people are benefited

· Grief and Loss Program/ Funeral Assistance more than 25 families assisted

· Free meditation/ Yoga Classes four years free meditation classes every week 2015 to 2018

· Two yoga workshops( two days ) every year from the last 3 years

· Assists individuals affected by Domestic Violence (currently supporting 85+ women and men who suffer from DV)

· Establishment of a Safe Home Project/ Women’s Shelter- HER housing since July 2018

Feel free to check out their FB page

https://www.facebook.com/HarmanFoundation/

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – what you do, your hobbies, goals etc

 

I am a co-owner of a boutique and independent real estate and finance agency that provides property management, sales and mortgage services.  Our office is based in the Hills District of Sydney. We list, sell, rent throughout Sydney and can finance any type of purchase throughout Australia.

 

Prior to this, I was a marketing professional at some of Sydney’s leading Large Format and Sub Regional Shopping Centres such as Rouse Hill Town Centre, Chatswood Chase, Supa Centa Belrose & Supa Centa Caringbah.

 

My husband Gurdev and I together launched this agency a year and half ago named after our two boys – Paras & Baz.

 

Being a mortgage broker, he had a number of clients that had an unmet need of selling or renting out properties that they owned. This led to the formation of our real estate division and is the prime reason why our listings are throughout Sydney.

 

After graduating from UTS with Property Economics and electing to sub-major in photography, my hobbies are all things creative. Being a visual person, I admire everything that meets the eye and enjoy graphic design, videography and photography. All of the branding aspects that you’ll see within our business are personally crafted.

 

My goal is to share my knowledge and experience to the community and clients I serve whether it be property related or beyond.

 

From a business point of view, our goal is to build a first-class reputable brand where we provide a memorable customer experience and make clients for life.

 

 

2. Who or what inspires you?

 

Being an optimistic person, I am naturally drawn towards industry thought leaders that project positive energy and motivate you to always be learning and developing. On top of this list is the real estate coach – Tom Panos – who is the third most influential and engaging real estate based speaker in the world.

 

In addition to this, I am honoured to be mentored by Manos & Maria Findikakis, the founders of E-view Group – Australia’s first multi-brand real estate group and aspire to build our brand like these leading property agents in Australia: Lisa Novak from Novak Properties Dee Why, Marty Fox from White Fox Melbourne and Gavin Rubenstein from Ray White Double Bay/ Woollahra.

 

3. Can you give some success tips to women who want to start or have just started their own business?

 

My tips would be as below:

 

– Never underestimate your potential and surround yourself with people that bring out the best in you. For me, this is my family – especially my Husband who encouraged me to go beyond my comfort zone and instilled confidence in me to become the person I am today. Being opposite in personality and interests, my husband and I complement each other and together we are a stronger force in business and in family life.

– Visualise your end goal as law of attraction states that the energy you draw or think about is what you are served in life.

– Follow a motivational speaker that inspires you and spend at least 30 mins a day on self-development. As they say, just like bathing, motivation doesn’t last and that’s why it is recommended daily.

 

4. What do you want to achieve in the next few years?

 

On a business front, I want to create an effective and efficient business unit that works together to help achieve our client’s property goals.

 

On a personal front, I would like to play an active part in the community by giving back and adding value to those that are less fortunate.

 

On a mindfulness front, I’d like to connect with and learn from authentic inspirational figures and pass on my learnings to my kids who can then continue the positive legacy.

Feel free to check out their Facebook page and website:

https://www.facebook.com/parasandbaz

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Empowered Beauties With Brains was represented by Tiya Gorain along with Allure & Attitude (https://www.facebook.com/allureandattitude/) and Women In Business (https://www.facebook.com/womenInBusinessWIB/) at the ‘Queens of India’ event, organised by Mansi Khanna Bhatia, owner of Mash Accessories (https://www.mashaccessories.com.au)

Tiya participated in the Velvet Dresses Fashion Show at the event. Owned by the lovely and humble inspirational entrepreneur duo Mala Arya Kanwar and Dr. Suman Kanwar, Velvet (https://www.facebook.com/velvet.dresses.au/) has elegant, classy and unique dresses which turn heads in the crowd. The gorgeous Manisha Sharma from Manishaz Glamocracy (https://www.facebook.com/manzglamocracy/) and stunning Kelli Wilkins (https://www.facebook.com/Kelliw.IndependentConsultantArbonne/) did amazing makeup on the models. The fashion show was a great success and the dresses, styling and makeup were as dazzling as the women who modeled. Talented photographer Nancy Shah from Mitcy Photography (https://www.facebook.com/mitcyphotography/) captured the moments with great skill.

The event itself was spectacular. Mansi did a wonderful job organising and bringing everyone together. Kudos to this amazing lady for executing everything so beautifully and seamlessly and for helping the less fortunate so passionately. The event raised money for the Aasraa trust (https://aasraatrust.org) who provide education, shelter, nutrition and healthcare to children from the economically weaker section in Dehradun (India). The decor (https://m.facebook.com/jashnevent/), the food (https://m.facebook.com/tajbhavancatering/) the ambience, everything was splendid. A very classy and sophisticated event overall. All the guests went back satisfied with happy and pleasant memories.

We would also like to thank the beautiful Alpana Srivastava and charming Reetika Bhalla (co-owners of Women In Business) who weren’t able to be physically present at the Queens of India event but encouraged Tiya to represent ‘Women In Business’ at the event as they are always supportive towards charitable events.

Meet our featured beauty with brains Aman Preet, a celebrity portrait artist based in Sydney, Australia.

For Aman, art was a journey which started from the day she could first hold a pencil. Her journey started at the age of 3 as a mere hobby until the age of 11, when she entered her first art competition. She continued to do art as a passion up until year 12 when she decided to make it a career. In college she did a diploma in arts and a bachelors degree in fine arts. In 2007 she moved to Australia with her husband and 2 kids. Since she started working full time, she had to put her art journey on hold until 2016 when she started again after having her third kid. Being a mother meant working part-time, that is 9am-3pm (school time) and nights. That’s the only time she had to do her sketching. Each artwork takes up to 20 hours to create, depending on the amount of detail in it and what she is making. Her aim is to introduce the Indian culture to the new generation. She has done sketches of famous Indian celebrities such as Miss Universe 1994 and Actress Sushmita Sen, Singer Sonu Nigam, Poet and Film Director Gulzar, Actress Divya Dutta, Actress Diya Mirza, Actress Shabana Azmi, Actor Amrinder Gill and many others and have presented them with the drawings which they have appreciated a lot. She has participated in many art competitions and won several awards and prizes.

Feel free to check out her Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/amanpreet1204/

We women entrepreneurs often feel we lack the support and motivation we need to establish and grow our business and the platform to showcase and promote our business. Also, women business owners who work from home often feel isolated. The ‘Women In Business’ group was born to address these issues. An initiative by Alpana Srivastava, Tiya Gorain and Reetika Bhalla, it’s aim is to provide a nurturing and supportive group to women entrepreneurs as well as women who want to start their own venture. It’s a platform for women to showcase their skills, talents and products.

“We aim to provide a non-judgemental support system to women where they can share anything and everything comfortably without the fear of negativity or trolling. Instead of competing we want to complement each other and instead of pulling each other down we want to help each other grow.

We organise meetups at various days, times and locations so that everyone can join and we also provide businesses the option to host one of our meetups if they want to.

We provide various promotion, advertising and publicity options to businesswomen without burning a hole in their pockets. Our rates are very reasonable and budget friendly as we understand how women often struggle with finances when they have to juggle many things in their businesses.

So if you are a businesswoman or professional and looking for motivation, support, help, advice, mentorship, uplifting and understanding, don’t hesitate to join us.”

– Women In Business Team

Check out their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/womenInBusinessWIB/

Meet our featured beauty with brains Asima Sen, an eighty year old wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother based in Purulia, India. She is a truly inspirational woman who never gave up hope and courage despite facing many trials and tribulations in her life. She never let the problems in her life change her positive and cheerful nature and always tried to help others no matter how needy she herself was. Here is her story.

“I was born in 1937 at Pabna (which was a part of India at that time, then became a part of Pakistan, and is a part of Bangladesh now). My father was a landlord who owned acres of land there. I was one of seven siblings. Tragedy first struck our family when I was 8 years old. My 6 year old brother died from Typhoid as his illness was misdiagnosed as Malaria due to the lack of advanced medical facilities at that time. We siblings used to share a big room and have so much fun together. His passing left a void in my life which nothing seemed to be able to fill. I remember crying myself to sleep every night. It took me a few years to get used to life without him.

India gained independence from the British in 1947. My eldest sister who was 14 at that time was already married by then. I was 10 years old. India was divided into two countries – India and Pakistan. Pabna became part of Pakistan – a different country! We were told that we Hindus have to go back to India or we will be killed. My parents didn’t know where to go with five kids. My uncle (mother’s brother) used to live in Purulia, India. So my parents sent us kids to live with him while they themselves decided to stay back and brave the circumstances.

My uncle was a builder. He used to build train stations. I was one of hundreds of people living in his palatial mansion, as there were many relatives, employees, poor villagers etc living there. I felt lost in the crowd and felt lonely despite having so many people around. I had to work hard to earn my keep, had to help in cooking, housework etc. It took me time but I slowly got used to that life.

When I was 15, my uncle told us that he was moving to another town and couldn’t support us anymore. I was homeless once again. We siblings were separated and sent to live with different relatives. I was sent to live with my eldest sister and her family, who also lived in Purulia.

I got married when I was 17. It was an arranged marriage. I loved my husband and finally found the happiness I was looking for, after all these years. My first daughter was born a year after my marriage. After that I had three more daughters. My husband badly wanted a son but I couldn’t give him one. The doctor advised me against having any more children after my fourth daughter was born, as I had some health complications. Society started looking down on me as I couldn’t have any sons.

When my youngest daughter was 2 years old, my husband had tuberculosis. He couldn’t work for a long time. Our savings started dwindling and we lived hand to mouth. I didn’t know where the next meal was going to come from. We had to sell land and jewellery. I have always helped the less fortunate and continued doing so even in these difficult times. One of our tenants couldn’t pay rent for a few months as they were going through hard times too. I never pushed them for payment or asked them to leave, as I understood their situation.

When my eldest daughter was 23, she married a boy of her own choice. My son-in-law turned out to be a very nice and generous man who helped us a lot. Then within a few years my other daughters got married too.

When my youngest daughter was 15, she eloped with a boy. That was a big blow to our family. I was worried about her as well as worried about what would people say. But luckily they came back after a few days after getting married to each other. He turned out to be nice and she was really happy with him so I was happy for her.

I don’t have any regrets in life. Now, I consider myself lucky to have four daughters instead of sons. They all love me and look after me. I have five grandchildren and one great grandchild. I am grateful to both the positive and negative experiences of my life, as together they have made me who I am today.”

A woman is much more than just her physical body. There is a divine feminine energy residing in her, a mystical Goddess spirit buried within. It’s time to awaken the untamed lioness living inside us and embody our flowing feminine beauty.

Some photos from our ‘Devi – The Goddess Within’ photoshoot.

Models:

Tiya Gorain

Manisha Sharma

Alpana Srivastava

Gurjit Kaur

Kelli Wilkins

Zoe Hogbin

Helga Rheeder

Pihu Parmar

In Collaboration with:

Pihu Boutique

(https://m.facebook.com/Pihuboutique111/)

Allure & Attitude

(https://m.facebook.com/allureandattitude/)

Manishaz Glamocracy

(https://m.facebook.com/manzglamocracy/)

Serenity Makeovers

(https://www.facebook.com/serenity.makeovers/)

DG Makeovers

(https://www.facebook.com/Dipal2006/)

Arbonne

(https://www.facebook.com/Kelliw.IndependentConsultantArbonne/)

Silverfox Artistry

(https://www.facebook.com/SilverFox-Artistry-528317224335072/)

Smita Nashikkar Photography

(https://www.smitanashikkar.com)

KRG Photography

(https://www.facebook.com/KRG-Photography-123266421865796/)

Sakhi Online

(http://sakhi.online)

Meet our featured beauty with brains Vandana Gujadhur, a dietician based in Sydney, Australia. Here is an interview with her.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born and raised on the beautiful Island of Mauritius. I grew up surrounded by nature, clean air, and home-grown food in an Indian cultured family where I am the 5th generation from Bihar, India.

2. What difficulties did you face in reaching where you are today and how did you overcome them?

As a DAUGHTER: In our culture, daughter is the pride of the family, any step she takes, right or wrong; the fingers are pointed at her parents. I was a rebellious kid growing up amid a different culture to a strict caring Indian family. But today I thank my parents for being how they were as I have never let them down!

As a STUDENT: I traveled very far from my family to study in Canada. I received an academic scholarship to pursue my studies based on merit and then went through several competitive interviews to get hold of a dietetic internship to become a Dietitian. It was very difficult from day 1 as I knew absolutely nobody and had no family in Canada. I believed in myself and gave it my best and the rest just happened!

As a WIFE: I got married right after university and life was not as easy as my husband and I were in long-distance marriage for a very long time as we both are career-oriented individuals. Although it was tough, we both were happy souls as none of us had to give up our passion for doing something we love.

As a New MOTHER: I recently became a new mom and this is my new career and the world’s toughest one! Childbirth was not easy on me and I am sure I am not alone! Along with recovering from childbirth,  I am the only person raising my son at home so that my husband can go to work. There is a saying that goes, it takes a village to raise a child, but I am mostly the only village to my son for the past 7 months as I care for him 24 hours. Feeding, nappy change, and always responding to him etc… It is exhausting to function with limited sleep but it is so rewarding at the end of the day as it reminds me, he is the best career promotion I could ever have!

As a MOMPRENEUR: In addition to caring for my son, I also manage my private practice as a Dietitian. It is a tough juggle, but if you love what you do, it becomes enjoyment!

As a TRAVELLER: I have taken countless planes and lived in many countries so far. I lived my childhood in Mauritius, my student life in India and Canada and now my motherhood in Australia. Each life stage, new country, new adaptations, and making a new support system is not easy. The answer is just to keep myself happy and my surrounding will be happy!

The ability to overcome any barriers and difficulties that come my way comes from my parents. I have seen them be the best in what they do and I want to do the same!

3. As a Dietitian, do you always eat healthy?

Absolutely NOT! haha, Yes I am a Dietitian but before that I am a normal human being with taste buds just like everyone, I believe in not depriving myself of anything I like. The only key is when, how and where to have anything. I am a big time chocoholic, and currently, I enjoy my chocolate with the world’s claimed best coffee, that is, the coffee in Australia, I just LOVE it!

4. What do you want to tell young women thinking

about their careers?

Be the Trendsetter, not a follower! Be ambitious and don’t let anything stop you! Just do what your heart says! And just give your best in your career, whether it is salaried(office) or non-salaried (mom), you will make mistakes, and that’s okay!

Feel free to check out her Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Vandana-Gujadhur-RD-248654872409875/

Meet our featured beauty with brains Nisha Mayank, a DJ based in Sydney, Australia. Here is an interview with her.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a kind-hearted caring person and always ready to help my friends and family at any time. I am mischievous and innocent at the same time. I’m very motivated and love doing what I do.

I am a humble and compassionate person. I enjoy sharing things and talking to people about a variety of things. I have a quick wit and love to laugh about everything under the sun. I can be quiet at first, but once you get to know me, I don’t shut up. I am fun loving, but serious when necessary.

P.s I am the mother of a naughty brat who is 4 years old now.

2. How do you feel when you are DJing? What are

your feelings when you play music?

Music is an art that I love which energises me.

3. What are your goals and how do you see yourself in the future.

I see myself as a successful woman entrepreneur and setting an example for those women who think because of their responsibilities they won’t be able to achieve their dreams. It’s never too late and nothing can stop you if you are determined!

4. Do you think it’s difficult to be a female artist in a male dominated industry?

Indeed! But now it’s time for female DJs to become just DJs. Unfortunately it is in every aspect in today’s world but you shouldn’t not do something because of that hurdle or stop yourself from achieving your dreams and rather focus on the message that you want to convey as a female in a male dominated world. Know the person you are and figure out what you can excel in. The word Impossible itself says I M Possible.

Feel free to check out her Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/nishaa2315/