Meet our featured beauty with brains Shivani Parekh, who recently joined our platform as a Skincare & Haircare consultant.

Shivani is an international student who is pursuing her degree in Bachelors of Commerce and is based in Sydney & Melbourne. Alongside her studies she has been able to kickstart her skincare & haircare business known as the ‘Brown Beauty Secret’ which runs on a mission to transform the ordinary, ‘Be Brown Be Flawless’ is her motto, because that’s what makes you beautiful and attractive!

Even though faced with a lot of challenges including being an international student, paying university fees, studying fulltime & juggling work to pay the bills, she never came up with an excuse to not do it, when it came to pursuing her dreams of starting her own business in the Beauty Industry.

She developed a passion in this field as she believes in educating others about the importance of skin health and customised solutions to address skin’s & hair’s nutritional needs to look healthy and beautiful.

Shivani also specialises in ‘Acupressure Facial’ which is an unique way of doing facial that helps increase cutaneous blood flow—supplying blood to the skin—and increases lymphatic drainage giving an instant boost & glow to the skin.

Through her expertise she has been able to help hundreds of women to regain their self confidence & self image and helping them attain their optimum level of inside out beauty.

Your skin tone is a representation of your roots! So be proud and own it – is the mantra behind Brown Beauty Secret.

Brown beauty secret is proud for its natural & chemical free plant based services.

Vegan Skincare & Haircare is one of the best skincare that BrownBeautySecret focuses upon, providing all natural solutions to Pigmentation/uneven skin, Dark circles, Blemishes, Pimples/Acnes etc.

Feel free to check out their instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thebrownbeautysecret

Your Problem is You
By Hallie Avolio
(https://sassyhealthy.fit)

Money isn’t your problem, but it’s an easy excuse.⁣
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Time isn’t your problem, but you convince yourself that it is.⁣
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Your partner, friend, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, co-worker isn’t the problem, but it’s easy to point fingers.⁣
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Your problem is YOU.⁣
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YOU.⁣
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You are the problem.⁣
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You are the problem, yet, more importantly, you are THE SOLUTION.⁣
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The thing about changing your life, evolving, expanding… MANIFESTING…⁣
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It’s scary!
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(If you say it isn’t you are lying to yourself.⁣)
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Status quo, comfort zone, playing it safe, that is the real place you should be scared of. Not the change, the growth, STEPPING INTO YOUR PERSONAL POWER.⁣
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Why do you hold yourself back?⁣
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Why do any of us hold ourselves back?⁣
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Because deep down we don’t love ourselves enough to believe that we are worthy of living a life that truly lights us up and creates such a sense of joy we cannot believe how magical it is.⁣
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We’ve been told that we can’t have this.⁣
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Don’t be too proud of yourself. Shhhh…we don’t want to make others feel bad. Keep it to yourself if you are so excited, everyone else doesn’t need to know your business.⁣
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IT’S TIME TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE.⁣
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Living a life you love is your birthright and it is everything you imagine it could be and it’s possible and it is AVAILABLE TO YOU.⁣
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But you have to stop creating your own problems.⁣
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You have to stop making excuses.⁣
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You have to step up for yourself and DECIDE that you are ready to lead yourself to your personal power, your personal expansion, your personal destiny.⁣
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If you want to be limitless, BE LIMITLESS.⁣
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That is the magic.⁣
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I know you only half believe me. And that’s OK. I also know you are going to marinate on this because it has already stirred something in your subconscious that is ready to be set free.
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you are limitless⁣
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When you are ready to admit it and move, I’m here for you.
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This conversation continues…⁣
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Addiction

By Anthem Sandoval
(https://www.facebook.com/anthem.hill.7?mibextid=LQQJ4d)

A few years ago my husband was in the hospital after getting diagnosed with cirrhosis. He was only 30 years old.

Addiction will take everything from you.

I lost jobs, friends, respect, time, relationships, my sanity, and almost my life.

Then I watched it start to slowly kill my husband. The suffering he endured because of his liver giving out was horrific. I still get a panicked feeling when I’m in a hospital. The memories and the trauma of going through something like that with him still haunts me.

There is such a glamor associated with alcohol, with the party world in general. In rehab the first few days, it’s all about telling your story, the wild parties, epic nights, the way the world would sparkle when the drugs started peaking.

In the beginning it does feel glamorous. I remember being 21, wearing my little skirts, feeling on top of the world. We would take shots and I’d feel like a different person. I wasn’t shy and awkward anymore I was outgoing and people liked me. The drugs would make me feel loved and connected. For the first time I felt comfortable in my own skin. That time in my life was incredible.

After awhile though, I stopped being able to control it. I didn’t want to give up that feeling, the relief, and go back to feeling anxious and exhausted all the time. I started drinking during the week nights. Then I started drinking at work, filling up soda bottles with hard liquor. Doing harder drugs whenever I could get my hands on them.

A week into rehab and all those glamorous adventures would fade and the truth about how addiction had destroyed us would come out. It’s like those movies where the man is lost in the desert and sees this mirage of a beautiful oasis. He starts desperately running towards it only to find that there is nothing but sand and death in front of him.

I kept running towards what I thought was relief but in reality was actually killing me. It’s all an illusion. You feel like you are getting to a better place but you are only destroying yourself. You cannot use on a regular/daily basis without serious consequences. One day you wake up and can’t get out of bed without a fix and the road back is a long one.

I love the quote about healing out loud to help those who are suffering in silence. It’s why I started to talk publicly about all this. It’s been 15 years since this monster came into my life. I know millions of other people are struggling themselves or watching someone they love go through it. We have to talk about it. We have to end the stigma so people feel like they can come forward and get help.

I don’t want anyone to have to go through what I went through with my addiction or my husband’s addiction and liver disease. It’s a dark cloud but when we tell our stories we help the light come through. Don’t be afraid to get help, to be open about what is happening, you are not alone.

Mental Wellness/ Positivity Series

Look After The Golden Goose
By Emily Gowor
(http://www.facebook.com/emilygoworpage)

Several years ago, I reached out to one of my mentors for support. At the time, I was feeling burned out and stressed in my work and I needed a way to make things better for myself.

During our call, he said to me: “You need to look after the Golden goose!”

I asked him what he meant, and he pointed out that I hadn’t been taking care of the most important thing in my life: myself.

In other words, I hadn’t been looking after the goose that laid the Golden eggs.

… and he was right.

I had become so busy doing everything I thought I needed to do and so focused on what people needed from me that my personal cup was empty.

He explained that it was unrealistic to expect myself to perform at my best when I wasn’t giving myself the essential support I needed.

We identified the non-negotiable habits that I needed to reintroduce into my life: those little behaviours, treats, and treatment that fuelled me from within.

At the time, this meant reorganising my calendar for the week to allow more creative time, getting more support with my health, and remembering to work outside my home space to get more inspiration (e.g. cafes).

The conversation with him was a reminder that for me to be in my fullest capacity for those around me, I also needed to honour the laws of fair exchange within myself. This meant taking care of my wellbeing first and foremost, especially when it seemed like the hardest thing to do.

In his words: “You are violating the law of give and receive with yourself.”

Perhaps you are reading this message at a time when you also need to prioritise taking care of the Golden goose.

If so, then ask yourself these questions:

What can you do today to support yourself?
What do you need to change in your life in order to do your best work?
Who do you need to hire in order to help you move forward?
What do you need to do regularly in order to be energised?
What do you really need right now in order to shine at your fullest?

Whatever it is for YOU, make a commitment to yourself right now to give that to yourself.

Schedule that time off, go out for that morning tea break, start your early morning walk by the water, or even hire a coach or mentor.

The commitment to your dreams and purpose first begins with your commitment to yourself – and the more you nurture that relationship with yourself, the more you can share your gifts with the world.

REMEMBER: Look after the Golden goose.

Why?

Because personal flow is everything – and your wellbeing is not just an option, it’s the foundation for the rest of your life.

Thanks to beauty with brains Emily Gowor for participating in our Mental Wellness/ Positivity Series. Would you like to participate too? Check out the details:

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

Keep Going
By Belinda Agnew
(https://belindaagnew.com)

“I was 2 when my mother was homeless.

I was 3 when I knew my mother had an alcoholic issue.

I was 5 when knew I had to be self-sufficient.

I was 7 when she moved a boyfriend into our house.

I was 12 and wasn’t comfortable in my own home due to my mother having unstable boyfriends.

I was 12 when I ran away from home.

I was 13 when my mother left me with her boyfriend so she could move to Sydney with her new boyfriend.

I was 14 when my mother’s previous boyfriend found love and moved his new family into the home.

I was 15 when I moved to Sydney to be with my mother and her new boyfriend.

I was 15.5 when I knew my mother was an alcoholic and in an abusive relationship.

I was 16 when I attended a public high school after being in a private catholic school to finish my year 10.

I was 16.5 when I realised school wasn’t for me and moved out of my mother’s home.

I was 17 when I had my first real job selling Kirby Vaccum cleaners D2D knowing if I didn’t sell I wouldn’t survive.

I was 18 when I applied for corporate within sales and asked for 100k.

I was 19 when I knew there was more of me to offer so I left corporate and worked as a CCA at Open Colleges.

I was 20 when I was bullied in the workplace as I was the youngest and the only female.

I was 21 when I was pushed to leave my current job being the top performer, youngest and always favoured by management.

I was 22 when I connected to my entrepreneurial flair.

I was 23 when I was poached by the CEO of AIPE to join forces with him and start my own company Open Education.

I was 24 when I tasted money for the first time.

I was 25 when I made my first million.

I was 26 when I left an 8-year relationship who is now my BFF.

I was 27 when I exited Open Education and left Sydney.

I was 28 when I started Foccus Group.

I was 29 when I knew I had a love for Tech.

I was 30 when I ended a 3-year relationship after being so caught up with my work and living in my masculine energy.

I was 30 and started my first advisory position with BizPay and soon after others within early-stage tech.

I am 31 and now scaling xenabler with Prashant to become Blockchain and Web3 focused along with being a non-exec for all the companies I love.

I am 31 and living life on my terms: Doing what I want, with whom I want, when I want and where I want.

I am almost 32 in November and realize my past doesn’t define me. It was me, which in turn has made me, and I am so thankful for that.

Most of life is a search for who and what needs you the most.

You got this. Keep Going.

P.S I have a beautiful relationship with my mother today and realise she really didn’t know any better as she was left with me at 17 years old as a single Mum doing her absolute BEST. She did, and I thank her every day for that and for choosing me not him (my dad). The past does not define her.” – Belinda.

“When flowers bloom, so does hope.”

Spring is the season of love and hope. Spring reminds us that things will get better after they were worse. Research shows that the extended daylight improves mood, boosts energy and enhances wellbeing.

Check out these empowered beauties with brains in their spring outfits. ‘Hello Spring’ – our Sept 2022 Fashion Issue in collaboration with Sakhi magazine (https://sakhi.online/) is dedicated to the most inspiring of seasons.

Supported By:

Glam Gloire Makeup & Beauty

(https://glamgloire.com)

R J Mehrok Boutique, Makeup & Styling Services

(https://www.facebook.com/R-J-Mehrok-Boutique-Makeup-Styling-1794363417492202/)

Light Antana Photography

(https://www.instagram.com/light_antana)

Eesha Boutique

(https://www.eeshaboutique.com)

Artantana Handmade

(https://www.instagram.com/artantana_handmade)

Vikilinks

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.

Meet beauty with brains Seema Balasubramanian, who recently joined our platform as a Solicitor. She is based in Sydney, Australia and has worked in various legal firms in Australia, United Kingdom and India. She is also a registered Solicitor in England and Wales and has practised at the High Court of Kerala, India. She has gathered in-depth legal knowledge and experience in Injury compensation, Immigration, Criminal and Business Law.

Apart from her legal career, she is passionate about helping the community and working closely with charitable and non profit organizations. She has conducted many programs to empower the youth and women, and is also involved in a range of activities with Rotary Clubs and other Non Profit Organisations to spread legal awareness in society.

She has recently participated in Wigs 4 Kids by Ella Wigmakers Campaign and fundraised for ‘Kids with Cancer Foundation’ by donating her hair.

She is a public speaker and has won titles in the International Toastmasters Club and area level Speech Contests during the term 2021-2022. She has directed a Promotional Video for ICC T 20 Women’s World Cup in collaboration with Sydney Malayalee Association to promote Women’s Cricket. She was the Joint Convenor of the World’s Largest Online Talent Competition Onefest 2020 organised by the World Malayalee Council Global Youth Wing.

If you are in need of a solicitor, feel free to message us for Seema’s contact details.

Our 15th September Cultural & Fashion event organised in collaboration with India Club (http://www.indiaclub.com.au), Sakhi magazine (https://sakhi.online), IWE & CMRC, was a great success!

Guest speakers included the Mayor of the Hillshire District Dr. Peter Gangemi, Mayor Emeritus Dr. Michelle Byrne, Dr. Aksheya Kumar & Mrs. Shubha kumar (Founders of India Club), Mansi Bhatia (Founder of IWE), Health Consultant Manisha Agarwal, Dr. Y P Chawla (Ex Advisor to the Ministry of Power, Govt of India), Mr. Harmohan Walia Ji (Author & Photographer), Alpana Srivastava (Founder of Sakhi magazine) & Tiya Gorain (Founder of Empowered BWB).

Attractions included a fashion walk. There were two themes – evening dress and corporate wear. Some of the models looked captivating in stunning evening dresses while others looked smart and charming in their corporate wear.

Many thanks to Light Antana Photography (https://www.instagram.com/light_antana) & Harmohan Walia Photography for the amazing captures. Thanks to R J Mehrok Boutique (https://www.facebook.com/R-J-Mehrok-Boutique-Makeup-Styling-1794363417492202/), Artantana Boutique (https://www.instagram.com/artantana_handmade) & Mystical Elegance Boutique (https://www.facebook.com/mysticalelegance/) for showcasing their clothing and jewellery at the fashion walk.

Special thanks to Shubha Kumar Ji, Dr. Aksheya Kumar Ji and Mansi Bhatia for their unconditional support.

Tips to Get Rid of Self-doubt

By Tiya Gorain

It’s not unusual to experience self-doubts in life, specially when faced with challenging situations. Self-doubts can hold us back from seizing opportunities and attaining our goals. Even though it can be dangerous to absolutely have no self-doubts at all, as they can help us in recognising limitations; if left unchecked, self-doubts can stop us from moving forward. Here are some tips to overcome self-doubts.

1. Don’t seek continuous validation from others.

It’s a good idea to sometimes ask for people’s advice, feedback and inputs. But if you find yourself always asking for others’ validation and approval before making decisions or taking any steps, it will weaken your faith in yourself and increase your self-doubt. For example, if you are writing a book or designing a website, and if you keep asking for people’s opinion and changing things according to their suggestions, the end product won’t reflect the true you. It’s alright to take advice but in the end, make sure your decisions are based on what’s right for you and what you truly want.

2. Don’t compare yourself to others.

We often experience self-doubt because we are scared that we won’t achieve something at the same level as someone else. This can hamper our progress and stop us from achieving success. It’s best to understand that everyone’s journey, circumstances, definition of success etc are different and instead of comparing with others, we should focus on our own journey and achievements. Whether we are happy with our position in life shouldn’t depend on where other people are at.

3. Doubt your doubts.

Our doubts are often not the truth, but what our mind creates fuelled by certain fears. When you start doubting yourself, try to challenge the thoughts. For example before you are about to speak at an event, a small voice in your head might say “What if no one likes your talk? What if the audience laughs at you?”. Challenge this by saying “But what if they love my talk and there is deafening applause when I finish?”.

4. Build up a support group.

Our circle either fuels our self-doubts or boosts our self confidence. Try to surround yourself with people who believes in you and will be on your side. People who can remind you of your abilities and self-worth when you are unable to do so yourself.

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” – John Steinbeck.

It is winter in Australia. Some of us are all rugged up; staying cozy in our blankets, sipping hot coffee and reading books while others are venturing out and enjoying different types of adventures including snowy ones. No matter what you are doing this winter, you can do so in style. Whether you are among those who feel the cold more than others, layering thermals, sweaters, coats & scarves on top of each other or someone who doesn’t feel the cold that much and one layer is enough, you can choose fashionable colourful clothes to beat the winter blues.

Check out these empowered beauties with brains in their winter clothing. ‘Winter Wonder’ – our July 2022 Fashion Issue in collaboration with Sakhi magazine (https://sakhi.online/) is dedicated to the coldest of seasons.

Supported By:

Glam Gloire Makeup & Beauty

(https://glamgloire.com)

R J Mehrok Boutique, Makeup & Styling Services

(https://www.facebook.com/R-J-Mehrok-Boutique-Makeup-Styling-1794363417492202/)

Light Antana Photography

(https://www.instagram.com/light_antana)

Eesha Boutique

(https://www.eeshaboutique.com)

Artantana Handmade

(https://www.instagram.com/artantana_handmade)

Womeyn

https://www.womeyn.com/

Vikilinks Australia

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.