Tamanna " Roashan

By Mrinalini Sundar

Using makeup as a creative outlet and self-care ritual has saved me from many breakdowns"

Do you think makeup empowers women of colour?

Absolutely! Makeup has been a powerful and transformative tool since ancient times, originating in regions with women of colour. Ancient Egyptians believed makeup was next to godliness. In ancient India, makeup was used to worship deities, ward off the evil eye, heal ailments using Ayurvedic ingredients, and bring out beautiful features. Today, while makeup preferences and opinions can widely vary from person to person, we have seen that using it, especially during times of sadness, stress, or mental struggle, has proven to not only be an instant confidence booster but also helps to transform the entire mood and mindset to tackle the obstacles of the day better. And for me personally, using makeup as a creative outlet and self-care ritual has saved me from many breakdowns. It continues to be my escape whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed or depressed. I've done some of my best creative work during these times!

You pioneered the trend of tagging products on IG. How did you recognize that opportunity?

As someone who joined Instagram early on and had already been disclosing all products used in my step-by-step pictorials across Facebook and MySpace (it's the over-sharer in me!), it was a no-brainer to tag the brands instead of listing them. I didn't know who was running the brand pages, but once I started getting responses and private messages from the brands I would tag, I realized I was speaking directly to the founders! Anastasia Beverly Hills was one of the first who noticed all my tags. We ended up forming such a strong connection online that she sent me the biggest PR package I've ever received (10x of every single SKU!), invited me to her home, took me as her gate to the Golden Globes, made me the face of their famous Contour Palette, and even partnered with me to create my very own eyeshadow palette with the brand, "The Tamanna Palette" which became the first ever major influencer collaboration in the history of social media!

Some women think they can never get the makeup right due to a lack of confidence. What would you like to tell them?

This is EXACTLY why I became an educator. I created my online class program on DressYourFaceLIVE.com (which is now even more accessible on the DYFL App!) to help anyone and everyone, regardless of experience, how to achieve a perfectly flattering look for their unique features. I review everything we may be insecure about, including covering dark under-eye circles, hiding pigmentation and acne scars, properly contouring the face and nose based on size and shape, and even fixing makeup mistakes. I've never had a big sister to show me these things, so being that big sister to hundreds of thousands of women worldwide gives me a greater purpose on my platform. I'm here to help!

Was it challenging as a South Asian to climb the ladder in the beauty industry, which the West overly dominates?

Of course, as a woman, it is already challenging enough- we have both men AND fellow women questioning our abilities and creating barriers that don't need to exist (and sadly, our people tend to tear each other down even harder due to deep-rooted generational issues). But as a young South Asian woman entering a majority-white beauty industry (and being the first major South Asian influencer to do so and succeed), as scary as it sounds, it was quite simple. I used my unique ethnic background and cultural beauty practices to set me apart from the others and attract a niche audience like me, who engaged with my content and grew my following exponentially. Soon, non-South Asian clientele, including Hollywood celebrities and TV personalities, started flocking to me, wanting that "exotic" look that I became known for. I turned my identity into my strength, and because of that, not only was I able to thrive in my career, but many brands that reached out to me to collaborate were finally able to reach a whole new customer demographic.

Do you think beauty standards are constantly changing?

Yes, always. We've seen trends and beauty standards evolve throughout history. And now more than ever, with the rise of social media, everything seems to change much faster. As an educator, it's not only important for me to stay on top of the trends and keep the latest ideal beauty standards in mind when creating products or looks, but it's also equally as important to recognize where we need to do more (or do less). Unrealistic beauty standards can be damaging, especially to our vulnerable younger audience, and collectively, we are responsible for the changes we want to see. So as an influencer, I've strived to keep all my content diverse, positive, empowering, creative, and meaningful... and I've proudly been at the forefront of creating so many of my beauty standards and trends for over 20+ years.

What, according to you, makes you a relatable makeup artist?

Since starting my online presence, I've always been an open book. There are no secrets, no gatekeeping, no hiding here. I share what I know with no limits... not just my beauty content but my everyday life. I've spent decades forming a real relationship with my online family. They've seen me fall in love. Get married. Start a business. They watched as I moved to a new city to follow my dreams. They saw me miss my family terribly. One year later, they saw me welcome my family into my new city, to a new home I created for them with my earnings that I was so proud of. They saw my grandmother, my soul mate's health deteriorate. They grieved with me when I lost her. They shared my tears when I revealed the loss of my first pregnancy and rejoiced when I shared my second news. They felt my pain as I struggled all nine months before finally falling madly in love with my baby girl. And a few years later, they fell even deeper for my baby boy. And now, they watch and relate as I juggle the responsibilities of being an entrepreneur and being a mother while still getting what they came for in the first place: beauty, guidance and inspiration.

By Naina Grewal

Navigating the corporate world in the 21st century is an intricate dance that requires a delicate balance of adaptability, innovation, and strategic thinking. In today’s rapidly changing landscape, successful professionals must possess a keen understanding of emerging technologies, global markets, and the ever-evolving needs and expectations of customers. The 21st century corporate world demands agility, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making it an exhilarating and challenging landscape for those willing to take on the journey. Wondering what it takes to shine in the corporate world? Three industry experts from three distinct fields tell all:

Amber Tariq

Title: Business Partner, Financial Planning & Analysis Company: Central 1 Industry: Banking

What skills and qualities do you believe are essential for success in the 21st century corporate environment?

1.Know your audience. Recognizing your stakeholders and adapting your communication style to their needs.

2.Know how to learn. Don't be afraid of the problem at hand; you don’t have to have all of the answers, but you should know how to frame a problem and research a solution by leveraging your network, available repositories, and other resources.

3.Know how to synthesize. The biggest value-add in most companies is the ability to break down complex and large information into digestible and understandable pieces which decision makers can use.

What is one myth you'd like to break about working in the corporate environment?

Working late every day is not going to get you success faster. Sure, it can make you look like you have a strong work ethic, but this is more likely to guarantee burnout than career progression. What's more effective is working smart, knowing what you are good at, and showing it to people who truly matter.

How do you approach worklife balance and maintaining well-being amidst the demands of the corporate world?

Maintaining a good work-life balance usually comes with experience and when you are comfortable enough to draw boundaries. Nobody will tell you to go spend more time with your family or exercise or sleep well; you need to communicate these clearly and consistently to maintain boundaries not just for others, but also for yourself, so you can keep yourself accountable.

Title: Solution Architect Company: Blueplanet, a division of Ciena Industry: Telecommunications

What skills and qualities do you believe are essential for success in the 21st century corporate environment?

1. Gather knowledge of technology used. This will allow you to be highly efficient and demonstrate leadership qualities, making you a subject matter expert and opening up opportunities for exposure.

2. Build communication skills. Knowing what to say is one thing, but knowing how to say it is very important.

3. Know when to say no. If given additional tasks and unrealistic timelines, push back, while taking into account the proper way of articulating your boundaries.

What is one myth you'd like to break about working in the corporate environment?

Corporate jobs aren’t always just “9:00am to 5:00pm”. Often, once you showcase your capabilities and land senior roles, you cannot simply log off at 5:00pm. At that point, it's all about deliverables and meeting milestones, which could mean starting earlier and finishing later. The opposite holds true as well, depending on how well you manage your workload; you may start later and finish earlier.

How do you approach worklife balance and maintaining well-being amidst the demands of the corporate world?

I don't overload myself just to impress my bosses. I only deliver what is reasonable and push back when needed. Working out helps me clear the mind, which leads to better work performance. Last but not least, I do what makes me happy, enjoy, and let out the inner child outside work hours.

2. Be resilient. Especially at the beginning of your career, personal resilience ensures that you’re not crushed by periodic busy seasons or high-pressure environments. 3. Be self-aware. Continuously check-in with yourself and pivot your career towards something sustainable that’s going to keep you motivated and interested.

What is one myth you'd like to break about working in the corporate environment?

You do not necessarily need a high GPA and a long resume of relevant work experiences before you graduate university to land a good corporate job. Don't hold yourself back from applying to jobs and seeking out opportunities because you don't think your resume is “good enough”. Soft skills, like your ability to converse, learn new skills, build a team and empathize are also highly valuable.

How do you approach worklife balance and maintaining well-being amidst the demands of the corporate world?

Jasdeep Gill

Title: Senior Account Executive Company: Procter & Gamble Industry: Consumer Packaged Goods

What skills and qualities do you believe are essential for success in the 21st century corporate environment?

1. Be a self-starter. Along with the rest of the world, the corporate environment is constantly innovating and changing and it is important to keep up with what’s happening in your particular industry.

You cannot always be working late hours and “giving it your all”. Rather, you should focus on understanding and identifying the key time periods where you know the workload will be heavier or lighter. Giving yourself permission to disconnect and slowdown will ultimately help you perform at your best when your busy season begins.

Ultimately, navigating the corporate world in the 21st century is a multifaceted endeavor that demands a diverse skill set and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. Success in today’s dynamic landscape requires a blend of technical expertise, emotional intelligence, and a forward-thinking mindset. As such, individuals can surely position themselves to thrive in the corporate world of the 21st century, contributing to the growth and success of their organizations, while creating meaningful impact in an ever-changing global business environment.

By Shweta Kulkarni

From dancing your blues away to tapping into your creative side, alternative therapies provide a fresh perspective on self-care.

In the fast-paced world, we inhabit — Life for most of us is a whirlwind of stress and anxiety. The persistent demands of work, never-ending to-do lists, and the constant pressure to keep up with everything, can leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained. And as we routinely function like robots, religiously doing our assigned chores, selfcare often takes a backseat. No wonder majority of the population today experiences mental illness in some form or the other.

While traditional Western medicine can always come to your rescue, what if we tell you there are natural ways to boost your mental health that don’t involve popping pills or countless hours of therapy? Welcome to the realm of alternative therapy aka complementary therapy, where rejuvenation meets relaxation, and healing takes on a whole new meaning. Read on to discover various types of alternative therapies that can help you find inner peace and enhance your mental well-being.

Dance Your Blues Away

Therapy need not always be all talk and no action. Dance therapy, a recent alternative therapy approach, has gained popularity as a transformative way to improve mental well-being. Harnessing the power of movement with the healing benefits of self-expression, dance therapy gives a boost to one’s overall health. While it is also known to address a range of mental health issues like trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, and eating disorders, this form of therapy is also beneficial to boost self-esteem and communication skills.

Harmonizing Sound of Music

Remember the soothing effect of a lullaby sung by your mother? Well, sound therapy takes that comforting effect to a whole new level. This alternative therapy is a holistic healing method that harnesses the power of sound waves to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. It is based on the principle that sound can have a profound effect on the body, mind, and spirit. Whether it's the resonant tones of Tibetan singing bowls, the auditory illusions of binaural beats, or the calming embrace of nature’s sounds like crashing waves and chirping birds, the harmonious vibrations of sound therapy work like magic.

Ancient Healing Wonders: Acupuncture & Acupressure

An integral part of ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture and acupressure are ancient therapies that stimulate specific points in the body to promote healing. With roots dating back thousands of years, these time-honoured therapies have been proven to address mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and other stress-related symptoms. Using key acupoints, acupuncturists and acupressure practitioners stimulate the flow of Qi, also known as the life force energy, in the body and alleviate physical and emotional discomfort. While acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles, acupressure depends on applying pressure with fingers to the same points. When considering these therapies, it is crucial to seek out a qualified practitioner to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Get Artsy

It is a known fact that words alone cannot capture the complexity of our emotions. This is where art therapy steps in as a powerful alternative. Utilizing art materials and creative expression to help individuals explore their emotions, art therapy creates a safe and supportive environment where people can express themselves without any judgment. Art therapy uses various forms of artistic expressions like drawing, painting, sculpting, dancing, crafting, writing, and others to encourage individuals to tap into their creativity and emotions. Simple yet a powerful approach, art therapy can be used to work around several mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Mind Body Practices: Yoga and Tai Chi

Age-old practices, Yoga and Tai Chi have been known for their physical benefits, but their impact on mental health is equally significant. Yoga and Tai Chi are known to utilize a combination of gentle postures, sequences and focused breathing, to induce mindfulness, relaxation, and the integration of body and mind. Regular practice of these ancient practices can help decrease anxiety, improve sleep, and bring a sense of calm and balance.

Pawsitive Healing

Unleashing the furry forces of healing, animal therapy, also known as pet therapy, has gained recognition for its ability to enhance well-being. Numerous studies have shown that positive interactions with animals increase the release of oxytocin, the ‘happy hormone,’ in our bodies. Animal therapy work around this very concept, and involves interacting with various animals such as dogs, horses, and even birds to provide companionship, comfort, and support to individuals facing mental health challenges. Whether it's cuddling a dog, taking a calming ride on a gentle horse, or simply observing the soothing movement of fish, animal therapy works around the unique bond between animals and humans and offers a gentle and non-judgmental approach to healing.

Power of Drama

Drama therapy is yet another interesting, creative, and immersive complementary therapy where people’s emotions take centre stage. By harnessing the power of dramatic arts like storytelling, role-playing and creativity, drama therapy provides a unique therapeutic experience. This form of therapy promotes self-expression, personal growth, and healing. Whether stepping into someone else's shoes, improvising scenes, or engaging in group activities, drama therapy provides an entertaining and supportive environment for exploring and processing an individ- ual’s innermost feelings. Through this transformative experience, people can uncover hidden emotions, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, and connect with others on a profound level.

Float your worries away

Ever thought of letting your worries float away after stepping into a river or sea? Welcome to floatation therapy, the oasis of calm that's making waves in the alternative therapy scene. This form of therapy has become popular for its ability to stimulate deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Effortlessly floating in a sensory depriva- tion tank, helps individuals enter a state of profound tranquillity, which results in numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, improved sleep quality, pain relief, and enhanced creativity. Floatation therapy serves as a therapeutic escape from the demands of daily life, providing a haven to disconnect and reconnect with oneself.

Note: While all the alternative therapies offer a holistic and creative way to improve mental well-being, it is important to consult your doctor and health practitioner before considering any of them.