Reflections of last decade

OH DAMNNN! I've officially completed two decades on this wild ride we call life!?

The thought of turning the big 30 without having checked off all the goals I set for myself way back when I was a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed twenty-something.

So, one day, I grabbed my trusty notebook and a pen and decided to give myself a little pep talk. I mean, who needs a therapist when you've got paper and ink, am I right? I took a moment to reflect on the past decade of my existence and, boy oh boy, was that a ride!

Sure, I may not have reached all of those lofty milestones I once envisioned for myself, but I've grown in ways I never could have predicted. I've learned to embrace my quirks, overcome my fears, and appreciate the little moments that make life so sweet. And who knows what kind of awesomeness the next decade has in store for me? The possibilities are endless!

Let's take a small walk down memory lane, shall we?

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Age 18: I jetted off to Manipal Academy of Higher Education - MAHE, Dubai , with a dream: to become the ultimate software mastermind. With a knack for building apps that made Apache Netbeans look like child's play, my buddies were sure that I'd create MeghaBeans, the next big thing in tech.??

Age 21: I graduated from Manipal University with a revolutionary hospital management system. My mentors encouraged me to publish a research paper on it, which was featured in an international journal! But, my path wasn't set in stone.

I wavered between #design and #coding , facing harsh criticism for my choices. Thankfully, I had a guardian angel in my mentor, Shruti Jeevaraj SHRM-SCP, NLP, TA , who helped me find my way. She was my #mentor and a guiding light that put me on the right path to pursue design and today have the companies I have today. She landed me an interview with TORRECID, S.A. , a Spanish company in Dubai, where I proved that talent and passion trumped a stellar design portfolio.?

Age 22: I quit my job as a designer and went to Florence, Italy to do my Master's in #industrialdesign . My professors opened my eyes to a whole new world of arts and design. During #milandesignweek , I stumbled upon the stand I designed for my old company and met their top client, where their entire stand was designed with my work. As a 22-year-old, I was on top of the world, my designs in Milan - OH MY GOD!!! I lost my mind honestly and I knew I wanted this thrill forever.?

During that year, I traveled across 25+ countries which inspired me to learn about new cultures and integrate them into my #art and design.

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Age 24-26: During my tenure at dezigntechnic I designed for some of the most iconic buildings and spaces in Dubai and Abu Dhabi like, #DubaiSafari, #louvre Abu Dhabi, #Hilton, #Rotana, #Four Seasons, and more.?

I had a loaded portfolio of work that made me stand out in the market.

Age 26: When the pandemic hit, I took a leap of faith and started my own company Design Makers Studio in Abu Dhabi (2019). It wasn't easy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

From Abu Dhabi to Bangalore, Design Makers traveled far and wide, working on nearly 250 projects across 13 countries and 10 sectors. With a focus on #customercentric design, we transformed brands and helped them better understand how design impacts their market. It's been an incredible journey as an #entrepreneur , with all the struggles and hardships making me the #businesswoman I am today. Plus, I've also been honing my long-time passion for #photography along the way!

Age 29: Life presented me with a golden opportunity to turn my dreams into reality. I was given the chance to pitch an idea I was truly passionate about, and I seized it with both hands.

In 2022, I launched my second company, a #creativecommunity that is changing the face of design. With a team of five brilliant minds, we are making our mark and pushing boundaries in ways I never thought possible.

My story has its hardships and struggles that maybe many of you might never see, but my personal and professional experiences made me the creative I am today. Today may be difficult and tomorrow might be worse, but all this is leading to building who you are over time and believe that struggle will evolve the way we see that experience 3 years from today.

As I celebrate my 30th birthday, I look back at the past decade with a sense of pride and fulfillment. I have accomplished so much and have no regrets about the choices I've made. It's amazing to see how much I've grown and evolved as a person, and I am excited for what the future holds.