Fredrik Haren is an internationally acclaimed expert on creativity in business and speaker. He is the author of 9 books, including the ‘Idea Book’ which was included in “The 100 Best Business Books of All Time”. Recently he gave a groundbreaking talk on the topic ‘The value of thinking differently’ at International Youth Leadership and Innovation Forum (IYLIF 2017). Using humour and amazing presenting style his talk was very much influencing. Here are my takeaways-

1. Importance of Innovative Thinking for the solution to problems–  Fredrik shared “All we know we have to take two things and combine in a new way to deliver a new idea. The World is changing quickly and adults are not able to handle and are stuck. Power of youth is not to get stuck.” Innovation is a requirement of present times. The same problem instead of following regular solution if brainstormed creatively can lead to some innovative solution.
2. Trust your creativity– Fredrik emphasized that people should be confident about their creative abilities. Following certain techniques to enhance creativity people can get the solution to their challenges in the very innovative way. I took it as a strong guideline to lead every sphere of my life innovatively. As an entrepreneur, I get so many challenges while running my Startup. Once I started looking at those challenges with an innovative approach  I am getting a solution very easily. As a mother, I get a challenge on how to teach my kids various subjects. Once I am mindfully thinking about the solution I get it and now I use innovative ways by exploring innovative platforms to teach my kids. There is no direct key but effort lies in keep trying out in different ways and pushing your boundaries. It helps in doing what we are doing in a better way. It can easily be applied to personal and professional lives.
3.  Follow the techniques to enhance creativity- Fredrik emphasized the importance of isolating oneself if one is interested to enhance creativity. The greatest ideas come when you’re doing nothing. And that’s what people forget. They overload on information, they Google, they search, they Pinterest, but they forget, “When are you going to create? Your brain, your subconscious needs to analyze all the things that they saw,”. Taking breaks to explore one’s creative mind can be part of our regular life

Fredrik’s sharing about thinking differently can be a really great help to all groups from organizations to startups, from teachers to students, from a homemaker to a working mother. Any individual can get benefit out of ‘Thinking differently’ and get solutions to big challenges.

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting excellence in women!

“Young people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new projects than for settled business.” -Francis Bacon

International Youth Ambassadors and Industry experts at International Youth Leadership and Innovation Forum (IYLIF 2017) proved this quote in the true sense. Annual IYLIF conference brought together a global panel of experts, educators, parents and accomplished youth from all over the world. IYLIF was a conference for youth (10-17 years) from all around the world to speak, discuss and collaborate on topics like Bullying, Stress, Human Values and Effects of technology in present times. This event was organized by As Many Minds in Singapore on 2nd Sep at Lifelong Learning Institute. IYLIF 2017 was supported by Up your Game 2016 Personal Development Community. Sindu Sreebhavan, founder of As Many Minds strongly believes “Innovations happen when we create an environment to foster creativity, meaningful dialogues, diversity, and collaborations.” While addressing the  audience  Sindu shared her vision of IYLIF as a platform with the power to transform dead dry deserts of despair into green lands of innovation, leadership, and execution

The key highlights of the forum-

• 22 International Youth Ambassadors (IYAs) participated in the forum from Singapore and around the world from countries like Japan, Malaysia, UAE, and India. These youth were picked from over 160 entries received from all around the world. These youth had to send a 2-min speech on a topic that is relevant to the youth. Boot camps were organized before the actual forum to empower IYAs with required skills for the forum.
•  There were 3 Internationally renowned keynote speakers at the Forum-

1. Manoj Vasudevan– World Champion of Public Speaking, next level readiness expert and the author of the International bestseller ‘Mastering Leadership the Mousetrap Way’. He shared his insightful speech on leadership. He shared the messages ‘You are never too small to be big’ and ‘Ownership is the habit that leads to leadership’. 
   
2. Fredrik Haren – Internationally acclaimed expert on creativity in business and speaker. He is the author of 9 books, including the Idea Book which was included in “The 100 Best Business Books of All Time”. He gave a groundbreaking talk on the topic ‘The value of thinking differently.’ Fredrik shared  “All we know we have to take two things and combine in a new way to deliver a new idea. The World is changing quickly and adults are not able to handle and are stuck. Power of youth is not to get stuck.” 
3. Avi Z Liran– International expert in Positive Leadership and Culture Transformation, who emphasized the importance of mindfulness for Curiosity, Humor, and Kindness in present times

•  Educators and Experts from different domains from Singapore, Japan, USA, UK, Vietnam, and India shared their knowledge and opinions in three-panel discussions at the forum. The first panel moderated by  Ruby Mathur,  a lecturer at NAFA,  was on the topic ‘Future of education and its significance.’ Educators Stephen Dexter, Robert Thorn,Thomas Brian Donnelly, and Roger Tan shared their views on the importance of future ready education systems in this panel. This was followed by speeches delivered by IYAs and laughter therapy session conducted by Santhanaram Jayaram who shared valuable tips to de-stress in everyday life. The second-panel discussion was on the topic ‘Technology, Values and the Gig Economy.‘ Panelists consisted of educator Nick Alchin, Director of Cherishma Consulting Mamta Mandal and Technologist Harpreet Atwal, who shared views on the importance of mindfulness in use of technology and how to carry on value system to next generation. Second panel was moderated by Karolina Gwinner  who is a Leadership Facilitator and a Speaker too.’The  new reality of youth life: Bullying, Abuse’ was the last panel discussion and panelists successfully discussed the undue pressure on the youth of the present generation. This esteemed panel consisted of Noor Mastura, Founder & President of Interfaith Youth Circle community, Vani Khare the Director at Sanrakshan, Santhanaram Jayaram Director of Inspired Life Academy, Vinti Mittal, Director at SACAC Counselling, and  Padma Sekhar Principal of Trio World School, Bangalore, India. This panel was moderated by Millennial Expert Vivek Iyyani.

IYLIF 2017 aims to create a global pool of youth change makers. The mentoring will continues even after the forum to guide IYAs to take action. Each of them will be mentored to reach out to at least 1000 other youth to spread messages, inspire action and make a difference.

At the end of the conference Programme Director Rahul Shah, who is a Communication Specialist in Singapore questioned the audience  “What if you get one chance to go back in your past. What will you do?”

And the obvious answer came “ We will work on our strengths.”

So why not let kids work on their strengths from an early stage in their life and for that platform like IYLIF can help them in the true sense.

With a flurry of requests from all over the world to hold the next forum in their cities, IYLIF is definitely soaring high towards its mission of creating a global pool of youth visionaries and change makers. Look out for the next IYLIF conferences in Tokyo, Dubai, and Bangalore. To know more about upcoming events visit http://asmanyminds.com/iylif 

Visit https://www.womenlines.com/sindusreebhavaninterview/ for Sindu Sreebhavan’s Interview for #IYLIF 2017 at Women Lines YouTube channel

Visit https://www.womenlines.com/spreading-creativity-in-youngsters-sindu-sreebhavan/ to read about Sindu Sreebhavan, Entrepreneur of the month section of Women Lines

Visit https://www.womenlines.com/is-your-child-lacking-the-skills-needed-to-survive-and-thrive/ to read Guest article by Sindu Sreebhavan on Women Lines

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting excellence in women!

Health is the real wealth and to manage this wealth Naturopathy can play important role in our life. Lady of the house is considered the pillar of a family and to make her family healthy she herself has to be healthy and happy. To help womenfolk to achieve excellence in health Women Lines is committed to create awareness. It is such a pleasure to introduce  Saravanan Naturopathic Physicians as an Influencer for Naturopathy on Womenlines panel. This month Dr. Saravanan Naturopath is giving tips to how to manage Diabetes naturally-

Diabetes is the most prevailing health problem in Singapore now. Any one is susceptible from any walks of life is prone to this condition. The count of diabetes patients has seen a significant rise in the recent years and continues to increase at an alarming rate. Our Prime Minster has the speak about it at the National Day Rally 2017. Indians are the most affected by Diabetes followed by the Malays and the Chinese.

Fortunately, you can manage diabetes with proper care. With careful attention to your blood sugar level, medications and lifestyle modifications, you can avoid many of the complications associated with diabetes. Diabetes could be treated with various natural home remedies.

Physiology of Diabetes

The food we consume is converted into glucose, the typical form of sugar in which dietary protein and carbohydrates are assimilated in humans. Glucose is transported by the blood stream throughout the body

Insulin is secreted into the bloodstream by the pancreatic beta cells in direct response to an increase in blood glucose concentration. This primary function of regulating proper blood glucose level in the body is achieved by releasing the glucose from the blood stream by entering the cells. Once the sugar is released from the blood stream, the pancreas stops producing insulin.The insulin receptors on our cells attract the insulin molecules that are in the blood stream. The glucose from the blood is passed to the cells through these receptors and the cells are nourished.When insufficient insulin is produced and or insulin receptors become insensitive to insulin molecules, the result is Diabetes.

Type II and Type II Diabetes

Type 1 is Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Conventional medicine classifies such diabetes happens due to unknown reasons or not totally understood, they maintain that it is genetically inherited and as well as auto immune disorders.

There are other medical practitioners who take a stand against the conventional medical system suggest that Type 1 diabetes is strongly influenced by pasteurized cow’s milk, artificial sweeteners and chlorine which is generally ingested into the body through drink tap water and shower. Chlorine depletes vitamin E and combines with vitamin E complexes to form alloxan. Alloxan is a chemical toxic to beta cells. Research had shown that children who developed type 1 diabetes generally have been breast fed for less than three months, and consumed either cow’s milk or solid food within the first few months of life. Another study had shown that children who did not drink cow’s milk within the first three months had a 40% reduced incidence of forming diabetes compared to those who drank cow’s milk.

Dr. John B. Classen in his studies observed that the hepatitis B vaccine, when given after 8 weeks of life, was associated with a 90% increased risk of diabetes.

Type II diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes NIDDM happens due to poor utilization of insulin and inefficient production of insulin. It is related to high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, obesity, and insulin resistance. Syndrome X or Metabolic Syndrome is about blood sugar metabolism and it is directly related to insulin resistance.Those who suffer from metabolic syndrome are twice likely to suffer from stroke, heart attack and die prematurely.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss irritability, fatigue, itchy skin, wounds that do not heal and gum lesions, blurred vision, tingling sensation and numbness in the feet and hands.

How could you prevent diabetes or overcome diabetes?

Exercise – Regular activity with moderate intensity usch as brisk walking for 45 to 90 minutes daily. This suits everybody. Then others according to the capabilities could do cycling, swimming, weight lifting etc. Exercise makes muscle cells to be more responsive to insulin.

 Food – Avoid all hyperglycemic foods. Foods that are high in glycemic index. Avoid foods made of refined flour like commercial breads, cereals, cakes, crackers, cookies, macaroni, spaghetti, all pastas, Anything made from refined flour makes the sugar to spike as high as refined sugar which has high GI at 100.Complex carbohydrates are beneficial. They are usually found in unprocessed vegetables and natural foods. These foods eliminate the sugar spikes.Other problem foods are packaged and canned foods. Sweeteners and artificial sweeteners and sugar added foods.

Replace refined carbohydrates with unrefined whole grains. Eat whole grains, fruits before meals, beans, raw seeds and raw nuts. Eating mono and poly unsaturated fats from vegetables, omega 3 fatty acids from fish, coconut oil, flax seed and sacha inchi oils reduce insulin requirements.Spices, like fenugreek, fennel seeds, cinnamon do help to regulate blood sugars. Use natural palm sugars and raw can sugars instead of refined and brown sugars.

Supplements – Digestive enzymes, pycnogenol, resveratrol, algae like AFA, Chlorella, NAD, probiotics, prebiotics, and a good detox would help. Speak to a naturopath who could recommend what is suitable for you.

Article written by Saravanan ND – Naturopathic Physician and transformational coach. At Naturopathic Therapies Clinic. www.naturopathic-therapies.com

Saravanan has successfully helped diabetics restore a healthy metabolic activity and balance. You could contact him if you need his support.

Special promotion for people who have liked  https://www.facebook.com/womenlines/ . We are giving away for 10 people a 50% discount on your consultation with Saravanan. Valid till 15 September 2017. Kindly mention this code when you call 68365615 for you boyourng. CODE: IWANTTOBEFREE.

Runway Mom/Lovers-4 is arriving bigger and better than before, with their 4^th season !

Dream Catchers, a Singapore-based online talent showcase platform run by Ms. Shalima Motial, is organizing Runway Mom/Lovers on 9th Sep, 5:00- 10:00 pm at The Pavilion at Far East Square.

An unforgettable gala, the event celebrates the women of Singapore and their families. Entrepreneurs showcase their products by sponsoring the event. This range includes home based entrepreneurs to big corporates like Manulife. The highlights of this event will be encapsulated in a 30-minute episode airing on the Colors TV channel as a souvenir.

 For The Woman of Substance  

 A woman is a “many-splendored” being. Wearing many hats befitting her multiple roles, she will get a platform to shine brighter than ever.

Runway Mom/Lovers-4 is a non-competitive event which embraces women from all walks of life, age, size and nationality notwithstanding.

Multiple Events

 8 pre-events leading up to the main. Among them are-

• Meet and Greet
• A Professional Photoshoot at Gardens By The Bay
• ‘Chalktalk At Rampwalk’ with a psychologist speaking about “building the emotional muscle”
• A Session Conducted By A Life Coach
• Tips From A Stylist
• Healthy Living By A Dietician
• A Makeup Workshop

Coverage By Bloggers & Media Companies

 This Season womenlines.com, a website promoting excellence for kids and women, is covering the event. The event presents a networking opportunity for all the sponsors and an opportunity for the models to create memories of a lifetime.

The Icing On The Cake

Runway Mom/Lovers-4 has a tie up with 2 companies from India especially for this Season and 15 mo(m)dels are flying in from India to be a part of the platform.

 The Main Event

 Runway Mom/Lovers-4 will kick-off with a dance performance by Aiyaz’s Dance Academy.

Following the ramp walk will be Runway open mic. Dream Catchers being an online talent showcase company that believes in providing a platform for performing artists has fulfilled its mission once again through Runway Open mic.

With Myra’s food stalls rimming the hall, this event promises to be an evening of entertainment and enjoyment for those participating and attending.

 Myra’s are the presenting sponsors, a famous eating joint which offers the best of Mexican cuisine as well as various North Indian specialties.

Book your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/myras-presents-runway-momrunway-lovers-season-4-by-dream-catchers-tickets-34134762995to enjoy the fun as the audience.

For other details visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1861979030733175/

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting excellence in women!

What does today’s youth want to talk to the whole world? Let’s hear them at International Youth Leadership & Innovation Forum 2017.

#IYLIF2017 is a conference for youth from all around the world to speak, discuss and collaborate on topics that matter to them. This event is organized by As Many Minds in Singapore. As Many Minds is a platform to bring out the creativity, innovation, confidence, and communication of millions of young minds around the world. As Many Minds strongly believe that innovations happen when an environment is created to foster creativity,
meaningful dialogues, diversity, and collaborations.

This conference is a rare opportunity for youth generation (10-17 yrs) to speak up their ideas, viewpoints, and hopes for the future along with other youth and experts from around the world. This conference is also a wonderful opportunity for kids who are not participating as they can be part of the audience and listen to the speakers and get inspiration in next ILYIF. Parents should definitely take this opportunity to bring their kids and give them exposure to International forum which is for their age group kids only.

Annual IYLIF conference is bringing together a global panel of experts, educators, parents
and accomplished youth from all over the world. IYLIF 2017 Chairperson, Sindu Sreebhavan, Founder of Asmanyminds.com     shared that  ” IYLIF is a platform that empowers
youth to express their visions, actions, and innovations. Here they can unravel infinite
possibilities, go beyond the boundaries of countries and cultures to collaborate and
achieve their full potential as global citizens.” She also mentioned that ” The mentoring of the International Youth Ambassadors (IYAs) will continue beyond the conference until 31st December 2017 to equip and assist them to be change makers.”

IYLIF 2017 creates a platform for youngsters to promote their ideas, thoughts, and suggestions for a better today and tomorrow

Date: September 2, 2017

Country: Singapore (Venue details coming shortly)

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting excellence in women!

Believe it or not!

It is very true fact that every woman is an entrepreneur. She is dealing with different projects at the same time. Project for her kid’s health, project for her family food and snacks, project for managing the household, project for managing relationships. Project to create a beautiful ambiance in the house. Project to manage kids studies and project to manage herself.

It is a responsible portfolio with a single motive to create happiness in life for all members of her family. And then it is not getting that appreciation the way one gets for her project deliveries in professional fields. Or rather it can be said this is not getting acknowledged, as people take her work as a routine work for any household lady.

This thought process has to be changed. We as women definitely should not avoid our family responsibilities but perform it with full dedication, but in return, we should stop cribbing about not getting appreciation. The happiness of fulfilling our all jobs with dedication should be celebrated by giving credit to oneself and taking out some time for oneself.

I read a strong saying “ Everybody is good at one thing., but once has to choose that thing herself’ and polish it. Get to know yourself well by using your time in the best way and improving productivity by correct time management. Time saved from getting depressed of lack of appreciation and lamely thinking oneself, as waste should be constructively used to know what are you good at and improvising it every day.

Every woman is born genius. Use your brain to find your individuality. Why need assurance from anybody else. God has given special powers to every woman and it can do wonders if used with the passion in the right direction. All the best womenfolk for creating miracles in life!

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting excellence in women!

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver”- Mahatma Gandhi

How true is this saying!

Health is the real wealth and to manage this wealth Naturopathy can play important role in our life. Lady of the house is considered the pillar of a family and to make her family healthy she herself has to be healthy and happy. It is such a pleasure to introduce  Saravanan Naturopathic Physicians as an Influencer for Naturopathy on Womenlines panel. Every month in his article Saravanan will be sharing about how womenfolk can prevent various disease or get cured by following naturopathy.

In this article, Saravanan is sharing about Naturopathy and women’ health-

Naturopathy and Women’s health

Holistic and wellness therapies for mental, physical, emotional and spiritual are widely used by women all over the world than men. It may be because women are more aware and empowered to take charge of their health. Women want to look young, be healthy and feel empowered. Naturopathy can play a significant role in it.

Naturopathic therapies do not follow a single road to good health. It combines nature with modern science. This approach to health care embraces a wide array of non-invasive techniques and therapies, including traditional healing methods, principles, and practices.

Naturopathic therapies focus on holistic prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. Naturopathic physicians work with the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. The naturopathic physician tries to encourage good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment.

Naturopathic physicians treat most medical conditions. Among the most common ailments they treat are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia, skin challenges and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Basic Principles of Naturopathy

 Naturopathy adheres to the following health principles

• Naturally healing. Naturopathy contends that the body has the inherent ability to heal itself and, when working at an optimal level, to ward off disease. Naturopathy is intended to help your body do just that.
• Therapies healing the person as a whole. Naturopaths work from the perspective that health and disease are more than just germs and infection. Mental, physical, spiritual and environmental factors each play a role. Naturopaths and their therapies take these factors into consideration when developing a treatment. So, where a conventional health care professional may prescribe medication to suppress symptoms, a naturopath may look for alternative approaches because the goal is to restore health, not simply banish illness.
• First, do no harm. This tenet is, of course, part of the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians. Traditionally, naturopathy focuses on gentle, non-invasive therapies that enhance the healing process. It is this principle that underlies the reluctance to turn immediately to drugs for a cure. Naturopaths generally avoid methods that merely relieve symptoms without addressing the cause. This is the foundation of another principle:
• Identify the cause. Instead of treating symptoms, naturopaths seek to identify and treat the underlying cause. Symptoms are not the cause of illness—they simply indicate that your body is out of balance. The cause is often more difficult to identify. It could be anything from a vitamin or mineral deficiency to an emotional problem. By identifying and addressing (or removing) the cause, the symptoms can be relieved rather than suppressed.
• Naturopaths place great emphasis on preventive care. Naturopaths assess your risk factors and make suggestions that will support your good health.
• The physician as teacher. Naturopaths see themselves as teachers and try to teach patients how to take responsibility for their own health. This may involve suggesting nutritional, emotional, dietary or other lifestyle changes.

Is Naturopathy safe with conventional medicine? Naturopaths are willing to work cooperatively with their conventional-medicine counterparts. You should continue your existing treatments while seeking care from a naturopath. Be sure to keep all of your health care professionals apprised of all treatments you are receiving.

When to Visit a Naturopathic Physician? You might want to visit a naturopathic physician for many reasons. Perhaps you have a chronic condition that isn’t responding to conventional care. But you don’t have to suffer from a condition to visit a naturopathic physician. You may simply want to improve your overall health.

Naturopathy is particularly well suited for chronic conditions such as asthma, muscle pain, allergies, and arthritis, as well as disorders that may have a stress- or diet-related factors, such as digestive problems, insomnia, skin disorders and fatigue. Naturopathic physicians also treat colds, flu, and bronchitis. They treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other menstrual and menopausal problems.

If you have a serious condition that requires hospitalization, major surgery or emergency treatment—for instance, if you have a broken bone—seek conventional medical assistance. You can receive follow-up care from your naturopathic physician, which may support natural healing pathways within the body.

Saravanan ND, CH, DMLD, D.Nutrition,

Naturopathic Physician and Transformational Life Coach

Naturopathic Therapies Clinic

http://www.naturopathic-therapies.com

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”– Diane Mariechild

It is so true that woman is considered so powerful that she can create, nurture and transform her family in the best way she can. It is very important that this pillar of the family remains strong and happy. So ladies of all houses take a note of it. If you want your family to be healthy and happy then you have to be healthy and happy.Keep yourself up on the priority list.

1. Keep a journal and list out what motivates you.
2. Listen to motivation talks every day. Don’t think to plan out time from your busy schedule. Instead use your waiting time, traveling time to listen to talks. But yes do remember to download your choice of talks at home:)
3. Be part of groups on social media which keeps sharing motivation talks and quotes and get access to new content. For example, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1840374632951172/ is a group which shares interesting motivational talks, quotes to keep group members spirit high. Be part of Uplift- an inspired life is a key to happy life group and get inspired and share inspiration too.
4. Surround yourself with motivated people who share positive talks with you.
5. Meditation is a must to do activity for everybody in morning. Switch on some meditation music and just sit for at least 20 Mins focussing on your breathing and relaxing your mind.

Womenlines requests readers to please share other tips in the comments section below to how to get motivation in life!

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting excellence in women!

“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”- Marc Anthony

Womenlines entrepreneur of this month is the perfect example of this saying. She is an accomplished theatre, TV and film actor with over 20 years of experience. After starring in popular TV serials on leading national channels in India like Swabhiman, having worked for well-known production companies like BR Chopra, Balaji Telefilms, and UTV Productions, she went on to be part of several theatre productions in the UK. Since 2007, she has been based in Singapore and has produced and directed many plays through her theatre company Wecandoitt. Meet Shalakaa Karnik Ranadive who is also the Singapore representative for Anupam Kher’s acting academy Actor Prepares  and read her journey in field of theatre in her own words-

1.Please share with our readers’ little bit about yourself.

I started off as an actor in Mumbai, in the 90’s. During this time, I acted in many popular Hindi TV serials, including Swabhimaan, Astitva and Zara Hatke. After I got married in 1998, my husband and I moved to the UK, where I acted in films and many theatre productions, which traveled around the UK, Europe, and Canada. My family relocated to Singapore in 2007, and I set up my own theatre production company 9 years ago, called Wecandoit. Under this, I direct and produce my own plays. In addition, I run drama workshops for adults and children.

2. So when did you started this venture and what inspired or motivated you to take a plunge into this venture?

My latest venture in theatre is “Dastak”, the first and only Hindi theatre festival in Singapore. We staged Dastak for the first time in 2016, and this year we are staging its second edition. Having worked in theatre in Singapore for over 9 years, I noticed that all the Hindi performances that were staged in the country were overseas productions, and very few were based in Singapore.

My workshops have allowed me to discover a huge talent pool, not just actors, and directors, but also creative writers. I wanted to create a platform for these individuals to showcase their talents, and I wanted audiences to come and enjoy theatre without burning a hole in their pockets. Dastak is not only a festival, it’s a journey in theatre. You learn, you enjoy, you share, and you get to project your talents to an unknown audience. It’s all about creating a beautiful creative community, from all walks of life.

3. Can you share with us some of the challenges you faced during your initial days?

The challenge for any creative venture is the monetary support. When you have a new idea, it takes time for it to materialize and for others to believe in your vision. I knocked on many doors for funding and support but in vain. Finally, I had to self-fund, and everyone who came on board was pro-bono. I am extremely thankful for all the artists who agreed.

4. So how do you balance your personal and professional life?

The key to balancing your personal and professional life is having a supportive team on both ends. On the personal front, it’s your family, your home that acts like a pillar. Professionally, it’s the creative team or committee who works round the clock with me. It’s a motivated effort on both sides.

5. What would you suggest to other aspiring women who want to venture out on their own?

Don’t wait for the right moment because there is never a right moment or the other way to see- it’s always the right moment! If you have decided to venture out- start now!

6. Is there any person who has mentored/supported/inspired?

Life is a journey and I have met many people who have inspired me through this journey. I don’t read motivational books to get inspired. Every time I meet a new person, rather than scrutinizing their flaws, I only notice their good qualities and that’s my take away. I have stopped being judgemental. This helps me to stay Inspired.

7. What do you have in the pipeline for your venture’s future development?

Plenty! I would love Dastak to go international. My dream is to make Dastak cross boundaries, and for the theatre community to keep growing!
Dastak 2017 will be staged In November this year in Singapore.

Womenlines wishes best of luck to Shalakaa for her bright future and lots of success for all her ventures!

www.wecandoitt.com

https://www.facebook.com/dastak10/

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting excellence in women!

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. Helen Keller

Dream Catchers upcoming event Runway Mom/ Runway Lovers Season-4 is such a fantastic platform which can justify this quotation to its true sense.

Shalima Motial, the organizer of the event and Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers gets the credit for coming up with such a magnificent idea which is into the 4th season this time. And making it a true celebration of womanhood and inner beauty Shalima has been successful to get women entrepreneurs as sponsors for the event. Runway Mom/ Runway Lovers Season-4 is going to provide the participants beautiful life time moments while they walk on the ramp with their loved ones and is also celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship by giving these entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products and services. There is a fantastic news for participants and sponsors that Runway Mom/ Runway Lovers Season-4 will be covered by Colors TV Singapore for the first time.

Here we have the list of all sponsors who are going to add great value to the event-

Myra’s is the presenting sponsor for the event Runway Mom/ Runway Lovers Season-4 -Eat, Drink & Party at Myra’s and enjoy Mexican and North Indian food specialties. Visit  www.myras.sg for details.

Life by Design:  It’s about  Reclaiming, Recharging and  Reframing Life on your own terms…to Celebrate ‘being the best you can’. Their Vision is to take Life Coaching out of the realm of ‘corporates only’ and take it to where it will impact the most. They are on a Mission to Inspire and Empower Women and Youth through Workshops, Group, and One-on-one Coaching. Life By Design makes it your Lifestyle Choice.

Oxhide is the latest name in Singapore in Luxury Leather Goods.Oxhide offers a full range of leather products handbags, belts, wallets, office bags, travel bags and much more. Dream Catchers have secured an exclusive discount of 40 percent for Oxhide’s fan club and participants. You can visit their exclusive show room at Harbourfront center or buy online from their website.

Food n Wellness is by Meenu Agarwal. Meenu Agarwal the clinical dietitian provides customized nutrition and diet plan services for weight loss, healthy skin and manage medical ailments like diabetes, thyroid, and cholesterol.

Mila‘, the jewelry that speaks the beauty of a woman. Sujata is a Jewellery Designer specializing in high-quality hand-made Fashion Jewellery. She finds unmatched beauty in natural minerals, and loves creating jewelry using these beautiful stones. Her love for these precious gems has inspired her to create her own jewelry brand, Mila.

Positive Minds by Rummana Kaed: Rummana is a Clinical Psychologist (Ph.D. from National University of Singapore). Her current focus involves counseling individuals and helping them deal with issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, marital difficulties, relationship issues and parenting challenges. She is a dynamic and effective speaker and also conducts talks and workshops on a variety of topics.

Dansation Fitness: Dansation Fitness combines Dance and Fitness moves to create magic. This magic potion is addictive and will motivate you to come back to class. Rashmi , founder of Dance Sensation believes that this is a key to achieving your fitness goals. Experience it to believe it.

Evente Clinic is featuring over 30 most sought after Real estate brands from throughout India. Come, be a part of The India Property Fair on the 19th and 20th, of August 2017 and rub shoulders with industry experts while they conduct seminars and expert talks on Home buying in India. It’s the new dawn of Indian Real Estate ….and the RIGHT TIME to find your DREAM HOME BACK HOME.

Luxe Interior Design is one stop design and builds company that covers everything from carpentry to electrical works. They are committed to delivering inspired designs and exceptional service. They aim to be the one of the most innovative and customer oriented design & build a team that is able to interpret and translate a client’s vision of a dream home into design expressions.

Visual Artists: A center of excellence for promoting education among students of all ages helping the moms to improve the technical expertise, creative and observational skills of their children. Visual Artists is founded by Jaya Gupta who is a conceptual artist.

Zen Excellence School & Meadow: Zen Excellence School & Meadow is a Leadership Coaching, talent management and consulting organization partnered with Voicekraft Asia & Talentstrat providing a suite of services to corporates and individuals with artfully designed sessions to enhance productivity, creativity, and excellence at work and in the life of individuals.

The Golden Closet: The Golden Closet is Singapore’s leading multi-designer pop-up store offering latest Indian designer wears and must-haves of the season. Find all your wardrobe needs from Jewelleries, Accessories, Anarkalis, Sarees, Lehengas, Tunics, Shoes, Bags and Clutches at one stop. Our team is always on hand to assist with styling advice and queries, and we guarantee the best shopping experience every time.

Kundalini Yoga by Akashakti : Through the practice of Kundalini Yoga and meditation, your glandular and nervous systems are stimulated, and your capacity for creative potential is heightened. You gain inner vitality to compensate for the adverse effects of stress so you can excel in life.

Vastraa: As per vision of Vastraa “Get simple, Go Green”. With their handmade and ergonomic designs created in eco-friendly fabrics, your girls get to wear simple, earthy and breathtaking paavaadais. Each month a portion of their sales goes towards the chosen NGO. What can be better than your precious ones looking angelic, and your money spent making a positive difference to somebody’s life?

Treasure Tove: “The passion of reaching out to women like myself to look and feel good brought about the birth of Treasure Trove,” says Harmanpreet the founder of Treasure Tove. After all, no one wants to look like a mass produced accessory factory thus Harman’s clutches are mostly handmade with trendy designs. Hope you enjoy stepping out in style with the clutches Treasure Trove provides

Home Accents by Aditi Grover: Home Accents is a décor cum lifestyle store. It houses the world’s finest and most exquisite products from around the globe under one roof! There is style and class in all of Aditi’s merchandises. Home Accents has revived the world of décor. Modernizing it, yet keeping it true to its old world charm.

Dance Embassy: Dance Embassy is the official choreographer for the event. The team of Dance embassy has been transforming lives through Dance, Fitness, and Wellness in Singapore and the World, since 2010.

Rang Mantra: An International e-boutique with a vintage charm. A perfect amalgamation of colors (Rang) of ethnic fashion crafted by the most talented artisans from the weaving communities across India with the simplicity (Mantra) of a modern outlook. From finest of silk varieties to the tenderness of cotton, Rang Mantra has everything to give a personal style statement of every woman.

Trust Yoga; Trust yoga center shares best yoga knowledge with all, regardless of gender, age, religion, and nationality. Basic sharing comprises Yogic science, asana, pranayama & kriya practices and meditation. Centre offers minimum 100 regular classes per week comprising flexibility, strength & mind training with breath control.  

Cake-O-Holic: Manira Mondal is the owner of Cake-O-Holic. In Singapore where the bakery is in every corner, Manira has managed to set her mark and it shines bright like a star, not only within her friend circle & relatives but also some newer clients!

Just Nail It: Bringing the best to the East! All under one roof! Get Nailed! Get Waxed, Threaded, Bleached, A Hot Oil Therapy for Head and Neck, and get glowing with a Facial –All under one roof! Call for appointments @ 64494411 or what’s app @ 96515191.

Aiyaz Dance Academy Pte Ltd(ADA) is doing the opening act at Runway Mom/ Runway Lovers Season-4. Their team is packed with dedication and commitment, driven by passion and the will, at the same time reaching out through personal touch.The best dance academy in Singapore which not only trains students to learn the best form of dances but also provides the best platforms to enhance their talents.

It is such a pleasure to know about these wonderful entrepreneurs and their innovative work. Womenlines wishes all the best to Shalima and all sponsors and participants in the event Runway Mom/ Runway Lovers Season-4.

Friends book your tickets now to be part of the celebration with your friends and family!

Visit

https://www.facebook.com/events/1861979030733175/

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting excellence in women!