Ep.89 Out of the Bubble with Dr. Monika Singh Gangotra

Happy New Year! I'm excited to be back sharing all these fabulous women for another year of inspiring stories. I first connected with Monika towards the end of 2021 and after such an interesting conversation I knew she needed to come on the podcast. Dr Monika Singh Gangotra is a children's author of The Sunflower Sisters. A beautiful story both in it’s message and it’s illustration. Tackling colourism and shining a light on the message that all skin tones are beautiful. She’s also a psychologist and studied identity as part of her thesis. Monika has a strong sense of her identity, which really comes across on her Instagram page where she shares her love of fashion along with a positive message of self acceptance, you are who you are. “The skin we are in is exactly as it’s meant to be”. Monika will also be launching her new fashion brand In 2022 which will be full of beautiful prints. Subjects covered- Growing up with colourism Finding your sense of identity The inspiration behind the Sunflower Sisters Using fashion to boost confidence Creating change through kindness and love Colourism in the fashion and media industry Developing her fashion brand Be someone else's sunflower What book inspires you? Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa Bee What song motivates you? Aaj phir jeene ki From the film ‘Guide’ A song about a woman breaking free of her shackles and finding her identity. Intoxicated with her newfound freedom, Rosie buys a pair of anklets and prances about in the marketplace. For once, she is living as she should. Something that many women in midlife perhaps relate to as Who inspires you? Monika leaves us all with a wonderful impression of her dad, the man that she respects and admires so much. Follow Monika on Instagram @monikasinghg  Don't miss any of the inspiring Out of the Bubble women, you can go and subscribe at www.rachelperu.co.uk and come and say hello on Instagram! With a new year comes new plans and I'm excited to move the Out of the Bubble platform forward in 2022. I have now created a FREE "Step Out of the Bubble" private group. Last year has really shown us all the benefit of making new connections and gaining support from one another. Whilst I love sharing all the inspiring women on the podcast, I am missing that interaction from you all and am keen to expand this to provide a platform where you can all interact and share your own midlife journeys to inspire and help motivate other women. A safe space to share and feel part of a community of women all finding their own way through midlife. Where you get to hear from amazing women who are embracing life and leaving a trail of inspiration along the way. Encouraging women after 40 to try something new and step out of their own bubble. A group to share, celebrate wins, encourage and support other members. It's your time to shine! Join here I'll be back next week, so in the meantime, .... Keep being fabulous Rachel x (Music credited to Scott Holmes- By Big Adventure)