What happens when professional expertise meets creative self-expression? Shailja's story bridges seemingly different worlds – the structured environment of behavioral therapy and the vibrant freedom of dance.

In this powerful conversation, Shailja reveals how childhood experiences of racial bullying forced her to suppress her Indian identity, throwing away her lunch and lowering Bollywood music near school gates to avoid ridicule. This journey from cultural shame to proud self-expression informs both her professional approach and online presence, where she now confidently showcases her heritage through dance videos that celebrate femininity and cultural richness.

As a behavioral therapist working with individuals living with disabilities and mental health challenges, Shailja brings unique insights into human psychology. She takes us behind prison walls where she supports inmates, sharing fascinating details about security protocols and her approach to therapy in these controlled environments. Her perspective on helping people was transformed when a client with schizophrenia challenged the notion that she needed to change to fit society's definition of "normal" – leading Shailja to focus on changing environments rather than "fixing" people.

The contrast between her professional world and social media presence offers valuable lessons in authenticity. While facing criticism for her bold self-expression online, she draws on Buddhist wisdom to handle negativity: "If someone offered you a gift and you say no, whom does that gift belong to?" This philosophy allows her to create content that empowers women without absorbing others' judgment.

Whether you're struggling with cultural identity, wondering how to handle criticism, or looking to express yourself more authentically, Shailja's story reminds us that we don't need to choose between seemingly contradictory aspects of ourselves. By embracing all our dimensions – professional and creative, traditional and bold – we create space for others to do the same.

Guest : Shailaja Joshi

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Brown Queen Diaries by Priyanka Nomula

Directed by Sandeep Raj

Presented by Aussie Talkies

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Guest: Prerna Karnani

What happens when workplace discrimination meets entrepreneurial spirit? For Prerna, founder of Shadis and More, being the only South Asian woman in decision-making roles throughout her decade-long fashion retail career sparked a remarkable transformation.

After a manager bluntly told her that her desire for advancement stemmed from being "an immigrant and a woman," Prerna began questioning whether corporate Australia had space for her talents. Taking stock of what truly fulfilled her—creativity, business strategy, cultural connection, and freedom—she realized no existing job could satisfy these diverse passions. This revelation, combined with her experience planning her own wedding from Melbourne for an event in India, illuminated a genuine market gap.

Shadis and More emerged as Australia's first comprehensive platform connecting people planning South Asian cultural events with vendors who understand specific cultural needs. Need a mehendi artist in Sydney who's available for multiple ceremonies? A florist who knows what a "vermala" is? A photographer comfortable with week-long celebrations? Prerna's platform now spans 13 categories across every Australian state, solving problems she personally encountered.

The journey wasn't straightforward. Navigating postpartum anxiety while launching a business required tremendous courage, especially when she discovered how workplace experiences of being made to feel "not enough" had affected her mental health. Yet these challenges only strengthened her resolve to create something meaningful.

Whether coordinating fashion shows, multi-vendor exhibitions, or helping brides find rickshaws for grand entrances, Prerna demonstrates how creating your own opportunities often proves more fulfilling than fighting to climb existing ladders. For anyone feeling stuck or undervalued, her advice resonates powerfully: "If you're not seeing the opportunities that you want, then it's time to create the opportunities."

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Support the show

Brown Queen Diaries by Priyanka Nomula

Directed by Sandeep Raj

Presented by Aussie Talkies

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https://www.instagram.com/thebrownqueendiaries/
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https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPjW_Zw62eWa4QcQNJW3yHw76rlkqGr72&si=zUrI5wzOPV-k1gjE

Guest: Angelica Silva

When Angelica told people she wanted to pursue journalism, the response was often disbelief. "Why would you pick a career where you'll make no money?" they'd ask. As a South Asian Australian woman, she was expected to follow what she calls the "golden triangle" – medicine, law, or engineering – the only careers many deemed worthy of pursuit.

Today, Angelica stands firmly in her decision as an accomplished ABC journalist specializing in stories about the South Asian diaspora in Australia. In this captivating conversation, she reveals how cultural expectations shaped her early self-doubt and how finding her voice as a storyteller transformed not just her career, but her understanding of success itself.

"Success to me isn't how much money I make," she explains. "It's how meaningful my work is, how much it resonates with someone, whether it's making change." This perspective powers her groundbreaking reporting on issues affecting South Asian Australians – from women's health taboos to financial dynamics in relationships that challenge traditional gender roles.

Born in Australia to parents of Indian origin from Singapore, Angelica navigates complex cultural waters both personally and professionally. Her work exposes critical gaps in media representation, like her recent investigation into why South Asian women have the lowest cancer screening rates in Australia. Behind her success lies a stark reality: journalism isn't the glamorous career outsiders imagine. She details the grueling shift work, emotional toll of verifying distressing content, and constant pressure of public scrutiny.

For aspiring journalists from minority backgrounds, Angelica's journey offers powerful guidance: network relentlessly, seek mentors, develop thick skin against criticism, and remember your purpose. "You can't be what you can't see," she emphasizes, underscoring why diverse voices in media matter. Whether you're considering an unconventional career path or seeking authentic stories about multicultural Australia, this conversation will leave you inspired to challenge expectations and tell the stories that truly matter.

Send us a text

Support the show

Brown Queen Diaries by Priyanka Nomula

Directed by Sandeep Raj

Presented by Aussie Talkies

Send us a text

Support the show

https://www.instagram.com/thebrownqueendiaries/
https://www.facebook.com/thebrownqueendiaries
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPjW_Zw62eWa4QcQNJW3yHw76rlkqGr72&si=zUrI5wzOPV-k1gjE