Phoolproof: Indian Flowers, Their Myths, Traditions & Usage

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

FINDING MY TRIBE

From a scholar pursuing research in English literature from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; landing myself in the fancy job of a beauty editor with Harper's Bazaar, India, followed by a brief stint in the retail industry as the marketing head of Sephora India and Satya Paul; to then giving it all up at the peak of my career to start my own beauty website (Beauty Beats) and a social media consultancy (Candied Communication); studying alternative healing philosophies of Bach flower remedy, aromatherapy, yoga and chakra healing to become a certified healer; creating a beauty brand called Jhelum Loves; and writing this book on flower therapy-my career has been diverse and varied.

Hence, when I am asked what I do, I am not sure where to start and what to say. At times I call myself an entrepreneur, sometimes a healer, occasionally a writer, a beauty commentator, a poet and quite often for a little drama and attention-I say, 'I am a flower witch!' Why do I call myself a flower witch? Well, because, as I said, I like the instant attention I get when I say that. However, on a serious note, I say that because I do believe I am indeed a flower witch.

Who is a witch?

Is she someone who stirs up unusual recipes? Then, yes, I do that. I love cooking innovative dishes. 1 also create healing beauty products with natural ingredients.

- Is a witch someone who speaks to forces of nature in riddles and rhymes? Well, then I do speak to flowers and converse with them through poems and songs.

Is she someone who doesn't walk the beaten track?

One only needs to look at my career graph to know that I have indeed constantly changed gears and traversed diverse paths.

Does she fly off on a broom? I don't do that, but I do fly off in my dreams and fancies.

Is she someone who faces opposition for being different? My life has indeed been rife with obstacles and I have often been questioned for my choices.

Therefore, I feel I do qualify to be a witch of sorts. That brings us to the next question: Why 'flower' witch?