Since a very young age, I've faced lots and lots of challenges in the process of getting to where I am today. Originating from a small town, Mentakab, I was finding it immensely difficult to communicate in English given that my mother tongue is Tamil. Throughout schooling days, I mostly mingled with Malays and Indians, hence, I was not faced with a bright opportunity to better my English when it came to speaking. When I came here, communication obviously rose to be one of my major struggles.
Moreover, I grew up with the strong ambition to eventually become a successful model and actress. I had this dream in me ever since I was an innocent 12 years old. I was so passionate to extent that my cupboard door would be filled with posters of Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen and other actresses that never failed to amaze me and kept the dream in me alive.
When I came here to pursue my studies, I hit a bumpy road after following the wrong path, having mingled with the wrong kind of company. Moreover, when it came to my aim of being a successful model, I had no family support whatsoever. Therefore, I used to really struggle with the little pocket money that they'd give me. I used to travel daily from Cyberjaya to KL with whatever money I had at hand just to attend auditions with the hopes of making it in this industry. I used to take buses and trains to attend the loads of beauty peagents, TBC shoots and photoshoots without the knowledge of my parents because they were never willing to give me their approval. I used to quickly shut off the television in fear on multiple occasions when they would show segments of where I joined dance competitions, beauty peagents and telecasts.
My parents never believed I could make living out of this. They strongly believed that only by studying can one succeed. They disliked the plain idea of it. This eventually came to a point where it extinguished the passion I had within me. Hence, after completing my studies, I took up a job that they would approve of. However, once I begin making my own money, I was determined to chase after my dreams. I picked up from where I left off with my peagents, photoshoots and so much more. The financial independence allowed me to chase after what I believed was meant to be mine but unfortunately, I still did not own my family's support when it came to my choice of career. I had no choice but to keep everything a secret.
It reached a point where I had to even hide when I had gained a little success in the field of my dreams. They never realized anything until I became the talk of the town after winning a beauty peagent. After enquiring about why I never disclosed anything to them, I simply answered cause I knew they'd never give me the support I needed. My teenage life was difficult. I had so much passion but close to no support. However, I still pulled through it all.
Soon I became a host to a TV programme and that was when I knew that no other girl should ever be in my position. No other girl should ever feel alone in the journey of achieving her dreams. I wanted to be the source that builds girls who were like me. I wanted to grant them the platform they deserved. I wanted them to be given the path which was right and only filled with the intention of contributing to their future success.
I invested in a lot of time and effort to open up my very own modelling agency which doesn't rip off money from the hands of innocent girl, however, genuinely helps them grow. I only placed a price over the compcard shoots I would hold but when it came to the job opportunities, it was all theirs. Their effort, their strive, hence, their income only. This was my effort to give girls like me a source of hope.
Eventually, after gaining the experience I needed, I let go of my full-time job and opened a company of my own called Black and White Media. Following that, I even pursued my passion of becoming a make-up artist as I have eventually grew a strong liking towards the career.
Fast forward into the future, I have gained the approval of ALL, whether it is my parents or relatives, I have everyone around me. Those who refused to talk to me, are proud of me now. Those who saw my dreams as something wrong and taboo, seem astounded by my achievements. I feel accomplished because I have proven on my side that my determination, strive and passion was not simply wasted. I made it happen for myself and I'm really putting in my side of work to make it happen for the other girls who remind me of myself.
My vision is to keep giving the support and push these innocent girls need to make it big. It has come to a point where their success feels like mine eventhough I make absolute nothing out of it. I also have this fierce need to give back to the society that has brought me up by inspiring them on the daily. Eventhough, I lost my account last year, I realize that I got me and I can make it happen till I have myself. After all, there are just some things no one can steal from you.
So, for all the women out there, be fierce, be strong, be gentle, just be YOU. Learn what you're capable of, you'll end up amazing yourself. Never fear society if you feel that something is meant for you. Prove it to them with what you deem as your success.
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