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In this episode of Global Desi Women, guest host Natasha Solanki joins co-hosts Karishma Shelley, Simki Palicha, and Tanvi Solanki to explore the many layers of Indian parental expectations and how they shape life’s biggest choices—from careers to relationships, and eventually, starting a family. Growing up in an Indian household often means facing high expectations in every area of life, and the hosts open up about the impact these pressures have had on them personally, beginning with career choices. They discuss how their families' guidance (and sometimes demands) influenced the paths they pursued, and how these career expectations often differed drastically between siblings, especially when comparing girls and boys. For many Desi daughters, expectations of stability, prestige, and family honor led to a narrower set of “acceptable” careers. The hosts reflect on the experiences of pushing boundaries or conforming to family desires, and how these choices impacted their sense of self-worth and identity.

The conversation then delves into dating and marriage, topics that bring a unique blend of modern desires and traditional expectations. The hosts discuss the delicate balance of navigating their own desires for independence and self-expression with the more traditional views their parents may hold about relationships and the idea of "settling down." They share stories of navigating these expectations within the dating world, the challenges of introducing a partner to their family, and the ongoing pressure to conform to an ideal of marriage that may not fully align with their personal goals. For some, dating openly or pursuing a love marriage rather than an arranged marriage can become a source of tension, creating a need to bridge generational perspectives on love and commitment.

Through heartfelt anecdotes, relatable struggles, and plenty of laughter, this episode provides an honest look at the journey of navigating Indian parental expectations. From career choices and dating to marriage and starting a family, Natasha, Karishma, Simki, and Tanvi offer a candid discussion that will resonate with anyone who has felt the weight of family expectations. Join us for this episode to hear their stories and reflections on finding balance between honoring tradition and embracing individuality in a modern world.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or personal stories to share about navigating parental expectations, we’d love to hear from you! Your voice is an essential part of this conversation, and we welcome messages from listeners who want to dive deeper into the topics we discuss. Whether you’d like to give a shoutout to someone special, share a unique perspective, or simply connect with us, don’t hesitate to reach out. Join us on social media or drop us a message—your insights and experiences are what make Global Desi Women a true community. Let’s keep this dialogue going together!

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As we prepare for the new year, many of us are thinking about the goals we want to set, yet setting these goals as Desi women comes with unique cultural perspectives and expectations. Join host Arti Solanki a Business Coach / Real Estate Broker, alongside co-hosts Karishma Shelley and Bhavana Shelley, in this special episode where we break down what it means to set goals that truly resonate with our identities and ambitions.

From redefining personal boundaries to navigating family expectations, we’ll talk through every aspect of building goals that feel both achievable and aligned with our cultural values. We’ll cover diverse areas like:

• Travel Goals: Tips on making travel a priority, from exploring destinations that connect us to our roots to balancing family responsibilities with the desire for adventure and self-discovery.
• Health & Wellness Goals: A look at physical and mental wellness from a holistic perspective, considering the benefits of traditional practices like yoga and Ayurveda while embracing modern fitness goals. We’ll discuss realistic ways to incorporate wellness routines, nutritional balance, and mental health practices into our lives.
• Financial Empowerment: Financial planning is crucial for personal growth and independence. We’ll dive into goal-setting strategies around budgeting, saving, and investing, focusing on how Desi women can build financial security and independence. We’ll also discuss the importance of educating ourselves and younger generations about money management.
• Career & Business Goals: Whether you’re an entrepreneur, working professional, or exploring new ventures, we’ll discuss how to set career goals that reflect your skills, passions, and aspirations. This segment will include advice on building confidence, networking, and setting sustainable business goals if you’re a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur.

Throughout the episode, Arti, Karishma, and Bhavana will share their personal journeys and insights, discussing how their cultural backgrounds have influenced their ambitions, and they’ll offer actionable tips on creating goals that inspire resilience, joy, and growth. Listen in to uncover ways to step boldly into the new year with goals that honor both your heritage and your dreams.

Make this year your most purposeful yet—by setting goals that truly align with who you are as a Desi woman!

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From Housewife to Entrepreneur – My Journey Unfolded

In today's solo episode of Global Desi Women, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of my journey from a housewife to a business owner and coach. 🌟 I am your host Arti Solanki, a real estate broker at Livin Large Realty, a business coach for women entrepreneurs, and a co founder of an IT company Om Enterprise Inc.

Life was stable and comfortable, but when my husband lost his long-time job, we were faced with a decision that changed everything: starting our own business.

With no experience and a lot of uncertainty, we dove into the deep end, facing countless challenges, from securing clients to rebuilding from setbacks. I’ll share the unfiltered truth about our ups and downs, the moments that tested our resolve, and how each obstacle only fueled my determination to succeed.

Along the way, I discovered strengths I never knew I had, and I built a passion that has since grown into a calling: helping other women find their own paths to success. This episode dives into the pivotal moments that shaped me, from starting with no roadmap to finally standing on my own two feet as a business coach and entrepreneur.

Tune in to hear how we went from surviving to thriving—and how I found my true passion along the way, inspiring me to empower other women on their own entrepreneurial paths. If you’re curious about the realities of building a business, ready for an honest story about resilience, or just in need of some motivation, this episode is for you.

Join me as I reflect on the lessons, surprises, and turning points that have defined my journey so far—and maybe even spark your own journey to greatness.From Housewife to Entrepreneur – My Journey Unfolded

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