Invincibelle Profile
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The Beginning
What were the challenges of growing up in an ethnically diverse environment?
I didn’t find it difficult growing up in my environment because there was a lot of acceptance. I never noticed the difference in the color of my skin compared to the majority. Actually, I think I was very privileged to have grown up in such an ethnically diverse environment. I had the opportunity to learn more than one language – Montreal is a French-speaking city – and learn about so many different cultures and traditions.
Only when I moved to India to volunteer with an NGO did I realize that I didn’t really fit in – and I had a tiny identity crisis. People in India knew I wasn’t from India, and in Canada, people knew I wasn’t “Canadian” – whatever that meant – so for the first time, I felt as if I didn’t belong anywhere. I eventually came to realize that it wasn’t other people’s opinions that dictated whether or not I belonged. As long as I fit in my skin, that was all that mattered
What problems did you face in school or university?
The only challenge I faced was with my name – no one ever got it right! I always knew when the teacher was about to call my name because there would be a hesitation and then a sad attempt at pronouncing it!
What were some of the things you learnt on the way?
Having been brought up in a society that boasted so many different cultural backgrounds, the most important thing I learned was acceptance – not tolerance. Tolerance is disliking something but putting up with it. Acceptance is understanding that everyone is different and everyone is human.
. The Transition
What challenges did you face in the transition to get to where you are today?
Being an author is not really accepted as a career in the South Asian community, so I actually studied and graduated in Management Information Systems in University! The first hurdle after doing what everyone else wanted me to do was to break the barriers and stigmas around having an artistic career. I still face those challenges, however, even though I’m following my dreams, because it’s not easy to break stigmas.
If given an opportunity, what would you have done differently?
I don’t think I would have changed anything I’ve done in my life. Studying business and computers in University gave me so many skills that I may not otherwise have learned. All of my experiences led me to be the person I am today and I wouldn’t change any of it because I like the person I’ve become. I’m always trying to improve and every experience helps me do that.
What kept you inspired to do better?
I knew (and still know) that I have it in me to be a better person and to learn something valuable at every step of my journey. My parents always encouraged me to do better and better and achieve great things in my life. The people around me have always inspired me to follow my dreams and achieve everything I want to achieve in my life.
. The Present
What are your current personal & professional pursuits?
Right now, I am working full-time as a Technical Writer and Trainer at the Head Office of a retail company in Montreal. I also started my own business, S’Apostrophe, offering writing, editing, translation, and design services, which I’m trying to grow to the point of being able to run it full time. Finally, and most importantly (to me), I am a writer and poet. I’ve self-published two books, The Distance Within, and The Acorn and the Caterpillar, and have written articles for various magazines.
What are your hobbies? How do you relax? Are you able to manage work life balance?
My hobby is writing! It makes me feel great when I write poems or stories so that’s often what I do to relax. I love being inspired by nature and people, so it relaxes me to use that inspiration in my writing. I also love photography so I carry my camera with me everywhere I go and try to find things to take pictures of! I definitely find time amidst everything to just relax – I think I have a good work-life balance. This is especially true because aside from work, the other things I do are out of interest and passion and if I ever feel overwhelmed, I can take a break because I’m the one who controls everything I do.
. The Future
What is next in your life?
I’m looking forward to growing my business so I can work on that full-time. I am also working on publishing more of my work – both my own books and articles in magazines (literary and otherwise).
What resources at Invicibelle.com do you think would help women who wish to come to this country?
I definitely think the Jobs section is useful in providing opportunities that will help women find a way to come to this country. The Forums are also helpful to answer questions and address concerns women might have before coming. The most useful resource, however, is the Distinguished Invincibelle section because people can be inspired by the successes of other women, learn a lot from them, be inspired by them, and be able to network with them.
. The Guidance
From your vast experience and in your book, what is the message for people who wish to breakthrough, rejuvenate and energize what they are doing?
I would tell women not to lose their roots and their sense of culture when they try to embrace a new culture in a new country. They should use their background to their advantage to create a unique experience and build growth opportunities for other women in the same position. Moreover, I would say “Never forget who you are.” It’s really important to stay true to yourself no matter what you do and where you go – because that is the only way to stay happy. Finally, I would tell the women out there to follow their dreams because nothing is impossible. Even if you fail, at least you can say you tried.
What should a multicultural woman do to grow as a leader?
She should use her unique background as a building block to create a position for herself. She should realize she is no different than anyone else and in that same token, she should accept everyone else as they are. She should be strong and independent, and work to break down barriers and walls that might act as obstacles towards her success. She should not be afraid to ask for help. There is no shame in taking a helping hand along your way – it only makes you stronger.
Every woman has to keep up with one or more roles – a mother, a wife, a professional. What advice you have for multicultural women who need to keep a healthy balance between these roles?
The Buddhists always talk about “focusing”. They say you should be completely immersed in only the role you are playing at each moment of your life. If you let your mind wander, you don’t do anything well. Learn how to compartmentalize your time. Organize your life so that you play only one role at a time. You cannot be good at everything at every moment. Every day, you should set a specific time aside to play each role and when in that role, focus only on that. Don’t try to do everything all at once – you’ll burn out. And make sure to ALWAYS make time for yourself. Take a walk alone, take a bath, read a book, do something for yourself! You can’t always be “on”, you’ll lose yourself in the process.
