Mira Patel is a 19-year-old aspiring model and makeup artist. She is also currently a student at Wake Tech Community College studying to become a Registered Nurse. Although she is now studying at a community college, she plans to transfer over to a well-renowned university to continue her nursing studies.
“Since I was little, I loved wearing makeup, getting dressed up, and going out onto the streets of my little society in Gujarat, India, thinking that those streets were my runaway. I would pose in front of mirrors all day and just practice posing, dancing to every song that played on the radio in my living room, and just being a sassy little five-year-old. I would dream of being a famous model and I had my talent of doing makeup.
Fast forward to summer of 2016, I decide to make the dream come true. I began posting photos of makeup looks I do in my room with my small Nixon Coolpix, and just taking photos one after another. I began to realize how much people liked it, back then it was only family and friends, and now I share the same passion two years later with thousands of people. I couldn’t believe the responses I would get. Someone who barely knew anything about taking photos on your own and any editing skill whatsoever.
Mira utilizes her social media platform to shed light and show her appreciation for her culture. She wants to encourage others who may struggle with being ridiculed about their heritage and let them know that it is okay to enjoy and embrace your culture.
I started very basic. Stayed to what I thought I knew and never really pushed myself. After seeing the love, I got, I became confident and started to do various looks. I now am always trying different looks whether that be with doing colorful looks to doing various Halloween or Coachella looks. I love being able to break the norms of my culture with my modeling as well.
In the South Asian culture, girls are meant to stay modest and not cause any problems within my family. When moving to the States I got bullied quite a lot for my heritage and how I looked, behaved, and spoke differently than the rest. It made me feel ashamed of my background and myself. I tried to be more ‘American’ and my mom would tease me for changing so much.
Now, I share my culture openly and happily with others around the world. I involve my roots not because that’s the trend or because I want more likes and follows. I do it to help others who may be feeling how I felt. To know that you were born to be different and you should embrace who you are rather than changing and letting others break you down.
Mira’s target audience for her platforms are primarily girls and boys that are around the same age as her; in hopes of inspiring them to follow their dreams. Her main purpose is to encourage others to not be afraid to try something new.
I get asked how I am so confident and how I find inspiration. Well, it’s a team effort. I have brands, other influencers and artists to support me by working with me and helping me bring certain dreams to reality. I use other celebrities, influencers and websites to find inspiration. A spot where I can take the photos to edit and later post. It’s a work in process. Though I have people who I meet and befriend, my number one supporters are my family, friends, and of course, the people who follow me and keep up with what I post and what looks I create. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am and doing what I do. They inspire me every day to come up with new looks and new shoot ideas.
Without makeup and modeling, my life would probably be dull. I use those as my outlet and to show a part of myself to the world. It’s also my way of proving that being a girl and coming from a culture where women are meant to be conservative, shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. I do what I do, not for the free products, money, or popularity. I do what I do because I enjoy it and because I want others to feel proud and confident.”
Holistic beauty trends are more prevalent than ever — that makes ayurvedic beauty brands incredibly sought-after, as well. Do you find yourself asking what your beauty products are actually made of? A lot of us even resort to food products for a skincare routine such as honey for face wash.
The term “Ayurvedic Beauty” is getting more recognition outside the South Asian world as well.
Ayurvedic beauty is coined upon the term “Ayurveda,” which originated in Hindu culture as the basis of utilizing the five life forms — air, water, ether, fire, and earth — to heal the human body.
Ayurvedic beauty brands focus on using herbs and natural ingredients to create their skincare range and consumers around the world are attracted to these natural products.
Scroll down to see some Ayurvedic beauty brands founded by South Asians.
Is your skin feeling a little dry this winter? Nourishing your skin with body oil will lend it the right amount of moisture — Soma Ayurvedic’s jasmine body oil can do that trick! Shop the oil, and their full line of products, here.
If you’re familiar with author and podcast Host, Jay Shetty, then you may have heard of his tea line, Sama Tea. Herbal teas provide many natural benefits. Has it been a stressful week? Try their lavender rose chamomile tea for some TLC. Check them out here.
Know the Netflix show “Ginny & Georgia?” Loved the actress’ fresh-looking skin? Sahajan Skincare is behind that glow! They’re a must-try, featured in both Vogue and Elle India. See their full range of products here.
This unique company showcases its brand with an emphasis on ‘holistic.’ Whether it’s bad hair days or excessive shedding, not only do Shaz and Kiks provide the products to help but also break down the science behind the problem. Go on your very own shopping spree by clicking here!
Looking for accessible ayurvedic beauty products? Look no further! Ranavat is now in Sephora. With a beauty line that covers both hair and skin, there’s something here for everyone. See for yourself here.
UMM Skincare is known for its brown sugar body scrub, made with natural ingredients, and Bakuchi oil known to improve signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Try it for yourself by shopping here!
Are you looking for brown skin-friendly sunscreen filled with nutrients? Look no further. Inde Wild has its very own SPF 50, with natural substances such as liquorice extract and cica, and it’s a mineral SPF suitable for all skin types. See what the brand is all about and shop it here.
I’m always in the market for brown girl-friendly lipsticks, and ones that are made of natural ingredients are a huge plus. Mango People does just this with their unique lipstick colors that suit all brown skin tones. Try them out here!
Need to swap out your shampoo for something better? Try Kama Ayurveda’s Ayurvedic Hair cleaner, infused with a variety of herbs and pulses with key ingredients like vetiver, tulsi, rose, moong beans, and shikakai. They have a variety of products to choose from so start with your hair and keep shopping for more here!
According to Forest Essentials, night time is the best time for hydration. Check out their night cream, filled with nutrients to enrich your skin. You can shop their wide variety of products here.
Looking for a new face mask to try? AAVRANI has a variety of face masks and explains in detail when you should apply the mask during the week depending on your skin type. Take a look here!
Just getting into skincare and don’t know where to start? PRATIMA skincare has starter sets, with basics, that every woman can use such as vitamin C serum, essential oils, and collagen creams. Grab yours now by shopping here!
Struggling with hair care recently? Fable & Mane includes various hair oils in their collection that help grow and nourish your hair. Not only that, they have a scalp detox line as well — definitely worth checking out. See their full range of products here.
In a world that’s becoming more conscious of holistic living, embracing Ayurvedic beauty in your day-to-day is a step in the right direction, and these brands are here to help you get started.
