"Being a South Asian in the fashion and beauty industry is a chance to break stereotypes and shatter preconceived notions about who we are and what we can do. Growing up, I never felt represented. In the media, South Asians are often portrayed as intelligent, but in an awkward or uncool way. The issue of colorism within the South Asian community made things worse. As a child, I never felt like I was beautiful or could be. I am so grateful to be living in the time that we are in now and to see change taking place. With social media and the rise of South Asians in the beauty and fashion industries, we can show the world that we are so much more than how the media traditionally portrayed us and we share the beauty of our roots. More importantly, we can show the South Asian children who are watching us now that they should embrace and love who they are because they are beautifully and wonderfully made."