1. Can you share your journey to becoming Mrs. India Asia International World and founding “Coffee with a Difference”?
My journey to becoming Mrs. India Asia International World began unexpectedly when my son registered me for the Mrs. India pageant without my knowledge. He sent in two of my pictures, and to my surprise, they were shortlisted. I was called for an audition, where I was selected on the spot. I went on to win the state title of Mrs. Karnataka, and eventually, Mrs. India Asia International World. It was a surprising and incredible experience, and I feel deeply grateful and blessed to have won the crown in 2016.
As for "Coffee with a Difference," it is a platform I founded 28 years ago. As a life skills coach, I focus on dealing with emotions and helping people from all walks of life, regardless of gender or background, because emotions are universal. Through this initiative, we are making a positive impact, and I am incredibly grateful for the ripple effect it is creating.
2. What inspired "Coffee with a Difference," and what impact do you hope it has?
The inspiration for "Coffee with a Difference" came when I married an army officer, Colonel S.K. Sharma, at the age of 23. Living in the unique world of the army, I had the opportunity to interact with the families of Jawans, many of whom came from rural, uneducated backgrounds. I realized I had a gift for empathy, and I wanted to uplift their lives by sharing knowledge about health, awareness, and other vital topics. This experience led me to pursue a formal education in life skills, and today, I am a well-known life skills coach with 28 years of experience. My goal is to continue making a positive impact, and it brings me immense peace and satisfaction to help others through my work.
3. How do you fulfill the responsibilities that come with being recognized as a Woman Icon?
Being recognized as a Woman Icon comes with great responsibility, especially in a society where women, particularly housewives, are often underestimated. Women are like the modern-day embodiment of Durga, excelling in multitasking. With careful time management and a strong sense of passion and determination, everything falls into place. This is how I manage to fulfill my responsibilities, and it is my drive and commitment that help me take things forward.
4. What unique approaches do you use to address mental well-being in your sessions?
Mental well-being begins with self-awareness. It's the most crucial skill for anyone. When you are aware of and respect yourself, the journey towards mental well-being starts. In my sessions, I focus on helping individuals understand their strengths and limitations, maintaining a fine balance to achieve our goals. By the end of the sessions, people often find themselves in a much better space, both mentally and emotionally.
5. What are your future plans for "Coffee with a Difference"?
As of now, I am extremely grateful and blessed with how far "Coffee with a Difference" has come and the impact it has made. However, I aim to take it even further, with the ultimate goal of reaching a global audience, perhaps even representing the platform at the United Nations. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to making the world a better place. We are moving forward at a fast pace, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us.
6. If you could have coffee with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
If I could have coffee with any historical figure, it would undoubtedly be Mother Teresa. She was a living angel on earth, and her name alone embodies compassion and selflessness. Mother Teresa brought comfort and joy to countless lives, and her legacy of kindness continues to inspire us all. Having a conversation with her would be an incredible honor and an opportunity to learn from her boundless empathy and dedication to humanity.
Bio:
Chhavi Sharma is Mrs. India Asia International World and the Founder of "Coffee With A Difference," a platform dedicated to fostering personal growth and meaningful conversations. As a Life Skills Coach and winner of the "Mrs. Finesse" subtitle, she has empowered numerous individuals through her work. Recognized as the Woman Icon of the Year in 2017 and one of the Iconic Women Creating a Better World in 2019, Chhavi represented India in Houston, Texas, as a Climate Reality Leader. She is also a Prabhakar in Kathak and holds an M.Sc. (Gold Medalist) and an M.Phil in Statistics.
Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh
Edited by: Mishika Goel
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