The ChicCoach

Change your perspectives and learn to love yourself

Remember those school days where we'd get worried about our results at the end of the semester? That moment when you look at it and you see a mixture of A's and B's, and C's... And there you start thinking of the face of your parents and trying to come up with the best explanation you have ever pulled off. If your parents were like mine, then you would probably have been hearing this: "I can see some good notes here but we need to talk about those B's and C's!" What, really? I mean, out of 8 subjects I have scored 5 A's and you want to focus on the others? There we go again!

We see this scenario everywhere, all the time simply because recognition is not something that we give easily. We have been molded in a society that wants to make us better and better - which in itself is not a bad thing; but the focus tends to be on "weaknesses" rather than what we are great at. Somehow this has influenced us to constantly see what we are not great at. We follow training, courses or coaching to fill in the gaps. The truth is, if we are not good at something, we are probably never going to to become good at it.

“It takes far less energy to move from first-rate performance to excellence than it does to move from low competence to mediocrity.” - Peter Drucker

What Peter Drucker here says is very simple. You will spend so much time and effort to make that "C" or "D" in maths become an "A" but the best you can probably achieve is a "B". If you managed to bring an "A" then couple of years or even months ahead, give algebra another go and see how much you still remember! We may gather some knowledge and understanding in some particular area that isn't our forte but we will not be able to be absolutely great at it! However, use that same time and effort or even less by focusing and investing in what you are good at and see how your performance and confidence sky-rocket! You do not need much to be an expert in what you are already good at.

It all starts with knowing yourself.

What is your innate talent? Something that you natually do very well without having to put in much effort. Something that people always tell you - you are great at this! Picture this little girl of 5 years old who stands in front of this huge crowd and starts entertaining people by telling stories, singing and dancing. You'd look at her and think; "my gosh she's only 5 and she looks so confident and she's so good; I'm an adult and I can't do half of this." Yes she has an innate talent! As she grows up she keeps practicing and she ultimately develops strong public speaking skills. She starts to participate actively in debates and is always ready to speak in front of a audience. And over the years she masters all the tricks and tips of a great speaker and becomes an expert in this matter. She can now pass on the knowledge through mentoring as public speaking has become her competency. Similarly, we all have that one thing we are great at. We feel that we were born to do this. It takes time to turn talent into a competency but not much effort.

But, what about weaknesses?

Have you heard people telling you that you are too much of something? My husband always tells me: "You are way too optimistic. Too positive. There can never be the end of the world for you. Everything is perfect!" Well this sounds pretty good to me. I mean posivity, optimism and perfect are great definitions for me! What he means is that, I tend to never ever see the glass half empty. I am not bothered to have a Plan B just in case things do not work out as planned because for me, everything will go just as planned. This is why sometimes I come across as adamant, stubborn and unrealistic and perceived as my weakness. That's what happens when our strengths undergo an imbalance.

In fact, a weakness is a strength at its extreme.

We can easily judge a person with a weakness because this is what we have been trained to see - the loop holes, areas of improvements or the glitches. In fact, when we have a strength, we will naturally tend to manifest it more and more and if we do not give careful attention, we may be hitting it's extreme, just like me! Self-awareness has helped me know when I am being overly optimistic and need to balance it out with some realistic considerations. At the end of the day, it's not about your weaknesses but all about what you are great at and what you are less great at. Once you discover your strengths, remember to know the extremes of it and you will realize that you do not have weaknesses.

What are your strengths, and how are you using them? Are you using them?

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About Me

About Me - The Diary of a Life Coach

Hello Achievers!

Welcome.

This blog is an open diary of a life coach who is on a spiritual quest, living her life at 200%. It is dedicated to achievement and empowerment which is basically the foundation of all success and happiness in life.

Behind the scene

I am Dishina, a devoted disciple, working mom and Human Resources Enthusiast. I have started my career in Human Resources and gradually the coaching and mentoring aspect became what I loved doing the most. Coaching is about getting people to move beyond hurdles no matter how big or small they are, and make them reach their goals by their own dedication and hard work. Sometimes, it is about making the simplest dream come true and sometimes, it feels like climbing a moutain.

Throughout the long years of learning and development, I have come across impressive and powerful readings, teachings, experiences and real life stories, which showed me that nothing in life is impossible. As long as you are determined as a bull, nothing can stop you from reaching your goal. This blog is where I store all these gems. It is also a means to share with you all that I have learned from a wise Guru whose purpose is to unfold infinite potential in all of us.

The Chic Coach?

The Chic Coach is certainly not a blog about a fashionista! Although I am quite trendy, I suppose! Chic, here, means adopting the chic attitude of a winner. That is, having a strong mindset, speaking and seeing the good, being courageous and believing in yourself. As well, I always believed that neatness in one's demeanour, is neatness in one's life. Thus, Chic.

The main aim of The Chic Coach is to boost each and everyone who is on a mission to succeed their dreams. All of us have a dream. We are either living it or not. Some of us are on a pathway to reach it while others are completely lost in an opposite world. Showing you the right way, is the aim of The Chic Coach. It also aims at empowering women; especially Working Moms, who are constantly struggling to achieve the perfect balance between family and career. These heroines deserve to be boosted so as to reach their maximum potential in both worlds.

How did the adventure begin?

Well everything started with Virago Attitude, the former brand of my blog. I launched Virago Attitude while I was pregnant of my beautiful baby girl and this was the period where everything kicked off. From the conception of the blog, to my next career move; from knowing what I really wanted and how I can achieve it, it all began there. Virago Attitude went on well, and from it, emerged the very essence of The Chic Coach. Today I am on this new adventure but with still the same purpose, empowering people.

Where I was born and raised

From a little island named, Mauritius. I feel so proud that I was born here, growing up with the breathtaking view of the azure sea and golden sand. The weather here motivates you to feel happy naturally. Of course we bake during summer, but I must not complain since I spent 4 winters in London, freezing myself day and night. Mauritius is also blessed by different cultures and religious beliefs. This has enabled me to learn about different values which I dearly respect. I am today on this quest to push Mauritian entrepreneurs and professionals further to reach their maximum potential, because this little island of mine needs a sustainable growth for our future generations.

Attitude of Gratitude

These words of thanks go to my parents who have given me the best of themselves. Without their sacrifice, I would not be who I am today. My husband, who has and is constantly supporting me in my endeavours. My baby girl; without you, sweetie, mommy wouldn't have had the strength to start. To my Guru, who shows me the way everyday.

And of course, to all my followers, because you all inspire me to go further.

So follow, share and spread the teachings!

- Hustle Hard and Create Your Destiny. -

Dishina Woodhoo

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Positivity

Priya - Feisty Little Woman in the Big World of Imiloa.

Priya, who are you?

I wish I knew myself! I was born and raised in the UK, in an area called Hackney. My parents are Mauritian/Indian, so I was quite fortunate as a young child to travel and experience various African and Asian traditions and culture. I previously worked in media and PR and was then offered a job opportunity in Mumbai, which, I guess that's where it all began.

Imiloa... What is it?

That came about when I was on the road. I was in a somewhat "crossroad" situation ,whereby I had to make some drastic decisions career wise and personal ones too, so I left with VERY limited money and kicked off my own escapade. I met so many beautiful souls , random acquaintances and particularly one whimsical fella. It was this random stranger who asked me, "so what do you do?" I didn't have a reply at that time, so he just answered for me , "imiloa..."

Which means someone who explores. It resonated well at the time... whether I was exploring my own vulnerabilities, self being or what was to come - it was apt timing. So the name just stuck. And to make sure I would never forget it, I got it tattooed on my wrist soon after! (lol) Today, Imiloa means so much more to me, and it became a design collective which focuses on disadvantaged artisans and artisans. Many of their craft is sadly becoming somewhat obsolete, so we ensure we create new designs and processes to upkeep their traditions and make it marketable. We provide a platform for their creativity by nurturing and exploring their traditional techniques.

Imiloa, is about building and unifying artisans. A creative community - no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, caste or disability. My intention is solely about the artisans. For me, my goal is their goal. I simply want to help them reach their potential. It's about creating that realm of hope for others.sometimes you have to plummet to great lows to regain your strength. So I guess the difficulty is, finding that eternal faith and strength when you are rock bottom.

Tell us how you embarked on this adventure?

When I returned from my road trip, I pretty much had a better grasp of where I wanted to be, and what I wanted to do. I had very little funds at the time. But a great support came from my friends and family who would fine tune my business plan. I focused mainly on the creative aspects, where my heart and soul is. I knew for certain my focus was Africa, and Mauritius which would be my stepping stone.

Priya's office in India

So with little funds, I tested our concept by doing the first ever pop up shop in Mauritius 2012. I converted a 100 year-old building into a boutique displaying our artisanal goods and sourcing finds. The response was overwhelming, and from that moment onwards, I knew I was onto a good thing...

Where does this intense passion come from?

From a very young age I was always told and re- re told of the hardship of my parents, grandparents and families who left their native homelands with literally nothing in their pockets to live and settle in foreign countries. Their aim was to fulfil their dreams. It was about making a difference and creating a whole new foundation for generations to come.

Just to hear their stories of such endurance and perseverance is as heartbreaking as it is inspirational. But it shows drive and stamina. I admire that, personally, you have to be hungry for your goal in order for your passion to settle in.

To be honest, I'm far from being silverspoon fed, but I am in a position where I can aid those who are less fortunate. If I see someone has talent, I want to help them grow and expand into whoever they want to be or become. If I didn't have the same guidance I don't think I would be where I am today.

Sampling of colours.

As a woman entrepreneur, what were the difficulties you have to put up with?

I mirror a lot of my mum's ideologies and strength. She is and still is a very strong woman, who juggled so much to achieve a successful career. She never placed any emphasis on gender, but on diligence and hard work ethics. So I guess I'm the same.

To be honest, the real difficulty was to take on the business in the first place. To leave those natural comforts of having a regular pay cheque, and the security that comes with it. I've had to sacrifice so much, missed out on so many things. But in return, I've acquired grounding values and experiences that makes you unbreakable. When you run your own business and responsible for people's wages, and their well being, etc - your priority shifts, you just overcome constraints, failing is not option.

I've experienced so many ups and downs , where I have realized more and more that there is no such thing as difficulties or setbacks, it's all a learning curve...

What is your driving force?

When I'm on the road, I'm sometimes in the most poverty- stricken places. I live the way they do, eat the way they do, I adopt their lifestyle and its certainly eye- opening. Yet despite their improverished conditions, their positivity and warmth is admirable. When I am sinking in my own ordeal, it's short lived, because I reflect on these incredible beings - nothing is comparable in terms of their courage and tenacity. What pushes me further is seeing the results of what we do. Just to see those in unprivileged circumstances and how we make a difference for them makes me strive further and further.

Testing Designs.

The future of Imiloa?

There are so many plans on how I want to develop imiloa. But as I am told by my peers each step at a time. I strongly want to get more and more companies, institutions, etc more ethically aware of our artisanal concept. We are slowly moving towards the hotel industry with some exciting projects, our online shop is also in progress. I suppose it's the unpredictability of the decisions made and how they come about that make this business challenging, you just never know what will come up next!

Priya has a beautiful little shop in Pointe aux Canonniers. She proudly displays the amazing art works of her artisans. These are just a few amazing work of art. I love the shopping bags made out of news papers.

And finally, a piece of advice for woman entrepreneurs out there?

Many artisan believe that their form of art is insignificant and they are completely unaware of how talented and valuable their craft is, so to be able to restore their confidence and watch them grow into individual entrepreneurs, is beyond words. There's no work without play and vice versa. Live it, experience it and enjoy it. Be positive. Failure is your backbone to success. Let your intuition be your guide and don't conform. Just remember the people who take risks are the ones who create opportunities, don't limit yourself with fear. It's a game of law of attraction - what you put out there, you get back!