As a British-born South Asian woman and eldest daughter, I was parentified early—shouldering the emotional burden for my family, especially my mother. Like many second-generation girls, I learned to shrink myself, prioritising everyone else’s needs while suppressing my own desires and creativity.

I carried this pattern into adulthood, climbing the corporate ladder as a producer, constantly adapting and facilitating others' goals. But despite my success, I felt disconnected, burnt out and trapped in a narrative that wasn’t my own. A chronic illness forced me to confront the weight of stories I hadn’t authored. It was then that I made a pivotal choice: to stop playing the role written for me and start writing my own.

Working with Maleena has been a joy. She guided me in exploring my emotions, thinking patterns, and limiting beliefs while helping me think strategically about what feels aligned in my daily life.

I learned to identify what feels good in my body and to speak my truth without judgment. As South Asian women, we connected over similar challenges related to cultural expectations and self-worth. Maleena played a significant role in my healing journey and I’m forever grateful.