Why I said no to an arranged marriage


DearReader,

April 27th would have been my mom’s 86th birthday—and four years ago, on this same day, my aunt passed away on her 86th birthday.



Two women.
Two completely different lives.

My mom, Aai, was the quiet force behind our family. Her work—making endless cups of chai, cooking meal after meal, and keeping our home running—was unpaid, expected, and often invisible. She did it all with love but rarely with recognition.

Then there was my aunt. Fierce and unapologetic, she was the first woman in our family to divorce, build her own wealth, and show what was possible for women. She carved her path with grit, and it wasn’t always pretty—but it was hers.

Both left their mark on me in different ways.

My mom is why I’m passionate about helping women feel seen—whether through my photography or the stories I help them tell.

Watching her fade into the background made me want more for her and myself.

So I:
✨ Rebeled and said no to an arranged marriage
✨ Bought a one-way ticket to the U.S. for my Master’s
✨ Built a career and financial freedom (the kind my mom deserved, too)

Along the way, I learned something: the world will try to box women in, no matter where you’re from.

But real empowerment?

It’s not about staying home or climbing a ladder. It’s about choosing—and being respected for your choice. (And yes, homemakers should absolutely be paid.)

I’m celebrating both these women and every woman finding her own way.

Here’s to being seen. 🌺
Here’s to choosing your path, unapologetically. 💪

love,

Alpana | Brand strategist + Photographer



P.S. – With 25+ years in marketing, advertising, and photography, I’ve learned that your story deserves to be seen authentically and unapologetically.

If you're in the Bay Area and want to book a portrait session for Mother's Day — or just because — I'd love to capture you. 🌸

Not local? I also craft premium AI portraits for clients all over the world.

[ FILL OUT THIS CONTACT FORM ] and let’s create something iconic together.

The Secret Sauce is Your Story

Become a confident storyteller for your brand to stand out and sell more. I'm a Visual Brand Coach and Award-Winning Photographer (featured in NY Times, Instagram, Apple). I help badass women entrepreneurs own their stories, showcase their uniqueness, and create brands that are downright magical. Ready to make your brand sizzle? Get your hands on my free brand guide packed with five essential ingredients to create an unforgettable brand experience.

Read more from The Secret Sauce is Your Story

Dear Reader, She said, “I’m 65, and I’m not finished.” Hell. Yes. She booked a call after hearing me speak at a summit. One of my AI images of me with a unicorn stirred something inside her. My words made her feel seen.Not just as “mom” or “grandma.” But a woman still burning with stories. With vision. With a voice that refuses to go quiet. She told me, “I’ve spent decades showing up for everyone else. Now it’s my turn.” That part hit hard. She saw that unicorn and thought,“What’s my version...

Dear Reader, My son messaged me recently, asking, “Would you like this pour-over coffee set for Mother’s Day?” It made me smile—I sent him that link a few months ago.We love craft coffee, strong opinions 😂, and thoughtful gifts. Being his mom has taught me patience, presence, and how to hold space through change.And what have I passed on to him?→ That it’s okay to question things.→ That emotions are not a weakness.→ That growth requires effort and compassion.→ That you can be both independent...

Hi Reader, There’s a trend where people ask ChatGPT: What do I look like? Beyond the fun of seeing an image rendered, what struck me was how much it reveals about your personal brand—how you show up through your words, vibe, and energy. It’s a surprisingly powerful brand exercise. It took four tries to get an image that felt close to me.Which, to be fair, wasn’t the point. The AI was offering a poetic interpretation—not an exact likeness. But of course… I had to see how close it could get. 😄...