We were lucky to catch up with Raksha Nagaraj recently and have shared our conversation below.

Raksha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Despite coming from a traditional Indian background, my parents ensured I developed a strong sense of independence and confidence as a female. They instilled in me a solid foundation of values that shaped my life. Early on, I learned the importance of education and the need to work diligently to gain knowledge in my chosen areas. When facing personal or academic challenges, my parents encouraged self-reliance, emphasizing that life is rife with obstacles that require navigation.

As I entered my career, these values seamlessly integrated into my professional life, providing a resilient foundation. I cultivated the ability to learn and overcome challenges, navigating the complexities of the workplace. My career achievements are not just milestones; they represent the fulfillment found in surmounting challenges. Empowered by my parents, I became a capable individual thriving in an ever-evolving world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Solopassport:

In 2015, I aimed to address the topic of solo female travel in India, a subject then considered taboo. At that time, few Indian women ventured into solo travel due to various concerns, particularly safety. As a seasoned solo traveler, I aspired to share my experiences through travel stories and blogs, inspiring women to take the leap into solo journeys. This vision gave rise to Solopassport.

Today, my blog has become a source of support and encouragement for numerous Indian women who resonate with my experiences. Solopassport has witnessed remarkable growth, offering various services. These include collaborating with travel brands and tourism boards, delivering high-quality photographs, including drone shots, providing consultations to solo female travelers, and offering general travel advice.

Receiving messages from individuals who were inspired by my journey and took their desired trips brings me immense joy. It fulfills my goal of fostering independence and confidence in my audience, echoing the values instilled in me by my parents. Additionally, I take pride in facilitating win-win situations for both the travel brands I collaborate with and the clients who benefit from informed advice.

Bengaluru Prayana:

Approximately two years ago, upon returning to my hometown, Bangalore, I became acutely aware of the city’s overlooked treasures in heritage and culture. Despite its richness, these aspects remained largely unspoken of. Motivated by this realization, I engaged in a conversation with a friend, and together, we initiated Bengaluru Prayana. This venture serves as a platform for individuals sharing a passion for heritage and culture to join guided tours. Through interactive sessions, we delve into the diverse facets of this beautiful city, aiming to revive and celebrate its heritage collectively. Hosting numerous walks, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting a plethora of incredible individuals who share our enthusiasm for exploring and preserving the cultural essence of Bangalore.

The joy I feel when people express admiration for the beauty and richness of Bangalore is immeasurable. This profound appreciation was the fundamental goal behind launching Bengaluru Prayana. Witnessing the overwhelming responses to our guided walks and the shared love for this city thus far has been immensely gratifying.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

The creative journey can often feel isolating and solitary. In the early stages, I frequently experienced a sense of being without guidance or support. Reluctant to seek help, I later realized that the internet holds a wealth of solutions.

– Communities and forums offer spaces where inquiries are welcomed, and individuals willingly assist each other.
– Mentorship programs, providing step-by-step guidance and practical examples, proved invaluable in my growth.
– Additionally, networking events tailored for creatives facilitate connections that blossom into friendships.

Discovering these resources later in my journey, I now recognize how they could have greatly eased my path had I been aware of them earlier.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A significant aspect I needed to reevaluate was my belief that every creative piece had to be flawless. In the early stages of my journey, I placed immense pressure on myself, thinking perfection was the only acceptable outcome. This mindset, driven by a fear of criticism and unrealistic expectations, created stress and hindered my creativity, limiting experimentation and risk-taking.

The realization that my hard work didn’t always yield expected results prompted a shift in perspective. A crucial turning point came when a few of my mentors emphasized the value of embracing imperfections as integral to the creative process. Unlearning the insistence on perfection has since empowered me to explore more freely, take creative risks, and produce more authentic and innovative work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Solopassport.com; https://bengaluruprayana.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/Solopassport; https://instagram.com/BengaluruPrayana
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/Solopassport
• Linkedin: https://linked.com/in/Solopassport
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Solopassport
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/Solopassport