Today we’d like to introduce you to Vasavi Kumar.
Hi Vasavi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ever since I can remember, I have been relentless to find my own voice and access the freedom of my creative spirit.
I’m a first-generation Indian immigrant and grew up in a traditional Hindu household on Long Island, New York. Living and going to school in a predominantly all-White town, wasn’t easy. I struggled with figuring out my own unique identity and was in constant fear because I was bullied and often felt shame from outshining the other students in my class.
My parents valued hard work, and a focus on education and academics. And while now I appreciate how much of their work ethic and values they instilled in me, back then all I longed for was acceptance. As a result, I believed that I had to dumb myself down to fit in and be welcomed into social circles.
I hold dual master’s degrees in Special Education from Hofstra University and Social Work from Columbia University. I’, the Former Co-Host of Studio 512, a lifestyle and entertainment morning show in Austin, TX and was featured in The Wall Street Journal, FOX, VH1, and was a regular on NBC’s Kansas City Live as the “Keepin’ It Real Guru.”
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
From being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 20, going through a divorce (which isn’t accepted in the Indian community), and going through the ups and downs of addiction to drugs and alcohol, going through rehab, taking a step back with relapse and then going through recovery again— no, life hasn’t been a smooth road—and I wouldn’t change a thing about my path.
The pivotal moment for me was when I re-entered rehab for a second time. Everyone there already knew me by name since this was my second time back. I vowed to myself that I would never step foot into another rehab center again. I took my recovery on the inside as seriously as I had focused on how “good” I looked on the outside. My healing included really learning about my true self. I spent time alone with myself that I had in the past ran away from. The process of sitting with myself, even during the toughest and roughest of times, WITHOUT reaching for a drug or drink, taught me that I have the capacity to be with anything.
I learned lessons about how to love who I am, especially during the moments where I hated myself the most and wanted to run as far away as possible from the pain.
I don’t believe you have to go through rock bottom moments to discover who you are. For me, that was God’s plan. For others, if you have a desire to change yourself for the better, start today because that is all you have.
“I believe that when you know yourself, you can be, do, and create anything you want.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Real Rich is an idea I had sitting in the shower, trying to come up with a name for my new membership community.
Real Rich is the version of you that chooses to not water herself down, and focus on living a RICH internal life, so you can create RICH external results.
The truth is, you don’t need to pick between success, authenticity, and your values in business.
You get to fully embody ALL THREE.
That’s being Real Rich.
Respecting and honoring yourself means respecting and honoring your commitments.
When you’re all alone, or when you don’t have a clear plan–you can very easily bullshit yourself.
When you’re in a community and say out loud what you want, you can’t hide from your own growth.
That’s being Real Rich.
In the Real Rich community, you can’t hide. I want you to step into the role of “teacher,” and embody your power through WALKING YOUR TALK. In a safe container, you can practice your speaking skills, presentation skills–and receive feedback from the community. No more dimming your light.
I’m most proud of the fact that my members are committed to being fully themselves in their businesses. They’re willing to DO THE WORK on the inside to show up FULLY on the outside, whether that’s on camera or through their writing.
The Real Rich community is for the human being with a huge heart, a ton of creative ideas, a passion for service, and has zero problem admitting that they need structure. Period.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Canva, all my marketing and graphic design needs Creator Studio: to schedule my social media, free through Facebook
Wave: for all my invoicing needs
Project Evo planner: I LOVE this planner. The planner is customized for your brain type.
Voxer: walkie talkie app I use with all my 1:1 clients
Mighty Networks: membership hosting
Pricing:
- Real Rich community membership: $129/month or $1350/annual
- Confident Content Creation VIP DAY: $2500 for a 4-hour VIP DAY— walk away with 90 days worth of social media content!
- 1:1 coaching: application only
- Know Yourself course: $99
Contact Info:
- Email: vasavi@vasavikumar.com
- Website: vasavikumar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mynameisvasavi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vasavikumarunfiltered
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/askvasavi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/vasavikumar.com
Image Credits
Breezy Ritter
