Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayesha Hasnat.
Hi Ayesha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We all have a story. Some are action-packed, full of adventures and fun. Some are more focused on the little things. These stories are a vital part of who we are and can influence the decisions we make in terms of location, friends, and career paths. My story is a little different. I’m a very outgoing and social person and I love meeting people and hearing their successes and struggles! My profession is teaching but I’ve a Master’s degree in Genetics. I’m not sure if my parents, siblings, teachers and even my students have instilled empathy and love into me or if it’s in my genes that I love human beings and make friends and always reach out to them whenever I see them in need. When I moved to USA, I had no family and friends around. Austin was totally new for me. It attracted me with its beautiful geographical location and weather. Everything looked great but I went into a deep depression because of loneliness.
I still remember that gloomy evening when I entered HEB for grocery shopping and a cute boy ran towards me near the aisle of ‘healthy living’. His mom came to me, apologizing me if I got disturbed and I said ‘Nah, it’s totally fine. He is such a cute boy’ And that’s how I got my very first friend in Austin and then I didn’t look back. We started meeting more people, socializing and made a lot of good friends. We threw a lot of parties, did baby showers, graduation dinners, birthday parties, potluck lunches, pool parties and never missed any weekend to have fun with each other. Besides, doing a lot of socializing. I felt like we lacked communication and guidance. I still remember how hard it was for me to find a good driving school or a good gynecologist. I had no idea how to get the health insurance or visit the doctor for an annual check-ups. I still remember the day when my daughter caught influenza and I got so nervous. I kept on calling different friends to know where should I take her, would an emergency visit be helpful or calling a pediatrician is important. That was one crazy unforgettable day! There are a lot of things where I found myself reluctant in talking to any one of my friends. I couldn’t open up asking about job opportunities or anything basic. I’d friends but some were either busy in their own lives or they were too formal to talk. Settling down in a new country isn’t easy and if you find social support so things become simple.
Keeping all my past experiences in mind, one day I created a Facebook group “Soul Sisters Austin”. My purpose of creating this group is to provide a platform for all sisters living in Austin or planning to come to Austin. They can ask about anything whether it’s about grocery shopping, a good day-care, gynecologist or a pediatrician, neighborhood, house buying plans and a lot more common questions that every one of us seeks advice. I’ve also provided them a platform to promote their businesses. There are a lot of bakers, clothing businesses, food businesses, jewelry owners, salons and spas, and event organizers who post about their businesses every week. It gives me immense pleasure when people appreciate me of what I’m doing for them. My group also allows them to post “anonymously” and if a sister wants to vent out and seek the advice of an issue, I see a lot of helping hands to provide emotional support. Sisterhood isn’t just by blood, caring about others and providing support is what keeps us closer and makes a healthy community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
So far, it’s a smooth road. It excites me to see how sisters provide honest opinions to all the queries. My group is fast growing and I love to see sisters joining in. I’m planning a meet-up soon and really forward to meet my 1K+ sisters!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a teacher by profession but I’ve a Master’s degree in Genetics. I love teaching! It’s actually in my genes. My mom is a retired college professor and I got inspiration from her. I’ve taught all age groups and grades! Teaching is my passion, entering a classroom makes me a student too, and I learn a lot from my students too! I’m proud of my profession and it gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction. I’m also a blogger and mainly cover food on my Instagram page. I explore Austin and share the best restaurants and places! You will find all types of food – American, Mediterranean, Vegan, South Asian, French, and Italian. I’m a foodie and love sharing recipes too!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Integrity – Honesty is the best policy for everything we do but integrity creates character and defines who we are!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ayesha.hasnat_blog
- Facebook: Soul Sisters Austin
