🍋Hey there, I’m Kiran Sharma.
Inspiration comes in many forms. I have been fortunate enough to have several things act as my inspiration and shape me into who I am:
My Mother: Her unwavering strength, love, and wisdom has been a constant source of inspiration in my life. Her dedication and support have molded me into the person I am today. Not to be dramatic, but I feel her spirit and power within me.
Ayn Rand: Ayn Rand's work has influenced my thinking and expanded my views on life and personal autonomy. First of all, what a true badass? right?! She has shown me the importance of having a voice and embracing my opinions, encouraging me not to conform blindly. Her writings have inspired me to challenge the norms. I always challenged the already existing rules when I was a young kid and continue to do so which is why I have such an entrepreneurial spirit.
New York City: New York City's buzzing energy and awesome mix of people have lit up my creative spark and pushed my ambition to new heights. The city's vibe and endless chances to do something cool have inspired me to dream big and go after what I want without holding back. It's like you can be a different version of yourself in different parts of the city. I'm heading to Two Bridges soon, and I'm so ready for it to bring out my creative, chill, book-loving, entrepreneurial side. Can't wait to meet that version of me. She’s going to be IT…the one I will hold onto.
Seeing Passion in Others: Seeing the fire of passion in others, whether it's in their work, art, or personal pursuits, motivates me to strive for excellence and follow my own passions. Their dedication reminds me of the importance of pursuing what truly ignites my soul. THAT is what life is all about.
Love: Love in all its forms, be it romantic, platonic, or familial, has provided a profound source of inspiration and emotional strength. It reminds me of the beauty in connection, compassion, and the power of human relationships.
Small Local Shops: The resilience and sense of community in small local shops are a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit. Supporting these businesses has taught me the value of authenticity, hard work, and the importance of contributing to local economies.
Dogs: Dogs are AH-dorable (literally my reaction when I see one). But beyond that, their loyalty, joy, and simplicity has taught me valuable life lessons. Their unconditional love and presence remind me to appreciate the beauty in the everyday and find happiness in the simplest of things.
Starting My Own Business Without VC Funding: The journey of starting and growing my own business without the support of venture capital funding has been an inspiring endeavor. It has taught me the value of resourcefulness, resilience, and the power of self-belief.
Why do I write?
I write for various reasons, with a journey that began when I moved to the United States at the age of 12. At that time, I lacked fluency in both spoken and written English. I vividly recall the excitement and the burning desire to learn this new language, which was both a challenge and an opportunity to acquire a valuable skill. Excitement was high enough to ignore all the bullying that I encountered. I LITERALLY had better things to do.
I approached one of my teachers with the enthusiasm, asking her, "How can I improve my English?" Her answer was simple: "Read more and write more."
And so, my journey began. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. It was as if I had stumbled upon a treasure trove of knowledge and imagination that fueled my curiosity and ignited a passion within me. The more I delved into the world of literature, the stronger my desire to express myself through writing grew. I didn’t even know English fully but I kept writing, writing with broken spellings, broken grammar, but with intention. My first year of moving to the US, I ended up doing a presentation in front of my entire class..in ENGLISH! Needless to say, many kids were laughing because my English was funny but for me I felt like a true badass, a badass that is doing something she would’ve never dreamt of doing. One thing I know about my spirit is that I will grind and be brave, no matter what. As I got older however, life got busier and other hobbies took forefront.
I tried various approaches to better myself and explored the realm of social media as a platform for self-expression, but I found it to be somewhat intrusive. It felt like I was sharing fragments of myself with people who might not even be genuinely interested in my thoughts or experiences. This realization prompted me to embark on what I now consider my official "writing journey."
I owe a big part of this to Mrs. Tebo, my 8th grade ESL teacher, who taught me English. She not only recognized my potential but also had the insight to shift me from an ESL (English as a Second Language) program to a speech and debate club during my high school years. This decision changed the trajectory of my life <3 shoutout Tebo!
In essence, I write because of the burning curiosity that stirs within me, the desire to learn, to share my thoughts, and to connect with others. It's a journey that began with a challenge and an opportunity, and it continues to be a source of growth and fulfillment in my life. If you see/talk to me and hear me mispronounce a word, please correct me ;)
Fun fact about me: I quit modeling because I was vastly interested in photography. Scroll down to see some of my work!
I’ve always wanted to start something like this, but I never thought someone (other than my mother) would actually read it. And the fact that you (not my mom) are reading this, means so much more to me than you’ll ever know.
