Carpe Diem Says Swati – Los Angeles Based Model/Finance Manager

Today we’d like to introduce you to Say Swati.

Thanks for sharing your story with us. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
My story is all about taking chances and being open to what life brings along. I pursued any and every opportunity and made the best of it. My family always encouraged me to have a hobby, passion, or something outside my career primarily to explore the possibilities of creativity. My passions are art and writing poetry. I have always been attracted to creative expressions, and all of Modeling allows that. Collaborating with Designers, Makeup artists, and Photographers and bringing their visions to life is very inspiring. I had no idea I would enjoy being in front of the camera so much.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There is no such thing as smooth road, and I am glad I ran into the bumps I did as I look back but admittedly not at the time. Someone once told me I was not pretty enough to be in her show, and that’s exactly when I knew it was time to bring some change: To redefine beauty standards and to make a point that it was not ok to body shame. Especially in an industry like this when looks take center stage and talent is often put in the background. Another struggle, unfortunately, was getting a rejection before auditioning for not being tall enough. But how many women are 5 feet 9 inches and above and size 0? To make a piece of clothing and to be open to having it worn by women of any size is what makes a designer stand out. Beauty standards are evolving, and we all should walk the talk. Thankfully, I found my way to people who believed equally in beauty beyond the norms. And the journey began. I booked many collaborations, thankfully exposing me to extremely talented folks who are rising stars in the industry.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with SwatiLifeisGood – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a Model based in Los Angeles. I started modeling seriously, not in my teens but in my late 20s. I stand for change and for women who dare to be different, whose journeys are not planned per biological clock or societal norms. I am not tall, not skinny and not the fairest and it’s ok to be all the things I am not. I am proud of all the times I did not let anyone limit me or tell me I am not good enough.

I am a full-time finance manager and love being a number cruncher as a profession. I love to eat, travel, paint, write, and read. I am among the many multi-passionate people who just can’t live doing one thing only.

I am having my first art exhibit from an excellent collaboration with Shana Morgan for the double-sided project. (Insta @thedoublesidedproject) I am also exploring to get my art exhibited in more galleries this year and modeling projects aligned with excellent designers. I can’t wait to share all of it soon. Follow me on insta @SwatiLifeIsGood for more updates to come.

I plan to expand to many horizons, and in the process, bring in light to me and to others.

Who have been your mentors and your inspiration during your journey?
It’s a big list but first and foremost My Husband Nikhil, and My Mother, Sister, Brother and Brother in Law. These are my absolute favorite FIVE.

There are some very important people to thank along this journey, the ones who took a chance on me and let me shine – The biggest one here being Briannah Jayde – AKA Bridal Queen of LA, Tare Bre from Breluxe, Sakshi Dosaj from Dreams Collections, Arooj from Beauty by Arooj, Desi Alligner from Desi Designs and to all the amazing photographer who I am fortunate to work with. I have had the privilege to model for amazing couture designers such as Galila Lahav, Estee Couture Bridal, Michael Medina, Zuhair Murad, David’s Bridal, Sueko Oshimoto, Bead & Reel and many more. I had the best time slaying the runway for LA Beyond the Label – By Taryn Hipwell, and being the social media coordinator for this brand, one that values clean fashion, and shifting perceptions about the world of fashion.

Everyone on this list inspired me to work hard, have an edge, and never give up the hustle & humble.

    
Image Credit:
Shana Morgan, Beauty by Arooj, Breluxe, Tara Bre, Dreams Collections, Visuals by Arpit, Kelly Waterman Photography, Unrivaledhenna, Attila Luhasz Photography, OCHenna, Eventspell, Nichole Ray, Desi Alligner, Heather Lynn.

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