We’re thrilled to introduce our second Woman of Impact: the inspiring Raageshwari Loomba.

A true force for positivity, Raageshwari is an inspiration to us. We're so excited for her to join our community of fearless trailblazers, where we can share and learn from each other's experience. 

Keep reading for a little Q&A we did with Raageshwari on her life and career - it's worth it trust us! 

1. Your journey has taken you from the spotlight of Bollywood and MTV to the realm of mindfulness and wellness. What inspired this transformation, and how has it influenced your perspective on life and success? 

"I started my career when I was barely 14 and by God’s Grace had phenomenal success with MTV and my music albums. At the peak of my career in the year 2000, I was struck with Bell’s Palsy which left my face paralysed and lopsided. I’m glad that my upbringing was not based on looks but kindness, so walking through the healing journey was easier. Yet working in an industry which is driven by external appearances, made my work suffer. It hit a cul de sac. It was my breakdown then but today when I look back it was my breakthrough. It’s important to go through severe challenges and setbacks - how else will we grow and build empathy? My facial paralysis and losing everything was a turning point in my life."

2. You've been a vocal advocate for mental health and mindfulness. How do you integrate these practices into your daily routine, and what advice would you offer to those seeking balance in their lives?     

"When I was struck with facial paralysis, the doctors said that it was linked to low immunity but I was a young girl who was 25. I did not smoke or drink and I was a very active singer and dancer touring the globe. So it did not make sense. During the same phase I was re-introduced to mindfulness and meditation. My late father worked with MahaRishi Mahesh Yogi (the creator of TM) so he often nudged me to meditate but I was into MTV, so during those years meditation made my eyes roll! As they say the Guru is always around, so the student needs to be ready.  

When I was down and out, alone in my room, and I heard that our thoughts create experiences and that our present is a manifestation of our past habitual thinking habits, it hit home. Everything made sense because prior to my facial paralysis my months were spent in extreme stress and anxiety purely due to my first relationship which was tumultuous. Realising the impact of my negative thoughts even on a healthy body made me sit up and dive deep into mindfulness and study the power of thoughts. Today after 25 years living with mindfulness, it has changed my life. It has enhanced every positive experience and erased anything negative. The way to cultivate this practice is to slow down. Simply slow down the way you speak to yourself and others. Focus on your breath when things feel out of control. And most importantly allow others their journey and let go of the power and this obsession to change others."

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3. Sustainability and ethical fashion are central to Aspiga's mission. How do you incorporate conscious consumerism into your lifestyle, and what role do you believe individuals play in promoting sustainable practices? 

"Practising mindfulness will automatically gravitate you towards sustainable consumption because you deeply believe that the environment has resources that should remain available for everyone long after we are gone. We start to connect with Mother Earth differently and people differently. However, advertising subliminally programmes us to believe we must have more. So while you must shop and enjoy finer things that bring joy, it is imperative that we teach ourselves and our children to support companies, brands and industries that are using sustainable and ethical practices.

Every person can play an important role in inspiring another. Never doubt the power of one. Great movements began with one person and that person could be you. My 9 year old daughter teaches me so much about sustainability, how making one T-shirt from fast fashion consumes enough water to fill up an entire swimming pool. That’s why supporting Aspiga comes so naturally to me and my family. The fact that Aspiga ethically employs artisans who have been ignored and misused by the heavy machinery makes me respect Aspiga so deeply."

4. Your impact is truly inspiring, especially with the health challenges you've faced. How have these experiences shaped your outlook on personal growth and empowerment?

"Today, gratitude is the foundation of my life. My husband, who is an International law Barrister and I, take great care to keep our lives simple, immersed in nature and gratitude. We remind ourselves that it’s important to not get immersed in setbacks. They do not enter our lives to create suffering but to teach us life lessons. It’s important to look at our blessings on a daily basis and it’s important to turn on the news and see how privileged we actually are. The world has enough intelligent people who are creating war. Today the world needs kind people to spread empathy and compassion on a daily basis. The butterfly effect is created by you and me. That’s why Aspiga and its team are so dear to me as the team truly walks the talk and spreads positivity."

5. Looking ahead, are there any upcoming projects or causes you're passionate about that you'd like to share with us? 

"I work closely with Conde Nast and I just hosted a Gratitude Retreat in India with Tattvam, a leading meditation hub. The next one will be in Europe. A retreat can transform people, heal relations and change your life purpose. I’m also working on my second book with Penguin which links ancient wisdom with modern day science. I also work with corporations such as Infosys, UBS, Fiserv offering mindfulness solutions. Most importantly I love the beach cleans with Aspiga and I’m so grateful to see my daughter Samaya follow in Lucy and the Aspiga team’s footsteps."

Make sure to go and follow us @Aspigalondon and Raageshwari @raageshwariworld on instagram and stay tuned for more Women of Impact.