Timbrel is the owner of Lush Bazaar and founder of Cultured Wedding Workshops. Before the shutdown, she was on her annual trip India, but found herself unable to leave the country as restrictions grew. During her six months in India, she started a local food bank in the area she had to stay in. She continues to inspire her community here and across the world.
Who has been your biggest influence?
My Ammama (grandmother) is my biggest influence, even in her short time on earth. From a young age she always believed in me and would impart words of strength, substance and beauty in my life. She always found a way to push me to be braver, brighter and honest in who I am and what I want to be in life. She wasn’t a typical grandma, she was a pillar of strength and support, guiding me through difficult situations in life and making me think outside the box. I still hear her quiet whisper of strength in certain situations in life where I may feel weak or tired. Her time in my life was short, due to Breast cancer, but her influence in my life will last a lifetime. With every milestone I achieve in my life, I think of her and what she would have said if she was able to witness it with me.
On another note, since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I urge women to get mammograms.
What motivated you to be involved in your community?
I grew up watching my parents who were very involved in their communities. They set a great example for my sibling and I to always be involved and always lend a helping hand or listening ear. We leave our mark in this world by the positive impact we make. Being able to invest in the place you live and to help one another in your community is important for growth. I don’t know anything different. I realize now that though my own community was not very open to me at first, I was able to pave my own path in making a positive impact in my community. Which eventually led to being heard, seen, acknowledged and respected. All things I am grateful for.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Timbrel, you are bold, you are brave and you are destined to change the world. Do not let the negative voices and small minded people in your world right now stop you from dreaming big and achieving great things. You’re not always going to be the outsider. You will find more people like you in this world, people who want to change the world for the better, people who look like you. You are never alone. Keep dreaming, believing and working hard for what you want in life.
What’s your idea of self care?
I make it a point to travel somewhere new (obviously with Covid-19 this year that was practically impossible). But in the normal world, I found time to go on an adventure to a new place, beach it not only helped me relax but opened my mind up to new ideas, ways of living and mindsets. I also love being outdoors, whether it be hiking, biking or kayaking, being in nature is healing for me.
What message do you have for the future generations of women?
Go out there and get what you want. Do not be scared, do not let circumstances and situations get in your way. Break down walls and barriers and reach your mountain top. Our world needs more strong women and you can be one of them.
Lastly, speed round!
Heels or Flats? Heels- All Day Everyday
Pancakes or Waffles? Waffles
Day or Night? Daytime and that bright sunshine
Books or Movies? Movies
Rain or Sunshine? Sunshine
