We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr Shivi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Coming alone to a new country without family or friends was not an easy chapter of my life. It challenged me in ways I never expected — emotionally, mentally, and even physically at times. But it also became the foundation for my growth.
I started by embracing small wins — finding my way around the city, handling paperwork on my own, and navigating cultural differences. Every time I solved a problem or faced a fear, I became a little stronger.
I built confidence through consistency: showing up for myself, learning from failures, and allowing myself to grow without judgment. I also found strength in vulnerability — reaching out, making connections, and building a new support system from scratch.
This journey taught me that confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build, slowly, through courage and persistence. And now, when I look back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and excited for what’s ahead.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Shivangee — a girl from Ranchi, a city in a state most people haven’t even heard of. Coming from a place often overlooked, I had big dreams and even bigger determination. I moved to the U.S. alone, funded my own education, and completed my master’s degree — every step fueled by grit, hustle, and self-belief.
From finding a place to live in a foreign country, to serving tables, to studying late into the night — I lived through the reality behind the “dream.” There were no shortcuts, no safety nets — just resilience.
But I didn’t stop at just surviving. I started creating. I turned my passion for storytelling into a platform — making Instagram reels that showcase and celebrate small businesses across America. So far, I’ve worked with over 200 businesses, helping them share their story, their culture, and their voice through my lens.
What makes my journey special isn’t where I came from or even where I am — it’s everything in between. I’m proud to represent the countless women who dare to dream beyond borders, who build from scratch, and who lead with heart.
This is just the beginning.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Don’t be afraid to fall — just don’t forget to get back up. Every challenge adds strength to your character. Embrace discomfort as part of growth.
Stay open-minded. Be willing to unlearn and relearn. The faster you adapt, the more doors will open for you — both personally and professionally.
Don’t wait for opportunities — create them. Be proactive. Say yes to things that scare you. Reach out, take risks, and keep learning on your own terms.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would love to connect with platforms like TEDx, because I believe in the power of stories to spark change. My journey — as a girl from Ranchi who came to the U.S. with no financial support, faced family challenges, funded her own master’s degree, and built a creative career from scratch — isn’t just mine. It belongs to every girl who was told her dreams were too big, her background too small, or her path too uncertain.
I want to share my story not for applause, but for representation. So that another girl, sitting in a small town or struggling through silence, can see what’s possible when you refuse to give up on yourself.
I’m looking to collaborate with:
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_venomgirl_/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.