MEET KAVYA
YES TO OPPORTUNITIES THAT SCARE ME
Name: Kavya Thakrar. I was named Kavya because my mom really liked the name, it means poetry and creativity. A “kavya” was a type of poem in ancient India.
Currently: I recently published my first book, Bows & Ties, which features interviews with 19 incredible women from a variety of industries. Through their stories, the book explores leadership, resilience, success, and female empowerment. It was a passion project that combined my love for writing, storytelling, and connecting with people.
The idea for this book was sparked by: My desire to learn from women I admired. I realized that so many successful women have inspiring stories that often go untold, and I wanted to create a platform where they could share their experiences and advice with others.
My life in 50 words (or less!): Writing, leadership, matcha runs, movie marathons, and saying yes to opportunities that scare me a little. Somewhere in between, I’ve managed to write a book, interview amazing people, and learn that the best experiences happen when you are willing to take a chance.
The writer in me took flight when: I realized writing wasn’t just an assignment but a way to connect with people. Whether through journalism, poetry, or interviewing someone for my book, I loved how writing conveys stories. To me, it’s an art form.
The teen in me wishes: People worried less about being perfect and more about trying new things, and that includes me as well. Some of my favourite experiences happened because I took a chance, asked a question, or applied for something without knowing exactly what would happen.
My favourite line in poetry: Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare. “In silence I have watched you comb your hair. Intimate the silence, dim and warm. I could but did not, reach to touch your arm. I could, but do not, break that which is still.”
Favourite colour: Dark emerald green.
Favourite designer: Kimaya Singh, the designer behind Mirchi by Kim.
Favourite movie: I am a movieholic, so that’s a very difficult question to answer. But I’d have to say Pretty Woman, it’s a classic.
Favourite books/authors: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, anything by Colleen Hoover, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, and Rupi Kaur’s poetry books.
Favourite TV shows: My all time favourites are Ugly Betty, The Nanny and Sex and the City, but lately it’s been Love Island UK! I cannot get enough.
Favourite ice cream flavour: Cookies and cream.
Favourite cuisine: Japanese or Italian.
Favourite restaurant: Din Tai Fung – some of the best Taiwanese food, especially for vegetarians!
Favourite activities: Watching movies, drawing, practising calligraphy, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.
I hang out: At coffee shops, bookstores, movie theaters, and anywhere with good conversation.
I’m freaked out by: Hairless cats. It’s the weirdest thing! It started after watching The Secret Life of Pets when I was seven years old, and I was absolutely terrified. One time, I saw one in real life and literally fell to the floor sobbing. It’s genuinely such a ridiculous thing to be scared of, especially because I love animals.
I need: A good playlist and a book. Music is so important to me. It influences the way I think, how I feel, and even how I perform. Reading is a magical experience and I treat words like diamonds. Paired together, the combination can never be beat. It’s like creating a movie in your head.
Bows & Ties by Kavya Thakrar is available on Amazon (paperback $9.78).
My role models: All the female figures in my life. My mom, aunts, grandmothers, and nanny. I love them all to death, and they have inspired me to be resilient, compassionate, and ambitious while always staying true to myself.
Tips to save the planet: Start small! I cannot emphasize this enough. Reusable water bottles, reducing waste, shopping thoughtfully, and being mindful of what you consume can make a bigger difference than people realize.
In a perfect world: Everyone would feel confident enough to pursue what they love, people would be a little kinder to one another, and every day would end with a good meal, a great movie and an even better playlist.
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