Body Positivity Isn't An Aesthetic - Exploring Body Positive Entrepreneurship With Alekhya Bhat (Part 2)
“‘Food is meant to sustain you, to nourish you. Let’s change the way people interact with food and recognize that anyone can have an eating disorder.’ ”
In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the life of, Alekhya, a young woman who moved from India to the U.S. in 2020 to pursue college amidst the challenges of COVID-19 and political turmoil. She shares her journey from experiencing cultural differences in mental health perspectives to discovering her passion for entrepreneurship.
The episode explores her insights on mental health stigmas, the role of gender and race in shaping identity, and her decision to leave a traditional career path in international relations to start her own venture focused on eating disorders.
Through her startup, Ameliore, she aims to combine technology and advocacy to provide better support systems and autonomy for individuals struggling with eating disorders, emphasizing the importance of collective care and systematic solutions. The conversation highlights how societal issues are deeply interconnected and the necessity of addressing them with innovative approaches.
Takeaways
Cultural perspectives on mental health
The journey to becoming an entrepreneur
Transformative college experiences
Challenges and opportunities in a new country
Embracing womanhood and beauty standards
The role of education in personal transformation
Navigating societal norms and expectations
The intersection of mental health and community
From Model UN ambitions to entrepreneurship
