profile

The Secret Sauce is Your Story

Embracing Simplicity: Harder Than It Sounds.

Published 3 months ago • 1 min read

​
​
​

Can you believe it's already February, Reader?

A quick check-in on the "word of the year."
​
Did I share that my word this year is "Simplify," but, man, it's tough when you're juggling a thousand passions.
​
Here's how I'm doing it with a goal to declutter my life, and these pointers can help you too:
​

💥 Dropping what doesn’t spark joy - the Marie Kondo way!

💥 Eliminating tasks that don’t contribute financially.​
​
💥 Stepping away from efforts that don’t have the impact I seek.​
​
I'm pivoting away from certain photography genres (family photography) that have intertwined with my identity and business.
​
It has been a huge part of my identity and business, but a session last year led me to the realization that it was time.
​
Photography isn't leaving my life—it's in my DNA.
​
But now, I'm channeling that passion into empowering women entrepreneurs with headshots that capture their spirit and drive.
​
How is your "word of the year" guiding you?

If you haven't picked one yet, remember that choosing a word that pushes you out of your comfort zone is the first step toward meaningful change.

Let's make this year about intention, challenge, and transformation.
​
Sending love!
​
Alpana

P.S. I'm focusing on more laughter this year. Last year, I took an Improv class to push myself, and I'm doing it again this year.
​
You can see my crazy performance recorded by my friend Genny here and here.

The Secret Sauce is Your Story

Alpana Aras | Brand Storyteller + Photographer

Become a confident storyteller for your brand to stand out and sell more. I'm a Visual Brand Coach and Award-Winning Photographer (featured in NY Times, Instagram, Apple). I help badass women entrepreneurs own their stories, showcase their uniqueness, and create brands that are downright magical. Ready to make your brand sizzle? Get your hands on my free brand guide packed with five essential ingredients to create an unforgettable brand experience.

Read more from The Secret Sauce is Your Story

Dear Reader,Guess who's back? After a tough spell with an illness since March and a slow recovery, I’m headed in for dental surgery today—fingers crossed, and good vibes are needed! But hey, there's some exciting news, too. I’ve rediscovered my passion in a new venture—creating visual brands! It feels like coming home, given my past life as a graphic and web designer. Let me give you a glimpse: I'm currently weaving a visual story for a fantastic florist who hired me as her brand coach last...

20 days ago • 1 min read

Dear Reader, This week's a vivid blend of my two worlds – the Indian and American cultures – and I love it. Candles at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, India It's like walking with one foot in each world, and honestly, it’s pretty awesome. Think about it.Our business ethos is deeply influenced by our cultural roots. Being nestled between these diverse cultures gives me a unique outlook and a global perspective. And you know what? It could be the secret sauce your business needs to cross...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Dear Reader, Yesterday, this photo popped up in my memories and made me smile. This is my son's first "cell phone."At eight or nine, he really wanted a real one, claiming all his friends had one.Sadly for him, having an Indian mom it didn't work out for him – until he got to 8th grade, but that is another story.So he took matters into his own hands and crafted one exactly how he wanted.It had all the essentials: a speed dial to connect with my husband and me and, of course, a line to J.M....

about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Share this post