I have been writing stories since I was in middle school and have written one book, some short stories, poems, and lots of unfinished drafts. I believe stories are a way to feel connected when we feel our loneliest. I am also a firm believer that everyone has an incredible story. People who say that they don’t have one or that it’s not compelling, just need help in telling it. I believe we are hardwired not to see ourselves as extraordinary as we are, so I want to help pull out the extraordinary.

My parents have owned an Indian grocery and restaurant in Oklahoma City for almost 30 years. One year, I interviewed them and wrote out their story from India to Chicago to Detroit to OKC. I really enjoyed the experience of writing my parent’s story. Now, I want to do the same thing for small businesses. Small businesses are filled with stories, and the journey they’ve gone through makes them that much more incredible. I don’t have much practice writing in this new way, but these businesses have been hit hard with this pandemic. I want to give an opportunity to two small businesses to tell their story this year. While I might start with small businesses, this can go in any direction and I’m glad you are here to follow me.

And for those who don’t know me at all, my name is Visha. I’m really glad you stumbled upon my website. Please enjoy this picture of my mom helping me put a rakhi on my brother at my parent’s store circa the late 1990’s. Lots has changed since then, but my very large eyes have not.