Miss Nepal 2013, Ishani Shrestha who is based in Nepal and the USA is an entrepreneur, graduate student and social worker. She made history by bagging the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ award in Miss World 2013. After completing her primary education from Triyog High School, she moved to Colorado for further studies. While the travel lover is in town, Anushka Shrestha from WOW, catches up to know what makes her life beautiful.
What are you currently busy with
Work, grad school, and living life in Kathmandu
What do you love about your work
I love every changing environment and the drive that comes along with it. I am a versatile person and living in two countries really gives me the opportunity to capitalise different arenas. My work consists of family business, my personal career, and my enthusiasm towards raising my voice for the causes I am passionate about. Stagnancy bores me.
What makes a person beautiful
Well that’s a judgment, and as I am growing older and wise, I make that upon a person’s capacity to enrich themselves and everything around them. It’s the core values, the discipline and the authenticity that makes someone beautiful to me.
What makes you beautiful
I invest a lot in myself, to make myself self-sufficient in all the elements that are valuable to me: my mind, body and soul. To have an inner strength, confidence, and awareness is what makes me beautiful.
What makes life beautiful
My family, friends, my dog Daisy, and the inevitable changes that allow me to experience all of life.
What tickles your funny bones
My best friends
What makes you smile
When things go my way
Favourite comedian
Trevor Noah, for his wit and intellect in humour
Best therapy for happiness
Finding balance in the chaos, keeping up with my mindfulness routine, lots of family time, a nice cup of coffee, holidays, best friends and eliminating toxicity of any kind… Well, I am still finding more therapies.
Current perfume
I pick perfumes according to my mood or the time of the day. My current favourites are Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana, Aqva Pour Homme by Bvlgari and Decadence by Marc Jacobs
You are addicted to
Liberty
On your wish list
Travel
You stay fit by
Yoga and dance
Best year of your lie
I have thoroughly enjoyed my life but 2020 has been a blessing in disguise! Lots of growth and self-reflection. Also, spent a majority of the year being home with my family.
Latest splurge
All of the wonderful holiday shopping with family
Skincare
Following a diet that nourishes my skin, avoiding dust and dirt and making sure to follow my routines in the morning/night.
Gadget
The newest addition is a Surface Book, pretty cool with lots of different dynamics. Switched after a decade of Apple.
Style Icon
The 90’s era
Always in your handbag
My phone, cards and perfume
What do you do to unwind
Drive with my playlist
Favourite holiday destination
I have to travel the entire world to answer that one
You always struggle with
I am persistent on making things perfect and a just a little bit headstrong. Not really a bad thing and actually helps me get a lot of things done.
Best thing about being you
No one else like me… Isn’t that a superpower?
Make up… can’t do without
A nice red lipstick
On a bad hair day
Don’t allow myself to have one!
One tip you learnt that makes you photo ready
Being comfortable with yourself, learning some angles, and keeping it candid
What do you like doing in your spare time
Relax, spa, drives and hikes with my siblings
Books or movies
Both, it is incomparable
Guilty pleasure
Cheesy soap operas
Favourite place to eat in Kathmandu
There are plenty. Kathmandu has amazing spots for all kinds of cuisines, and it is truly a blessing. I am a vegetarian so hopefully new vegan/vegetarian spots to devour in.
One thing you can’t do without
I treasure a set of core values that I will not bend over for anything or anyone.
What advice would you give to your younger self
Life keeps getting better, trust me
Celebrity crush
Obsessing over Joe Biden and Kamala Harris
Have you ever been told to change something about yourself
Yes, I am open to any constructive criticism the ones that makes me a better human being.
Movies that inspire you
Many, but the one that gives me comfort is the Harry Potter series
A quote you live by
You only live once but if you live it right, once is enough
Lockdown lesson
All you have is you and all you ever need is within you. Do more of what your soul craves for, rekindle your hobbies, spend time and cook for your family, go out in the nature, pursue a new academic degree and mostly, learn to be in peace within yourself. Life goes on.