Anushka Shrestha who was crowned Miss Nepal World 2019 is an aspiring social entrepreneur. She leads a startup aiming to put the taste of Nepali desserts on the global culinary map called Makkusé, is the Regional Manager for Nepal for a leading Australian University, and works with the Tamang community in Solsing, Sindhupalchok focusing on digital capacity building. Here’s what makes Anushka Shrestha’s life beautiful.
What are you currently busy with
Makkusé, ACU, Solsing, self-care, self-exploration, family and social relationships
What do you love about your work
The impact and creation that my work allows me to do
What makes a person beautiful
How they make the person in their company feel – a person that makes people with them feel good, worthy, light, happy, I think is a beautiful person.
What makes you beautiful
My authenticity. I have many ups and downs and virtues and vices but I feel I am very reflective of what I am and what I aspire to be.
What makes life beautiful
Gratitude, faith, abundance mindset
What tickles your funny bones
Lame jokes
What makes you smile
Appreciation, seeing people happy and oh, fresh flowers
Favourite comedian
The epic Maha Jodi for their effortless and relatable content. Recently, Aashutosh Barahi’s videos in Newari and my sano mama. His real-life activities and situations and the way he relays them are just hilarious.
Therapy for happiness
Reflect, and be grateful. While it is human nature and a good one too, to want more and be ambitious, we often times forget how much we wanted once what we have today, of how much good surrounds us. Thus, reflection and gratitude is always a good way to remind oneself of how happy every moment can be.
Current perfume
Mosquito repellant spray because of dengue
You are addicted to
Culinary shows. Love them
On your wish list
Material – An SUV and an apartment with my own funds. Non-Material – Discipline in terms of physical exercise and a calmer nature.
You stay fit by
I do love Ketllebell sessions at the gym but when I can’t, three full rounds of Surya Namaskar, some transcendental meditation, and yes, lots of pacing around in heels form my daily routine.
Best year of your life
Must say 2019. Not just because of the Miss Nepal crowning while that was a major highlight, but the self exploration and courage and explosion of experiences have really given me a direction in life.
Latest splurge
Coach and Michael Kors bags from Australia. Aamo, Meraki and Maya Handicraft hand-made Nepali jewelry.
Skincare
Mild Cera-V cleanser. Clinique toner, moisturiser, sunscreen. Love my Herveda Kon scrubs and vitamin serums too.
Gadget
Samsung Z flip – Cute and really lovely selfies.
Style Icons
So many inspirations on Pinterest and Instagram but no particular name comes to mind.
Always in your handbag
Medicine pouch, safety pins, lipstick, keys, mobile
What do you do to unwind
Watch culinary shows, eat out, travel and staycation nearby
Favourite holiday destination
Of the places I’ve been to, luxury travel in Nepal is great for holidays – Pokhara, Chitwan, even staycations in Butwal are nice. Overseas, Australia because it is a familiar place, and European countries as there is so much to do, so much to taste, and such varied experiences to be had in nearby countries.
You always struggle with
Staying on track with a wakeup and workout routine
Best thing about being you
I’d like to think that there is a consciousness within me that is always trying and working to be “my higher self”. One that functions based on kindness and courage and that is something, dare I say, I like about myself. And oh also, I can cook pretty well so it is cool to be someone who cooks alright because I do love to eat.
Make up… can’t do without
Lipstick
Favourite makeup brands…
YSL, Estee Lauder, Tarte, Anastasia, Benefit
Three things you absolutely do to look your best
Smile, set my hair, dress up smart-casual
On a bad hair day
Bun it
One tip you learnt that makes you photo ready
Cheer up and show your side
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Read, plan, Netflix, eat
Books or movies
Books…It invigorates my mind more.
Guilty pleasure
Fried food with soda
Favourite place to eat in Kathmandu
Barc, Saigon Pho, Workshop eatery. Patan’s local newa cuisine, Shambala, Decheling, Piano, Vera Pizza
One thing you can’t do without…
Food
What advice would you give to your younger self
Take a chill pill
Celebrity crush
Milind Soman, Patrick Dempsey
A quote you live by…
Eyes on the stars. Feet on the ground. Heart at a happy place
Have you ever been told to change something about yourself
Yes, often my direct way of saying things.
Favourite cuisine
Meat and three veg kind of person – so continental.
Lockdown lesson
Life is short. Live well.