How Did Sakshi Sindwani Break Free From Society-Approved Boxes?

In the recent episode of The Rulebreaker Show, Shaili Chopra, the founder of SheThePeople, and Gytree had a candid conversation with Sindwani content creator Sakshi Sindwani. Sindwani discussed her approach to authenticity in a world that is both judgemental and challenging and opened up about rejecting societal pressures to be perfect, both in fashion and conversation. She emphasised the importance of self-acceptance, genuine connections, and finding support from loved ones beyond the confines of social media.

Rebellion Against Stereotypes

In an exclusive interview, Sindwani sheds light on her rebellious nature and her unconventional approach to both fashion and conversation. She proudly declares herself a rule-breaker in the fashion industry, emphasising her long-standing defiance against stereotypes and societal norms. From her childhood to adulthood, she has embraced her notorious reputation, refusing to conform to any predefined boxes. She challenges conventional notions of femininity and masculinity, embodying a unique blend of boldness, kindness, and love. She said, "I hated the stereotype; I hated being put in a box because I don't fit into any kind of box." I'm too loud for a girl. I'm too out there. I'm too opinionated. I'm too. I'm too controversial for a lot of people. But I'm also super kind. I'm also super loving."

When asked about her controversial nature, Sindwani attributes it to her commitment to truth-telling. Unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths, Sindwani believes in having genuine, heart-to-heart conversations with everyone she encounters. Her approach to social gatherings is refreshingly candid, as she encourages people to peel back their outer layers and reveal their authentic selves. By addressing insecurities and vulnerabilities head-on, Sindwani creates a space for meaningful connections and transformative dialogue.

Sindwani then opened up about her views on perfection, insecurities, and the importance of authenticity in a world dominated by curated images and flawless personas.

Rejecting the cult of perfection, she shared how she challenges the prevailing culture of perfection, expressing her frustration with people's relentless pursuit of flawlessness. She said, “I think people just try to be too perfect. The idea of perfection is just so strong in people's heads,” observing that many individuals strive to present an idealised version of their lives, concealing their struggles with anxiety, stress, and insecurity. The creator advocates embracing imperfection and authenticity, rejecting the pressure to conform to societal expectations of perfection.

In a bold departure from traditional wedding aesthetics, Sindwani challenged conventional notions of bridal beauty by rejecting Photoshop and cosmetic enhancements. She proudly shared, "For all of my wedding pitches, I specifically asked cinematographers and photographers not to colour, like skin correct my face, or Photoshop my face in any capacity. I wanted people to see that you know, my face with acne with bombs and texture, even as a bride, like I don't have to be the most perfect bride." The creator also encouraged others to reject the pressures of perfection and embrace their true selves.

Navigating Social Media Fame

Sindwani also shared her experience navigating the highs and lows of social media fame, revealing the vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface of her online persona. "I'm not gonna lie, it does feel like that sometimes when, you know, you see that the followers are not increasing at the level that it was, or the likes are not up, or certain posts don't perform, it does hit you a little harder than it should," she admits, highlighting the pressures of validation in the digital age.

Despite the challenges, Sindwani finds solace in her support system, emphasising the importance of genuine connections beyond the realm of social media. "I know for a fact that it's going to happen very soon for me because so many people are engaged during the wedding process. And when I go back to my regular functioning, they might not be as interested as they were during the wedding. That would hit me; I know, I'm aware of the fact," she acknowledged. However, she draws strength from her loved ones, who serve as pillars of support in times of doubt and uncertainty.

Acknowledging the significance of her husband and family, Sindwani reveals, "I have a lot of friends, real friends outside of social media, who don't care about who succeeds when money is on the platform. These are the people who constantly support me—my husband now, my parents—they have been the biggest backbone of my entire life." Her husband, in particular, embodies the essence of authenticity and unwavering support. "He's a man with no ego. It's surprising to me that we've evolved and changed so much, but that one core thing that remains the same is what we feel for each other," she shared, emphasising the enduring bond of friendship and love that sustains their relationship.

Redefining Conversations and Empowering Generations

Sindwani also opened up about her journey of challenging societal norms and reshaping conversations around self-image and empowerment. "I hate it in every possible way," she said, reflecting on the prevalent obsession with perfection, particularly within Punjabi families, where discussions often revolve around weight and appearance. Despite the ingrained pressures, She takes a bold stance, choosing to walk away from toxic conversations and prioritise her well-being. "I don't have to be in a terrible situation and listen to people's thoughts and intake their energy just because I'm related to you," she asserts, advocating for self-respect and boundaries.

Delving deeper into the root causes of women's fixation on perfection, she highlighted the pervasive influence of societal expectations and beauty standards. "It's honestly so many things. It's to do with how we've been brought up, patriarchy, and beauty standards," she explained, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges women face in navigating their identities and self-worth. She challenges the notion that women must conform to narrow standards of beauty to feel validated, emphasising the need for self-acceptance and empowerment.

Sindwani also defied traditional gender roles and pursued her passion for business. "I'm a rule-breaker," she proudly declares, recounting her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through her perseverance, Sakshi not only gained financial independence but also earned the respect and recognition of her family, particularly her father, who once doubted her abilities. "He really saw that everything that I stand for and everything that I believe in, I could actually monetize," she reflects, highlighting the transformative power of self-belief and hard work.

Looking ahead, Sakshi aims to inspire future generations, including her own mother, to embrace their potential and break free from societal constraints. "She feels empowered through me," she shared, expressing joy in witnessing her mother's newfound confidence and independence. As she continues to challenge norms and redefine success on her own terms, Sakshi's journey serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for women everywhere.

Prioritising Women's Health and Embracing Self-Discovery

Sindwani delved into the multifaceted challenges surrounding women's health, shedding light on the prevalent societal norms that often place women's well-being as a secondary priority. "We come last when it comes to taking care of our health," she said, highlighting the ingrained sense of responsibility to prioritise others over oneself. With introspection, she emphasises the need for a paradigm shift, urging women to allocate dedicated time for self-care without guilt or hesitation.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Sindwani recalled the pivotal role her family played in demystifying menstruation and fostering an open dialogue around women's health. "Period conversation was something that we openly had in our family," she reminisced, underscoring the importance of familial support in navigating significant life transitions with confidence and understanding.

Amidst discussions surrounding ageing and menopause, Sindwani embraces the journey of growing older with optimism and resilience. "I love ageing," she declared, challenging societal misconceptions and advocating for a more positive portrayal of ageing in the media. With unwavering self-assurance, she embraces each life stage, acknowledging the growth and stability it brings.

Transitioning to a candid exploration of mental health, she revealed her personal struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. "Mental health for me has been generational," she disclosed, highlighting the importance of discussions around mental well-being. Despite facing moments of vulnerability, she finds strength in her ability to navigate challenges independently while remaining open to seeking support when needed.

In response to inquiries about solitude and loneliness, Sindwani distinguishes between the two, expressing a deep appreciation for solitude while affirming her aversion to loneliness. "I love my company," she affirmed, embodying a sense of self-assurance and contentment in her presence.

Through her candid reflections and unwavering optimism, Sindwani emerges as a beacon of resilience, advocating for the prioritisation of women's health and the embracement of self-discovery at every stage of life.