Retraced: A Migration Story Shaili Desai & Shyam Patel

Shaili is joined by family law specialist, solicitor advocate, partner at BHP Law, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee member at Resolution Family Law and all round social media baddie, Oluwa Pelumi Amanda Adeola! Amanda discusses her rich Nigerian roots, her experiences when she first moved to East London and how she eventually ended settling in Darlington to become a prominent figure in her field. Amanda talks all things diversity and inclusion, the importance of being bold and confident in interviews and in the work place in general and, most importantly, her pride in her culture and heritage. This was a real fan-girl moment for Shaili and if anyone is in need of a boost of self-confidence, this episode will show you just how to achieve it. In Shaili’s words “I just have this interview on repeat all the time!”…

It’s Shyam’s first podcast! Shyam is joined by the woman with the most infectious smile (if this wasn’t a podcast, I am sure you would agree) …. Jigisha Patel! More endearingly known by our circle of family friends as Jigi aunty. Jigi aunty explains to Shyam what it was like for her growing up in Gujarat in a loving home and the Hindu cultural traditions that she would enjoy with her community. Jigi aunty also tells Shyam about how one seemingly innocent trip to the UK, to help her sister out in her shop for a few months, resulted in her settling in sunny Crawley where she has since built a joyous life for herself.

Shaili is joined by childcare centre manager, chartered accountant and (this is my favourite part) author and self-love advocate, Alysha Badiani. Alysha talks about her journey from Canada to the UK, and back again, and how her sense of identity has evolved over the years. Alysha now identifies herself with four simple words “A BEING OF LOVE”.  Alysha bravely and compassionately talks about her battle with orthorexia and how she has put pen to paper to help others facing similar demons. This is an inspirational one guys! 

Shaili is joined by father-son duo, Ashok and Akhil Gohil. Along with Akhil, Shaili retraces Ashok's migration journey from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam to London and the challenges and cultural shifts faced along the way. The eldest of four children, Ashok explains how he braved it to London by himself as a young man, soon to be followed by his siblings and parents, and the various industries he has worked in since. A tailor by blood with a keen eye for design, Ashok is also a people person with an ability to charm any room. This quality led him to his now long-standing role at Heathrow Airport, ironically the same place he arrived at over 40 years ago as a young man from Dar es Salaam. 

Shaili is joined by one of her best friends, travel entrepreneur and global citizen in our first ever "remigration" story! Born in Kenya and brought up in South London, Shammi now finds herself back in the place where it all started, Mombasa, Kenya. Shammi is the founder and CEO of Travel4Purpose, a travel company which curates trips designed especially for your purpose. Shammi talks about what led her to start up this enterprise, what travel, purpose and culture means to her and why she is back in her hometown. 

For more about Travel4Pupose, please check out their website, https://travel4purpose.com/, or follow their Instagram page @travel4purpose for some very exciting content as Shammi takes behind the scenes of her very exciting life. 

Shaili is joined by a power couple in the realm of South Indian art, culture and heritage, Kalamandalam Vijayakumar and Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar, also known as Vijayakumar and Barbara. Together, they are the co-founders of the Kala Chethena Kathakali Company and one of the first people from Kerala, India to settle in Southampton, UK. This interview dives deep into Kerala's rich theatre scene and the struggles and importance of making Kathakali accessible to future generations around the world. So, what is Kathakali you ask? Hit play to find out!

Photo credits: 

- Chutti (make-up) artist- Kalamandalam Barbara Vijayakumar | Photography- Kalamandalam Vijayakumar

- Kathakali actor- Kalamandalam Vijayakumar | Photography- Mark Bennet