'I didn't know I could be so determined about something'

Aparna Om Bajpai, winner of Mrs India Globe 2018 and founder of female empowerment platform Being She, on why it's never too late to try something new

Describe your work.
I have been a homemaker for a few years now, but I always knew I had something in me that needed to be fulfilled. When I noticed the business of pageants around the world, I started to feel excited because I saw potential to bring talent and fashion competitions to this region as well. It's been a journey of self-discovery. I didn't know I could be so determined about something, and I feel like I'm finally fulfilling my potential.
The biggest learning point or experience in your life.
Participating in Mrs India Globe last year. I entered just to get a look at the inside workings of such a competition. That was a new experience because there was a lot of discipline required. But flying to India, going through the whole process and, eventually, winning has taught me so much.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I took the experience of winning the pageant last year and launched empowerment platform Being She, which is aimed at more mature women, say 30 and above, who think that it's too late to try something new. I was 35 when I first thought about entering Mrs India and had never done anything like that before. So many women I spoke to at the time were amazed. That's what gave me the idea to create Being She.
Every month, we plan a workshop with a different theme and expert. The first one was this month and it involved a professional coach to give guests the tools they needed to improve their confidence. Through these workshops, I am meeting experts from so many fields and, to answer the question, that is my favourite part of the job. I feel like I'm constantly learning!
What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
Never say never! When I was younger, I had many ideas about what I could or should be doing but, somehow, life happens and you get busy with other lovely stuff like getting married, having children and making a home for the family. At that time, I really didn't think I would be able to start something new and be successful at it. So now, I'd like to tell my younger self to 'never say never'.
The number one item on your wish list.
I need an excellent phone with a great camera (or a professional camera which I can record my vlog on). I get so many questions on social media from followers that I have started making short videos on Instagram. I'm in the process of launching my YouTube channel soon, so I definitely need the right equipment.
If you could move to any place in the world, what place would that be?
I am in the most magical place already. Dubai is a land of opportunity. I really wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Favourite fictional character of all time - and why.
That would be Matilda from the Roald Dahl book of the same name. I have a young daughter, so we are surrounded by fictional characters but, somehow, Matilda stands out as she discovered her powers even though there was little encouragement from those around her.
The best thing you've ever bought yourself and why?
Honestly, it would be the piano I bought for my daughter. She's learned to play and performs for my husband and I every day. It makes me so happy to hear how good she has become and to have live music in the house every day really is icing on
the cupcake.
A superpower that you wish you had?
The power to stay young and healthy forever! After all, it's why women invest so much in magic creams and treatments, right?

If you were head of your own country, what is the first thing you'd do?
Make sure there isn't a single hungry person in the whole country. If I was head of a country, there are so many things I would want to accomplish like education for all and better tourism, but first I have to make sure that every person is fed. How one goes about doing that, I have no idea, but, I guess, if I'm head of a country, I'll probably have the right people around me for advice.
- Staff Reporter