The stories that echo the past, rooted in the traditions, struggles, and choices of previous generations. The ones that shape how we see the world, how we love, how we work, and how we live. But what if those stories no longer serve us? What if it’s time to break the cycle?

Being the first in your family to achieve something significant—whether it’s going to college, starting your own business, finding your voice, or living independently—can feel daunting.

They say you can’t truly love someone else without first loving yourself. Yet, so often, we search for our own sense of self-worth while being in love with someone else. Today, I want to delve into the meaning of AMAR, the essence behind this business. But more than just love (amar), I want to focus on the most important kind of love: self-love.

It’s important to distinguish between anxiety and stress, as they’re not the same thing, though they’re often used interchangeably. In fact, both emotions can serve a purpose and aren’t always negative depending on the impact it has on our day to day functioning. However, understanding the difference can help us better address how we feel.

It all begins with an idea.As first-generation individuals, our values are often strongly influenced by our families. Growing up, we learned behaviors and beliefs by observing those around us. These lessons may have served a purpose at the time, but as we mature, we begin to realize that life isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We start to challenge the rules and expectations we were taught.