Ask Me Anything - September 18, 2020

September 18, 2020

How are you? How are you staying motivated? What are you looking forward to?

This sums up how I’m feeling right now!

I know I’m a broken record about it, but meditation and movement are keeping me motivated right now. It often doesn’t happen until I’ve finished the first half of remote school with Rho, but getting in a 5 minuet meditation and a quick 30 minute workout sets my head straight to tackle a bunch of work for the next few hours. Headspace’s Focus mode is a game changer while I work (use my link to get 25% off a new subscription), and my friend Soha’s DRYP workouts are quick and effective and the playlists are amazing (get 25% off with code Hitha25).

I am looking forward to Rho starting in-person school, for Deepavali (Diwali), for the 46th President to be inaugurated, and for a rigorously tested COVID vaccine to be approved.

How do you be positive when you have to buy new clothes because you can’t fit in your current ones?

Sending you a giant hug. I recommend buying some pieces that are going to make you feel like YOUR best, even when you may not be feeling your best. BURU housecoats, Rec Room dresses (use code HITHA20 to get $20 off your order), and Nesera caftans are all beautiful and flattering and make me feel great no matter what. And do not sleep on some new activewear! I’ve been loving Fabletics lately.

Best book you’d recommend for couples with communication issues?

Fair Play, by Eve Rodsky. This podcast details how my husband and I adopted it into our marriage.

How did you not be nervous after your miscarriage when pregnant again?

I was super nervous. It wasn’t until I made it past my first trimester that I felt like I could relax a bit. Be really kind to yourself and let yourself feel scared and nervous and all YOUR feelings.

Therapy was also incredibly helpful. I wish therapy was part of regular healthcare, because it’s been a lifesaver during my hardest moments.

How can I be an angel investor or participate in crowdsource funding?

You have to have certain income/cash requirements in order to be an accredited investor and be an angel investor. There are no such requirements for crowdfunding, and iFundWomen is a great platform to support women-founded businesses.

What do you think of Congresswoman AOC?

I think she’s whip smart, compassionate, and has Kennedy & Obama-esque political instincts and talent. While I don’t align with her 100% on policy (but I do on goals - healthcare for all, a habitable planet, dignified wage for everyone), I admire her a lot.

How to date someone who has strong opinions, but isn’t a jerk about them? 

…if that’s the person you’re dating, that sounds okay to me. Just be sure that your partner listens to you as much as they talk.

Any advice for how to set myself up for success when starting a new job remotely?

Establish check-ins with your team (your boss and with your direct reports), with a frequency and a method that works best for you both.

Establishing a work routine at home (changing into non-workout/lounge clothes, having a dedicated space, setting work hours) does wonders for creating boundaries between work time and home time. Even though it takes more time to get started, it does wonders for your productivity.

Underwire free bra recommendations?Did you end up liking any of the comfy bras you purchased?

My favorite bras are:

Favorite memory being at UW?

Speaking at graduation is definitely my most proud moment, but so many of my favorite memories are just the little college ones - hanging with my friends over giant slices of Pagliacci in the HUB, lying in the Quad on a sunny day when the cherry blossoms blooming, study dates at Zoka, student senate meetings, DU frat parties, Thursday nights at The Irish Immigrant, Thaiger Room lunches, office hours with my history professors…

I’m feeling so nostalgic for college now!

Would your family ever move to Seattle? Did you enjoy Seattle?

I’ve learned to say ‘never say never.’ I really loved UW and my family did love our 4 years in Seattle, but we did miss the faster-paced East Coast life.

I would love to spend more time in Seattle, but I don’t see ourselves moving out there right now.

Have you discussed your parents/in-laws’ retirement plans? How to approach this?

Since my father and I work together, we discuss it a lot (especially in the context of our previous company, which continues to earn royalties, and our current one). I haven’t been a part of any conversations my husband might have had with his parents.

What’s the funniest/cutest/silliest things the boys have said lately?

Anytime anyone makes coffee, Rhaki runs over yelling “kakakakakakakaka!” He also calls my father “ayayaya” (Tata is grandfather in Telugu, and Tattaya is the informal version that Rho calls my dad).

Rho often tells me “You look like you’ve had a day, Mommy. Let’s have a snuggle.” Which is true and adorable and his cuddles makes me feel better, always.

Old q, can’t find answer, any recs/tips/resources/books for newly pregnant FTM?

My friend Neha’s website Mother Untitled is the ultimate resource for modern mothers taking a career pause.

Who are your career icons? Who are you style icons?

I have tried to answer the career icon question and my list is just way too long. So many women, so little space.

Style icons - Blake Lively, Nancy Pelosi (so here a coordinating mask and outfit moment), Morgan Hutchinson (founder of BURU), Masaba Gupta (her personal style AND her designs), Sonam Kapoor, Hayet Rida, and Nicolette Mason.

Other baby names you considered (boy, girl, unisex)?

Here are the names I loved but Sri didn’t!

Boys - Akash, Shaan, Karan

Girls - Serena, Hiral

If Biden doesn’t win, do you think the US will be viable as a democracy?

I feel like we’re not a democracy right now.

I do think a Trump win will cement our slide in autocratic rule, with decades of Trumps to follow. And that TERRIFIES me.

Have you read Yaa Gyasi’s book “Transcendent Kingdom?” What do you think of it?

My copy just arrived, and I plan to start it this weekend!

Do you have a pillow for sleeping you’d recommend?

Who did you interiors?

I worked with Brett Helsham on my home! She was an amazing partner in helping create a warm, beautifully eclectic, kid-friendly home.

Who takes all the photos of you? During the day, and with your kids?

Molly Smith comes over once a month to shoot sponsored work and candid pictures with the kids, and I always credit her in every post. Other pictures are taken by my husband or using my Apple Watch as a camera remote.

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