Page 64 - Masala Weddings in Thailand 2018

MARRIA GE MA TTERS

VANITA THAKRAL
Married for two years, lives in Bangkok

“Firstly, it is important to establish that every individual and
situation is different. For me, getting married meant getting
acquainted with new responsibilities. Managing finances as a

couple was the major change for me and I initially found this
quite challenging.”

Tips and Tricks:
• Do not underestimate the power of having your own income.
It gives you the power to make your own decisions and gives
you a sense of control over your own life. Coming from what
I believe is still mainly a patriarchal society, this may be a
bigger change in the mindset of some couples.

Career

A working woman has become the norm, and she usually takes her
professional ambitions, desires and drive with her into her new chapter. This
drive pervades international lines and applies even when women relocate to
be with their spouse.

RIMI SACHDEVA CHHATPAR
Married for two years, moved to Hong Kong after marriage

“Moving to Hong Kong was a big change for me career-wise. In the
beginning, I felt lost, as I had to start from scratch. As a makeup artist in
Thailand, my work and focus were purely on weddings. Starting anew
in a foreign place was very overwhelming. In the makeup industry, it is
extremely vital to have loyal clients and contacts to gain a foothold in
a new place and I decided to let my work do the talking. I slowly and
steadily expanded my horizons to fashion photo shoots, galas and balls,
realising that there was much demand for makeup artists in Hong Kong
beyond the wedding space. Weddings and bridal events are still and will

always be my forte, but I am finding the new opportunities that Hong
Kong has to offer just as challenging and exciting.”

Tips and Tricks:
• Do not give up. Initially, I started working voluntarily and did not charge
for my services with the aim of meeting people and collecting
material. All I could do was be patient, and gradually word of my work
spread and I started getting recognised.
• Be your biggest cheerleader. I motivated myself constantly, and my
new family was just as supportive. They pushed me to work harder. I
moved out of my comfort zone and began reaching out to the Indian
diaspora for smaller events like photo shoots and portfolios. Today, I
work with artists and celebrities.

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