Karishma Raj, a 28-year-old native of Malaysia, had a difficult beginning due to scoliosis, a condition that made even routine activities a struggle. However, Karishma refused to be hindered by her condition. Driven by her love for baking, she pursued her dream of becoming a pastry chef, determined to overcome every challenge along the way.
Overcoming Scoliosis and Triumphing
At the age of 14, Karishma’s life took a dramatic shift when she was diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine.
“My mother initially found it hard to believe,” Karishma remembered. “She thought I was merely complaining about back pain until the doctors confirmed the diagnosis.”
Karishma confronted her condition with courage, undergoing a significant surgery while still in high school. The journey to recovery was both lengthy and challenging, but her unwavering resilience stood out. Refusing to let her condition dictate her life, Karishma persevered, determined to rise above the obstacles she faced.
From TV Inspiration to Culinary Passion
As a child, Karishma was captivated by baking shows on television, which sparked her interest in the art of baking. Inspired by what she saw, she began experimenting in the kitchen, creating cakes for her family and nurturing a passion that would eventually shape her future.
“When it came time to choose my career path, I decided to pursue the food and beverage industry, as it perfectly combined my passion for both art and baking,” she explained.
“Becoming a baker seemed like the perfect way to combine my love for both baking and art,” Karishma shared during the interview. Choosing this career path proved to be the ideal decision, as it enabled her to merge her two passions seamlessly.
Karishma’s Journey Through Industry Bias
After finishing her studies and graduating, Karishma gained experience as a baker at various establishments before relocating to Singapore. As she immersed herself further into the baking industry, she gained valuable insights into the intricacies of the profession. However, she couldn’t help but feel a subtle pressure in her workplace.
Image source: Weird Kaya“It’s not outright bullying, but there’s definitely a sense of being underestimated just because we’re women,” she noted, pointing out the physical demands of the job, especially the strength required to manage heavy lifting.
Though Karishma is petite, she often faced judgment from her colleagues due to her gender and appearance. Nevertheless, she chose to disregard these assumptions, refusing to let them undermine her confidence or her passion for baking.
New Opportunities and Challenges
While browsing her college’s alumni page one day, Karishma came across an exciting opportunity—there was a demand for bakers in Singapore. Without hesitation, she applied immediately, sensing that this could be the big break she had been waiting for.
Image source: Weird KayaThings progressed quickly from there. She excelled in the interviews and received a job offer. Without delay, Karishma resigned from her position in Malaysia and booked a flight to Singapore—all within a single month. In Singapore, she not only baked pastries but also took on the role of an instructor, teaching baking classes for both children and adults.
Karishma’s Resilience Amidst the Pandemic
Life in Singapore presented its own set of challenges, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic hit shortly after Karishma’s arrival. With border closures and travel restrictions in place, she found herself isolated in a foreign country, separated from her loved ones in Malaysia. Despite the difficulties, she found comfort in the support of her ex-boyfriend and his family, who offered her kindness and assistance during those uncertain times.
Image source: Weird KayaFrom Exhausting Commutes to a Balanced Life in Singapore
Reflecting on her experience, Karishma highlighted the stark contrast in work-life balance between Malaysia and Singapore. In Malaysia, she faced long hours and relentless work demands, leaving her little time for herself amidst the constant pressures of her job.
However, the situation in Singapore was quite different.
Image source: Weird Kaya“In Singapore, I enjoyed a much better work-life balance than I did in Malaysia,” Karishma explained. “While in Malaysia I was accustomed to long hours with little rest, in Singapore, the experience was the complete opposite.”
In Malaysia, Karishma faced a grueling daily commute of four hours from her home to the bakery where she worked. This long and exhausting journey drained her time and energy. However, upon moving to Singapore, her circumstances changed significantly. Her new residence was just a short walk from her workplace, which greatly improved her work-life balance. This newfound convenience allowed her to enjoy leisure activities and spend quality time with friends—luxuries that had been rare during her time in Malaysia.
Chose to return home
After achieving success in Singapore, Karishma felt a deep longing for the comfort of home. Even though she had thrived abroad for three years, she made a courageous decision to return to Malaysia and take care of her mother. Leaving her job and the comforts of Singapore was a tough decision, but for Karishma, family always took priority.
Image source: Weird KayaKarishma’s Fulfillment Beyond Financial Gains
Reflecting on nearly three years of her journey, Karishma has no regrets. She is now working as a chef de partie at a bakery in Petaling Jaya. While her earnings may not match what she made in Singapore, she finds genuine happiness and satisfaction in her work, crafting pastries and cakes that bring joy to others.
Image source: Weird Kaya“I have no complaints about my work hours or salary because I genuinely love what I do,” Karishma stated.
For her, success isn’t solely measured by financial gain—it’s about nurturing her passion and exploring new aspects of the pastry world. Equally important is her dedication to being present for her loved ones when they need her most.
Image source: Weird KayaKarishma’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything can be achieved. Despite the numerous challenges she encountered, she remained steadfast in pursuing her dreams. Today, she stands as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with dedication and a positive mindset, obstacles can be surmounted and aspirations realized, regardless of the path life may lead.
Source: Weird Kaya
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