Shireena was interviewed by Style Nomads and here’s what she had to say about finding acceptance, well being and positive psychology in Singapore.
We spoke to Shireena Shroff Manchharam, the Founder of Getting to Happy and Sheens Image Consulting, and certified Life & Happiness Coach, who radiates positivity. Not surprisingly her polished looks have seen her grace the pages of international magazines in Singapore, but what is most inspiring about Shireena is her kind nature, support of young people and focus on helping women looking to improve their lives.
Where did you study? What did you study?
I did my schooling in Japan and India, university in Canada and Spain and graduated with a degree in International Business. I am a certified Image Consultant, certified Life Coach as well as being certified in the Science of Well Being, and Positive Psychology Coaching & Mentoring.
Where is your name from? [we are being incredibly nosy, but there is something in a name. All 3 of them please :-)]
I love this question! I am an Indian citizen, but I am a pure Zoroastrian (originally from Iran) and my name means joyful and happy in Farsi. Only when you asked me this question does it make so much sense that I followed a path to being a life and happiness coach! Shroff is my maiden name which referred to the trade of my ancestors – meaning “money lender”. Manchharam is my husband’s last name.
What brought you to Singapore?
My husband is from Singapore so after living around the world, I decided to settle down with him here in Singapore.
What’s been your story of Singapore? [could be challenges you face, what you learnt here, who impacted you, how you’ve changed and grown. Here’s a chance to tell your story since you moved to Singapore if you are not from here]
Singapore was a place I visited a lot as a child, (my extended family lives here) so I was comfortable and familiar when I moved. I think after living in Japan, India, Canada, Spain, Hong Kong and also having an identity crisis growing up as an Indian kid in Japan, it was always hard to pinpoint a place and call it home. Singapore has really been one place where I feel comfortable in my own skin. I think so often in a place, the history of the people and community can make it hard for foreigners or expats to assimilate. But in Singapore, because so many people are from around the world, the culture is accepting and warm. I treasure that greatly.
Tell us about your career path – before Getting to Happy, you founded House of Sheens and Sheens Image Consultancy, tell us more about those two businesses? [How did these come about? What did you learn along the way? What did you do before?]
I started my career in recruitment and quit when I realized that so many people were fabulous on paper, but lacked the interpersonal and other communication skills when it came to the interview. I wanted to help people connect how fabulous they were on paper, with the person in front of me.
I trained first as an image consultant and then became certified as a life coach. I started Sheens Image Consulting in 2008. My clients include financial institutions like OCBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, BNP Paribas and a host of others. I also work with University MBA programs such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong, SP Jain, National University of Hong Kong, etc.
After a few years working as a coach and trainer, I felt a need to do something creative. I always had a dream to own my own label, so on the side, I started designing (without formal training) simple purses and clutches using beautiful and ethically sourced snake skin. Eventually I opened a small showroom in Amoy Street which I was so proud of. Having a place everyday to go into was a blessing and meeting clients there, and working with my staff and student interns, created this happy creative little hub.
House of Sheens was born out of a need to create and spread a wider message. House of Sheens over the years held many events and was one of the first brands in Singapore to integrate not only shopping events – but create synergy with inspiring women in Singapore to share their stories. The themes behind these events such as ‘fearlessness’ inspired collections with metallic spiders attached to the bags. The brand also partnered with educational institutions such as MDIS and Raffles College of Higher Education, to give opportunities to students to design their own creations, which was also very meaningful.
Last December I decided after 7 years that I was going to close down the business to focus on coaching and that was one of the hardest decisions I ever made. The stigma I placed on shutting it down was one that heavily rested on my heart and head. But in the end, the effort that it required outweighed the benefit and joy; once I made the decision to close down, I couldn’t have been happier. It gave me the mental space to focus on my consulting work which is now charging ahead with great speed at a time when people truly need coaching on how to live more mindfully and happily.
Tell us about what makes you happy? [sport, painting, travel, self-care, what really sets your soul on fire]
Truly what makes me happy are the smallest day to day moments. Kindness from people around me, happy moments with my kids and being grateful that I have them and can spend quality time each day with them. Reading at night before sleeping (so simple but the best time of the day!), working out also makes me happy – good food also fills my soul. I think days that are full, busy with goals I am trying to achieve, acknowledgement of my physical and mental well being make me happy enough.
What’s your hope for the future? [be honest, it doesn’t have to be world peace or anything].
My hope is that people become kinder to themselves and those around them. It sounds silly or euphoric but its my honest belief that we act unkindly to others because we are unhappy ourselves. We need to know as we age every day what is stopping us, find a way over it, and move on. When that happens we start to love ourselves and only then do we behave, think and act with kindness towards others. People still intentionally hurt, compare their lives to others, strive for all the wrong things, and my greatest worry are for kids who are so unhappy. My hope is that they learn they are good enough, love themselves, accept who they are, and then act in the same manner outwardly to others.
What’s your advice to women who want a life change but are not sure where to start?
I think for women who want to change – they need to look inwardly and honestly ask themselves what is stopping you. Only you know what obstacles exist between you and what you want, or your goal. Start by asking those questions. Then shift your mindset that everyday is a chance or opportunity to make a change. Everyday is new and special and that the “right time” might not come, so make the right time, “now”. Make lists, plan your days, and move goals into your planner as part of your to do list and you will see how you can check off what you do, and have the motivation to keep achieving the things you want.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
There is no right time, make the right time “now”.
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