Welcome to the Women Who Shine Brightly Series - a group of amazing women who brighten my life and the world.

#5 - Chitra Manohar

Many of you know that I began blogging 12 years ago after a fateful viewing of Julie & Julia. As I slowly started reaching out beyond the borders of my little spot on the internet, one of the first online friends I made was half a spin around the globe in India. I loved viewing the beautiful temples and other gorgeous locations from her beautiful country. I am so happy to say that we have maintained our friendship after all these years.

Meet Chitra

I am Chitra Manohar from India. India is an incredible place and millions live here in total harmony. Unity in diversity is what I love about my country. I live in the Southern part of India in the State of Tamil Nadu, which is known as a temple city.

Temples are a reflection of our past history and culture. I have visited a lot of ancient temples to date. It is also a spiritual journey for me. Actually my temple visits came as a bonus when I was travelling to various parts of the State for my freelance work as a soft skill trainer to various engineering colleges. It opened a great opportunity to view and record my visits to various temples and monuments which I post in my blog from time to time.

For years, I have followed you through beautiful temples and gatherings, but now you share your gift with jewelry. Please share a little about your story.

I am a post graduate in Science and I acquired professional qualification in Human resource Development.

I have worked with people from different walks of life.

I am very honest, kind and respect my relationships with friends and kin.

How did you come to making jewelry? Have you always had a love for art?

I love whatever I do and once my visits to colleges came down I decided to take up designing jewellery something I could do sitting from the comforts of my home. I would say it was natural and easy for me to take up designing and manufacturing as I come from a family of jewellers. I started just for the sake of fun but I became more focused and serious about my work when I started getting orders and appreciation. I sell my designs online and I use social media for that. l am happy I have a supportive family and they encourage my work.

My customers are my greatest strength and that keeps me motivated.I work patiently with my customers and they love the attention and work I do for them. Mine is a micro level company run by a single person that's me .

What are your long term goals both personally and professionally?

My Goal is just to be happy and satisfied with whatever I do. I have observed that money cannot buy happiness.

I don't nurture high ambitions. I just want to live a healthy and peaceful life and help people in need within my capabilities.

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I met Traci about 11 years ago . She is stepping into her 50th now. Life is moving fast and we have stayed connected through our blogs and social media.I know her as a down to earth person ,and met her wonderful family through her posts and photos. I love her beautiful smile which I am sure would certainly cheer any person who comes in contact with her. She has always been kind with her encouraging words . I love her attitude. I want the best for her and her family. May God bless her with health, wealth, long life and prosperity.

I love watching you continue to shine bright with purpose. It's exactly what I want as I move past my 50th birthday.

You can visit my sweet friend, Chitra, here and here and her beautiful jewelry can be found here