Breaking Boundaries: Rashmi Choudhary’s Journey from Engineer to Empowering Photographer

Rashmi Choudhary’s journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and passion—a testament to the courage it takes to pursue one’s dreams, regardless of the obstacles. Starting her career in engineering, Rashmi initially followed a conventional path. Raised in a traditional household that valued stability, she pursued engineering with determination. Yet, a pull toward creativity and visual storytelling lingered, eventually leading her to transition into photography. Leaving a secure profession wasn’t easy, but Rashmi embraced the challenge, driven by a love for the artistry of capturing unique stories through her lens.

From Engineering to Photography—An Unconventional Path

Rashmi’s journey into photography was paved with hurdles, yet her dedication pushed her forward. Despite societal expectations and family pressures, she found immense satisfaction in each portrait, event, and moment she captured. Photography offered her the creative freedom she yearned for, allowing her to showcase people’s stories in ways that resonated deeply with her.

Balancing Family and Career

Now a mother of two, Rashmi balances family commitments with her professional aspirations. With her older child preparing for college, she navigates the demands of high school milestones and college admissions while pursuing her career goals. Rashmi credits her ability to prioritise, manage time effectively, and embrace the support of her loved ones for helping her maintain harmony between her personal and professional life.

Facing Setbacks and the Power of Mentorship

Throughout her journey, Rashmi has encountered setbacks, each of which has contributed to her resilience. She emphasises the crucial role mentors have played in her life. Their encouragement and insights have inspired her to push through moments of self-doubt, ultimately helping her to achieve her goals. Rashmi believes having mentors who genuinely believe in you can be transformative, especially when challenges arise.

Also Read: How Damini Grover Discovered Her True Self and Began Empowering Others

Advice for Young Women Pursuing Unconventional Paths

Rashmi’s advice for young women aspiring to break societal norms is simple: be persistent and courageous. She encourages them not to be discouraged by stereotypes or external pressures but instead to believe in themselves and their abilities. Rashmi emphasises that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, each bringing valuable lessons and growth opportunities.

Advocating for Women’s Representation in Society

For Rashmi, achieving greater women’s representation requires both a shift in societal mindsets and supportive infrastructure. She points out how career choices for women were once largely restricted to fields like education but are now expanding despite lingering biases. Rashmi encourages women to continue advocating for change and believes platforms like The AboutHer Show are crucial in amplifying these stories and inspiring others to pursue their own paths.

Normalising Mental Health Conversations

Mental health is a topic close to Rashmi’s heart, and she is particularly concerned with how it impacts women. Reflecting on her own experiences, she stresses that seeking professional help should carry no shame. She points out that while women are generally more open to discussing their mental health, societal judgments often discourage individuals from accessing necessary resources. By sharing her personal journey, Rashmi hopes to contribute to breaking the stigma and encourage others to prioritise their mental well-being.

Embracing “Midlife Rebooting”

Rashmi embraces the concept of “midlife rebooting,” a period where individuals in their 40s and 50s pursue passions outside of their primary careers. This shift, she says, is liberating and allows people to reconnect with interests they may have set aside earlier in life. Rashmi shares stories of friends who manage to balance successful careers with artistic passions like performing arts and music, proving that midlife can be an incredibly creative and fulfilling stage. For her, this shift offers a chance to become a more complete person, bringing newfound joy and energy into all areas of life.

Looking Ahead—A Vision for Social Impact

As Rashmi looks to the future, her ambitions are clear. She envisions creating impactful projects that resonate beyond the camera lens, from coffee table books to exhibitions with a social focus. Whether capturing glamour portraits that empower individuals or working on social sector projects that advocate for change, Rashmi’s goal is to build a meaningful career that combines her artistic vision with her desire to make a difference. She even dreams of expanding her work onto international stages, covering major media events. For Rashmi, the journey is ongoing, and her aspirations continue to grow.

Also Read: Real-life Stories of Career Transitions: Women Who Reinvented Themselves- Part 2

Rapid Fire Round:

1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
   Compassion.
2. What’s your favourite type of music?
   Bollywood.
3. What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you during a photoshoot?
   Falling off tables and chairs—I love climbing on them during shoots!
4. How do you relax after a long day?
   Getting a head massage with light, soothing music and a nice aroma.
5. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?
   I’d ensure justice is served swiftly, especially where it’s long overdue.

Rashmi’s story is one of reinvention and resilience. From her engineering background to her advocacy for mental health and her enthusiasm for midlife reinvention, Rashmi’s journey reminds us all to embrace change, pursue our passions, and live a life filled with purpose and fulfilment.