We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikita Gupta, MBA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikita, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?

For me, it is providing my children with a nurturing environment that promotes their emotional well-being, intellectual growth, and sense of security. It is crucial to me that they have the tools to feel seen, to be successful, and well-rounded. open-minded, cultured, and empathetic people. Hence not only did I launch my blog, Growing Up Gupta, and author books, but I also created the multicultural family brand, I Love Masala Me for children that come from South Asian/Indian and X families like my own. Providing my children with books and products for children like them means that they can envision limitless possibilities for their futures. They can aspire to be the V.P. of the United States, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, poets, and engineers, etc. Moreover, they can see and hear from/ read about other multicultural families akin to their own and know that they are not anomalies, but they are a profound representation of love and mixed identity that is to be treasured.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Nikita Gupta, MBA and I am the creator of the globally renowned multicultural lifestyle blog, Growing Up Gupta. Growing Up Gupta is a blog dedicated to discussing interracial/intercultural/cross-cultural relationships, multicultural parenting, culture, food recipes, book reviews, and more. I am also the co-creator of the first America Black History box with Inkidzco, the CFO of multicultural kid blogs, and the creator of the multicultural lifestyle brand, I Love Masala Me. What sets me apart from others is that my blog, books, and products cater to the South Asian/Indian and X-multicultural communities.

Today, I am excited about the prospect of authoring more books and finishing up my relationship coaching certification (which I started last year).

Getting to where I am today was not easy. It took many hours of researching how to start a blog, transforming my thoughts into blog articles, figuring out media, joining blogging groups, ascertaining Google Analytics, figuring out all the social media platforms, Zazzle, and more.

What I have learned is that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. You have to be passionate about your craft, seek out help from others (when and if needed), and don’t give up on yourself (there were many occasions when I first started writing that I panicked about punctuation and who was going to read this) don’t let that stop you. Keep going. Your readers/community will find you and they will be excited to grow with you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I reside in NC so if my best friend were visiting from out of town for the week, I would take them to Asheville and the Wrightsville Beach, NC. Asheville is a picturesque mountain city, with vibrant arts, outdoor recreational activities, and an incredible food scene. Therefore, we would have to stay at Serenity (which offers uniquely themed treehouses), and then head to Biltmore estate for a one-of-a-kind home tour, biking, ice cream, wine., and souvenirs. Hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway and visit the River Arts District and N.C. Arboretum. Dine at: Chai Pani, Curate, Nine Mile, The Twisted Laurel, The Blackbird Restaurant, and Rhubarb. Then head to Wrightsville Beach for a couple of days which is a coastal city. It is known for its pristine sandy shores, and clear waters, and it is a fun beach town. My friend and I would head to the beach. We would relax and take in the sun, sand, and tranquil waters. Preferably staying at a cool Airbnb, or the Holiday Inn Resort which is a great oceanfront resort with a beachfront pool, and easy access to everything. Do some paddleboarding or kayaking. Explore the loop and eat at some amazing restaurants (e.g., Oceanic and Bluewater Waterfront Grill for fresh seafood, and waterfront views), etc.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve a shoutout in recognition of my story. First and foremost, my husband and children are my muses and a constant source of inspiration for what should exist in the world. Next, I have to thank my Blindian Facebook communities, Multicultural Kid Blogs family, Times of India, Huffington Post, and Brown Girl Magazine for giving my blog, greater visibility when I first started writing. Specifically, Neena Abraham from Brown Girl Magazine, who believed so much in Growing Up Gupta that she not only came up with blog ideas with me but also wrote a few. In addition, to all of you who cheered me on over the years and have selflessly shared your stories to help others (you know who you are) and continue to share Growing Up Gupta across all social media platforms. Thank, thank, thank you!

Website: www.growingupgupta.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/growingupguptas

Twitter: Twitter.com/growingupgupta

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growingupguptablog/

Other: Pinterest: Pinterest.com/growingupguptas

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.