The Woman Breaking the Stigma and Providing a Range of Solutions to Combat Mental Health

Mrs. Abhnash K Bains

Mrs. Abhnash K Bains is an epitome of success and galore. Her persona and aura is an inspiration to many. Skilled in holistic therapies she is a renowned Reiki Master, Hypnotherapist and Counsellor. She is the CEO of Ishkama Ltd, Ishkama Global CIC, KIA Beauty Salon Ltd and BHI Homes Ltd. She is also the Co-founder of AmChange magazine and Founder of Ishkama Global Change Magazine. Her e-magazines provide a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, explore and strengthen their goals.

What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.

I have been a single parent since the age of 26 when I lost my husband in an accident. I raised 2 daughters who are now independent and successful career women. From fighting my father’s cancer to losing my mother to a heart failure, I have battled it all. I have fought depression myself and support various organisations that help people fight theirs. Place2Be is my chosen charity, but that is not all. I also work for charities that fight cancer and participate in all kinds of local fundraisers.

Tell us something about your initiative/business. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?

My dedication to voice for mental health is eternal, and my organization Ishkama Ltd was started with the motive of breaking the stigma and providing a range of solutions to combat the same. I personally run my workshops to coach vulnerable people locally and from overseas so they look at the roots of their problems and give advice on appropriate coping skills. As the District Governor of Lions 105 A, I fundraised for Place2be which works for mental health of children. I believe that children are our future and there should be inclusion for all conditions.

Experienced in working for DWP where I was involved in highlighting problems faced by BAME group, Single Mothers, etc and worked to provide equal opportunities and is still committed to the cause. I established a group, Hounslow Ethnic Language and Literacy Office (HELLO) to assist and advise people to find employment and to achieve this I had to ensure that there was awareness in the local Hounslow community and surrounding areas.

Recognized and lauded for her work across the UK and Internationally, I have received many accolades for my exalted vision of empowerment. Last year 2022, I have already received awards from Inspiring Indian women for being a spirited fighter and am a Finalist for National Diversity Awards for being a Lifetime achiever.

While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?

In the field of contributing towards humanitarian causes, I’d like to mention that I’ve been exceptional. In a very short span of time I have proved that I’m capable of reaching huge targets. As compared to my peers who joined the organisation at the same time, I quickly gained momentum and served several high offices. My work is my signature and not many people are as committed towards community projects as I am.

I do not limit myself to a single project but try to involve myself in as many causes as possible. I was presented with the Melvin Jones award due to my work towards the Healthy life skills project.

I worked to help people all around during the pandemic and I’d like to say that “As a Lion I am proud to be a part of the historic US$300 million effort for benefitting those who desperately need it.

I know that Lions worldwide like me are working towards creating awareness and raising funds for Diabetes, Cancer, Hunger projects and Environment.

My story this year is not to gain publicity but become an inspiration to those who think they can’t. I want to tell them they can because I could!

By our little efforts we can be an example for everyone to follow.

It could be towards having a better and cleaner environment or helping food banks and collaborating with organizations that help towards fighting hunger and food scarcity”

What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?

I share a platform with other eminent personalities as one of the 50 high flyers. I have always made our Lions very proud with my achievements and contributions towards the community.

Even during the pandemic I made sure that I gave my best to the situation, by helping the homeless and needy through the Hungry project and food banks. I have also shown respect and appreciation towards all frontliners and contributed through my business in several ways.

I have been featured in several talk shows and media, spreading awareness about women’s health and women empowerment.

I have been shortlisted for the UK’ Largest Diversity Awards, 2022.

An astonishing 72,000 people were nominated this year and only 126 nominees were recognised for their various achievements nationwide.

Amongst those being honored were charities, campaigners and activists, all of whom work tirelessly to combat injustice and discrimination in many different ways. I was shortlisted for the Lifetime Achiever Award for my relentless contribution towards the community and consistent support towards various charities.

How has your life changed because of your initiative/venture?

I am a firm believer and have always advocated team work. I feel that we all can succeed together. Competition should be with oneself not others. Every attempt should yield a better you. When we all come together as professionals helping each other with our jobs and businesses, we are helping ourselves as well. Networking always builds relationships and makes a pack of individuals with common goals and the heart to help.

I actually don’t look at work and life as different aspects or different parts in me. We should not separate work from living because work in itself is life. We work to keep ourselves alive. It is also important to enjoy work like other things because the moment we stop enjoying our work, it becomes a burden. I have always encouraged the younger generation to choose wisely be it career or hobbies. It should not be a temporary fling. It should be something that drives one to carry on and enjoy each time. Maybe that is why I always ask people to combine charity with work. There is absolutely no pleasure like the pleasure of giving. One can be content only when he or she shares.

Lastly, as I always say- A busy man finds time for everything.

Do you have anyone who is the biggest support system in your life? Please let us know.

My parents, extended family members and friends who believed in me and who supported me at the times not when I had excelled but also when I had failed. I would also like to thank every person who has been a mentor, a guide and an inspiration.

They are the pillars of my success as they recognized both my abilities as well as efforts.

The most important thing I have achieved in this process is the fact that I am a positive influence over many. The milestones I have set shall inspire the coming generations to take things further.

The organizers have created a platform which recognizes the efforts and achievements in this selfish world where people are busy in following their dreams and succeeding alone.

Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity? OR Share a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.

Passion for me would mean something that includes satisfaction as well as happiness. I have always been a very ambitious person striving for excellence. It could be anything I do. I believe that it should benefit the society because values are what we add into a product of our work. When my work yields fruit to the whole community I feel I have achieved my targets and my passion for the task doubles.

My biggest critic is none other than me. I never make excuses for failure. If I am unable to achieve something I work harder till I have perfected it. Gaining perfection is my biggest challenge as well as my strength. I believe that is how most of my friends and colleagues know and define me. I always work till I have overcome all obstacles and gained success.