With Chai in Hand, We Begin Again

As we slowly peel off the layers of winter, I’ve been thinking about how much of Q1 was spent in stillness. Wrapped in warmth. Journaling in coffee shops. Sitting with the quiet. Letting the cold outside make space for reflection inside.

The header collage you see above is a visual love letter to that feeling—made from images I found on Pinterest that remind me of home: sandalwood, chai, and quiet mornings. None of the photos are mine—just pieces of visual poetry that reflect the warmth and beauty of our culture.

Now, as we step into a new season, I wanted to pause and reintroduce myself—especially if you’re new here.

I’m Celina, the founder of Rani and Bloom—what some of you may remember as BrownGirlsFinesse.

I created this space to uplift ambitious South Asian and immigrant women—to feel seen, supported, and heard in a world that so often expects us to be everything, everywhere, all at once.

And over the last few months, so much has changed.
✨ I moved to New York City—a dream I’ve held since I first visited at age 12.
✨ I started my dream job, built a new routine, and have been slowly settling into this next chapter of life.
✨ And I’ve been asking myself: What’s next for Rani and Bloom?

One thing I’ve noticed in NYC? Everyone here is building something.
A side hustle, a passion project, a version of themselves they’ve always dreamed of becoming.
That kind of energy is contagious.

But something I’ve learned during this time:
Motivation doesn’t carry you—your habits do.

Whether you’re starting something new, navigating a big change, or simply trying to stay grounded… your daily rituals matter.

That’s why earlier this year, I partnered with Beauty in Balance to launch the BIB x Beauty in Balance Habit Tracker—a gentle, sustainable way to build habits that nourish you instead of drain you.

If you’re also in a season of new beginnings, remember:
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You just have to keep showing up for yourself—one small habit at a time.

These last three months have been about tuning in, reflecting on how to grow Rani and Bloom into something bigger than just a presence on social media.
Maybe that means a tangible product.
Maybe a platform.
What I know for sure is: this next season is about building.

Brick by brick.
With chai in hand.
With community at the center.

Thank you for being here—whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just found your way here, I’m so grateful you’re a part of this.

And to those just joining—welcome. I’m so incredibly excited you’re here :)

Let’s bloom.
—Celina