Today we’d like to introduce you to Celina Selvathambi
Hi Celina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up as the eldest daughter in a South Asian immigrant family, I often felt like I was navigating two worlds on my own. I was raised with deep cultural traditions, unspoken expectations, and the constant reminder of how much my parents had sacrificed to give me opportunities. At the same time, I was trying to adapt to a new environment—being the only Indian and the only immigrant in my class for the first 10 years of my life in America.
This duality shaped me, but it also made me feel like I had to choose: Should I follow the “stable” path my culture and community valued, or listen to the creative calling within me? For a long time, I leaned into the traditional route, striving to meet external expectations. But deep down, I always knew I wanted more—something that felt authentic to who I was and reflected a blend of heritage and ambition.
That’s how my brand- Rani and Bloom came to life. The name itself is intentional: “Rani,” meaning queen, is a tribute to the cultural strength and pride I carry, while “Bloom” represents growth, evolution, and stepping fully into one’s power. I wanted this platform to be more than a brand—I envisioned a movement, a safe space where women like me could feel seen, celebrated, and inspired to own every part of their identity.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Originally, it began as BrownGirlsFinesse in 2020, during my first year of college. Along the way, it went through many creative gaps, eventually coming to a pause in 2023 as I entered my senior year and took the time to reflect on its direction. In 2024, I rebranded it into Rani and Bloom, a platform that was more in line with my vision and purpose. Building Rani and Bloom while juggling school, internships, and the responsibilities of being the eldest daughter required resilience and deep self-reflection—something I know many women can relate to.
Over time, I realized that this platform wasn’t just about empowering others; it was also about my own healing and growth. It became a way to turn my personal struggles with balancing cultural expectations, self-doubt, and ambition into actionable advice and relatable content for other women navigating similar journeys. This realization ultimately led to the creation of Rani and Bloom, evolving the platform into a space that feels truer to its mission—one that harmonizes ambition, heritage, and self-love.
My goal is to show that success isn’t about choosing one path—it’s about creating your own, one that honors every part of who you are.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth journey. Like any meaningful endeavor, building Rani and Bloom has come with its fair share of challenges. The platform originally started as BrownGirlsFinesse back in 2020 during my first year of college. At that time, I was still figuring out my creative voice and the direction often felt unclear, leading to periods of inconsistency and creative blocks. By 2023, as I approached my senior year, I realized the platform no longer fully reflected my vision. That’s when I decided to pause, re-evaluate, and reshape it into something more authentic.
One of the major struggles I faced was learning to silence the external noise—cultural expectations of stability, comparisons to others’ successes, and the internal pressure to have it all figured out. I had to embrace imperfection and allow myself to grow both personally and creatively. Rebranding to Rani and Bloom in 2024 wasn’t just about changing the platform; it was about stepping into a more confident and aligned version of myself.
This journey has been all about resilience and learning that real growth takes time. Along the way, I’ve faced challenges that have really highlighted the importance of sticking with it and staying true to my vision. That’s exactly what Rani and Bloom is all about—encouraging others to embrace their own journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Rani and Bloom is more than just a platform; it’s a movement dedicated to empowering women to embrace every aspect of themselves with confidence, ambition, and grace. The name reflects our mission: “Rani,” meaning queen, pays homage to our cultural heritage, strength, and resilience, while “Bloom” symbolizes growth, evolution, and stepping into one’s power.
At Rani and Bloom, we specialize in creating content and resources that combine ambition with cultural pride. Our platform focuses on career growth, self-love, wellness, and empowerment, with an emphasis on celebrating the unique challenges and triumphs of South Asian women.
What makes Rani and Bloom unique is how we seamlessly bring together tradition and modern ambition. It’s not just about breaking barriers; it’s about celebrating the cultural roots that shape us while encouraging women to chase their dreams unapologetically. Through our platform, we aim to inspire and empower women to embrace their duality—balancing grace, ambition, and authenticity in every aspect of their lives.
Brand-wise, I take pride in the authenticity that fuels Rani and Bloom. Every post, video, and story is inspired by my personal journey of balancing heritage and ambition, and it has resonated with many women navigating similar experiences. We’ve created a community where women feel seen, celebrated, and encouraged to grow.
What I want readers to understand is that Rani and Bloom isn’t just about consuming content—it’s about inspiring action. Whether it’s finding wellness tips, career advice, or motivation to pursue a passion, my goal is to equip women with the tools and inspiration to thrive in every aspect of their lives while staying rooted in their identity. We’re here to remind every woman that she is both a queen and a continuous work in bloom.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is traveling to India to celebrate Diwali with my family. There’s something so special about being in a small village, surrounded by family and experiencing the true meeaning of the holiday. I remember playing with my cousins for hours, lighting sparklers, and running around as the whole village lit up with diyas and fireworks. The energy, joy, and sense of belonging were unlike anything I had ever experienced in America.
It wasn’t just about the celebrations; it was also about being deeply connected to my roots, surrounded by love, and fully immersed in a community that felt like home. Those trips to India shaped my understanding of family, tradition, and the importance of staying grounded in who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raniandbloom.beehiiv.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/raniandbloom
