Meet the SHEROES - Hema Dhawan

Words describe her way of life and she makes the best use of them by communicating and putting them down on paper too. Meet the SHERO, Hema Dhawan who interviews people following their hearts and turning their dreams into reality.

Hema is the founder of interview series - Say it Na, with Hena. She is also a content writer professionally and finds her true calling in writing poems and short stories. Hema has her writings published in various National dailies like The Times of India, Dainik Jagaran and Bangalore Mirror. She has her stories published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Series. Hema also got one of her stories televised and featured in  "Laakhon Mein Ek" on Star Plus.

We talk to the lady whose job is to interview people - Hema Dhawan, from Say it Na, With Hena - 

Tell us about yourself. 

Well, It’s usually I get to this question during my interviews and today the tables seem to have turned.  

I am a simple person who is optimistic towards life and does not believe in giving up easily. I have a beautiful 5 year old daughter and a loving husband at home. And I am one of those lucky ones to have my mom living with me too.

Words especially the written ones, hold a very special place in my life. From my early childhood days, I used to express my thoughts by writing poems and short stories and while growing up, this interest turned into passion and has finally brought me to the place where I am today. I’m currently working as a Content Manager for a Bangalore based Technology start-up. In addition, I’m also founder of interview series called "Say it Na, with Hena", where get to meet and interview people who are making their dreams turn into reality. These people are one among us but what makes them different is that they are making out time and following their passion.

What was the idea behind Say it Na, with Hena?

Ideas usually come when we need them the most. The concept of Say it Na, with Hena ,i.e. to interview people who are following their passion, came to me when I had forgotten about my own passion. We are so busy in our mechanical lives, mundane routines and family pressures, that there indeed very little time when we ask ourselves that "Is this what I always wanted to do?"

Say it Na, with Hena, when started was an attempt to rediscover myself through such amazing people who have their own sets of worries and problems, however^ know how to balance things and work their way out. All in all, my interview series is an endeavor to reach out all such people who are looking for motivation and the willingness to follow their dreams once again.

As an editor, what is one most valuable advice you will give to writers?

I would love to say something as a writer first as this is what I started with. Most of the people who appreciate my writings have come and told me that this is just because of my easy writing style and the connectivity it builds. So, to all aspiring writers, I would just recommend to be simple and true to your feelings when penning them down. Having a great vocabulary is indeed excellent, but what will make you an exceptional writer is your choice of the word from your vocabulary that will connect the most with your reader.

As an editor, my advice is very simple - Write today, read it again tomorrow. Then only hit the Send button :)

What are the challenges that you face? How do you overcome these?

As a writer, the biggest challenge I face is to balance my writings. The professional writings I do, sometimes leave me with no time for the writings that I love to do; the creative ones. So, to overcome this, I make the most of the free time I have. I carry a notepad and keep scribbling. You can catch me writing in the bus while commuting to work, in the cafeteria, in children' play area etc.

Where do you see your new initiative in future?

Our country is full of talent and these days I see many people working on their 'true calling'. I am hopeful that I will keep meeting such people and will keep my readers get to know them too. I very soon plan to start video series and make my conversations more interactive and enjoyable. Also, I get lots of requests from people around who are following their passion and want to feature on the page. So, eventually, I will have sections and based on each I will make my postings.

A message to all SHEROES out there. 

SHEROES - - It is a such a beautiful amalgamation of words in itself. We all are heroes and we need to just believe in it, then only we can conquer the world. So, just be yourself, dream high, and make this world all yours.