5 min read
It’s Deeper Than Skin ®
It’s Deeper Than Skin ® is a compilation of interviews featuring diverse multicultural individuals each carrying unique aspirations and desires yet bound by a common passion to create a more joyful, diverse and inclusive space for us all. They inspire, empower and help transform the way we think and feel about beauty, culture, ancient traditions, diversity, mental health, societal standards and more. Through these multifaceted lenses, we learn to celebrate our uniqueness and are reminded once again that our beauty is deeper than skin.
In alignment with Sachi Skin's commitment to care for your skin health and wellbeing, learning from the prominent voices in the industry is our anchor to continuously grow. We sat down with Mira Manek (@miramanek), a British-born of Indian heritage who is an acclaimed author, wellness coach and expert, and has her own chai brand. Her third book, The Book of Chai follows on from the success and rooted passion for Indian philosophy and philosophy of her first two books, bestselling cookbook Saffron Soul and a book on Ayurveda and happiness called Prajna. Her work intertwines delicious recipes with holistic wellness advice, celebrating chai's rich history and cultural significance. "The Book of Chai" is a tribute to this beloved drink, blending personal stories, historical insights, and recipes, highlighting its role in connecting family, history, and culture. Join us as Mira shares her path from journalism to wellness, the cultural significance of chai, and her daily Ayurvedic practices that keep her grounded and vibrant.
Hi Mira, it's lovely to chat with you! Tell us a little bit about yourself. (We'd love to know a bit about your background and what you love to do!)
I’m an author, an entrepreneur and a speaker. My first book was a bestselling cookbook, my second was on Ayurveda and rituals, and my third is called The Book of Chai, delving into the history of how chai came about, lots of travel stories and recipes. I have a chai spice brand, supplying cafes and restaurants with chai spice blends as well as e-commerce. And lastly, I take workshops on health goals and wellness for corporates.
You are an incredible writer, Mira! What led you into journalism initially?
Thank you! I’ve always had a passion for creative writing from a very young age and with all my travels in my early twenties I decided to combine the two – so I became a travel and lifestyle journalist. I also did a post-graduate in journalism after studying Economics and Politics at university.
How has your background influenced you pursuing a career in holistic wellness and integrated health?
It is my own journey in putting on weight and realising after many years I was doing all the wrong things by relying on diets and not thinking about nourishment, by snacking often and thinking I was eating less and thus creating issues in digestion and gut, that led me to doing what I do now. When the penny finally dropped and I realised I need to go back to my home cooked simply healthy Indian food, I decided to write a cookbook focusing on just that, a combination of traditional easy recipes and my own creations inspired by and infused with spices.
Drinking chai is a daily ritual with many South Asians, enriched with culture and heritage. What inspired you to create "The Book of Chai"? What is the significance of chai to you?
I’ve always been fascinated by chai, the way it is made and most importantly, for me, the spices! It was much later that I realised tea wasn’t drunk in India until the early 1900s and that its history is tied so intrinsically with the Raj. The history of spices, however, dates back much earlier. Book of Chai delves into this but also has many of my personal travel stories of travelling around India, as well as stories of my grandmother, centred around cups of chai. In this book, I bring together my love not only for chai, but for India, for spices, for storytelling, and of course history.
What are three Ayurvedic tips you incorporate into your daily routine?
So many!- Drinking spices and cooking with spices
- Eating early in the evening and leaving enough of a gap between dinner and bedtime
- Pranayama, especially Kapal Bhatti (breath of fire) in the morning
- Abhyanga or using oils to massage my joints specifically before bedtime as well as using oils on my face only, rather than moisturisers
- Eating cooked foods rather than raw foods as they’re easier to digest
What is your current favourite recipe?
Recently, I’ve been taking away the same meal on the my work days – quinoa, peas and chilli oil with some variation of tofu or corn cakes or cottage cheese. For my sweet tooth, I have yummy overnight oats and chia pudding recipes in my new book Book of Chai!
Anything exciting coming up for you in the next few months?
I’m doing more events for my new book, collaborating with some fantastic brands in India and abroad for The Book of Chai, and launching Chai By Mira in some great café and restaurant chains soon!
And some rapid fire questions:
What is on your current playlist?
I have a wonderful morning afternoon and evening playlist in my second book Prajna which I always go back to! If you search Prajna or my name on Spotify you’ll find it ☺
What are you currently watching on Netflix?
Just finished Bridgerton season 3! Love a period drama!
Finish the sentence: I feel beautiful when...
I’ve rested well, the sun is out and I’m in flow – body and mind.
