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Break the Barrier

Break the Barrier

Written by: Ambily Jose
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Hailing from traditional South Asian roots, I took on a nontraditional path with my passion project missioned to increase representation in mainstream media. Throughout my modeling journey, I've been blessed to be part of modeling campaigns for brands such as Express Fashion and Maison Margiela to walking the runway for New York Fashion Week and covering it as Press.

As I grew my platform, I realized so many of us are hesitant in taking that leap of faith because we don’t have visibility to the mentors or guides that we can look up to, ask questions to, or be our support system. As a result, many of us default to the traditional careers that our parents consider successful - but we may be left feeling unfulfilled. I want to take this mission to the next level and introduce successful and happy powerhouse voices in our community who are breaking barriers by pursuing full-time careers outside of what’s traditionally considered successful.

For our younger, current, and older generations: it is never too late to start again or dream a new dream. My mission is to show in a fun, lighthearted way that you can absolutely find happiness in a path less taken. This is my baby: Break the Barrier

© 2025 Break the Barrier
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Episodes
  • From Chennai to Hollywood with Prarthana Mohan: Award-Winning Film Director
    Nov 14 2025

    I’m so excited to be speaking today with Prarthana Mohan: an award-winning director and storyteller redefining what it means to see yourself on screen. Originally from Chennai and now making her mark in Hollywood, Prarthana brings bold vision and emotional depth to every project she touches. From her breakout debut The MisEducation of Bindu to her current slate of thought-provoking features, she’s building a body of work that’s as unapologetically honest as it is cinematic.

    What stands out about Prarthana is her fearless storytelling. She doesn’t just make films; she creates worlds that make you feel seen. Today, we’ll dive into her creative process, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and how she’s paving the way for the next generation of South Asian filmmakers.

    Let’s get into it.
    Welcome, Prarthana!

    To contact Prarthana for mentorship, she can be reached via Instagram @prarthana_mohan1


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    54 mins
  • Breaking Barriers Through Movement with Harini Nilakantan: Headliner for World of Dance and Champion of RedBull Dance Your Style Chicago
    Sep 18 2025

    I’m so excited to be speaking today with Harini Nilakantan, an extraordinary dancer, movement artist, and choreographer whose journey spans continents and traditions. Originally from Chennai and now based in Chicago, Harini has spent over 20 years studying styles from the classical elegance of Bharatanatyam to the electric energy of Waacking, Hip Hop, and most recently baby-stepping into Chicago Footwork.

    She has headlined World of Dance twice, is the lead choreographer for Movement of Desis, a competitive dance team in Chicago, and Program Head of Dance at Kalapriya.

    What I love about Harini’s story is how seamlessly she moves between worlds—whether it’s her early debut in Bharatanatyam, her championship title at RedBull Dance Your Style, or her work building spaces for South Asian artists to thrive. Beyond performance, she’s a teacher, a leader, and the founder of a collective that pushes dance forward while staying deeply rooted in heritage. Today, we’ll talk about her path, the communities she’s building, and how dance can be both a personal expression and a powerful force for representation. Let’s get into it!

    Welcome, Harini!

    To reach Harini for mentorship, her email is: harininilakantan@gmail.com

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    52 mins
  • Honor Your Roots But Carve Your Own Path with Adharsh Kumar: Creator of Not Your Amma's Kitchen
    Jun 26 2025

    I’m so excited to be speaking today with Adharsh Kumar, the creative genius behind Not Your Amma’s Kitchen—an Instagram sensation that’s redefining how we see South Indian cuisine. Through his stunning videos and down-to-earth approach, Adharsh invites us into his kitchen and his heritage, proving that cooking is not just about recipes—it’s about identity, connection, and reclaiming the flavors that shaped us. Whether he’s sharing a family heirloom recipe or putting his own spin on a classic, Adharsh is blending tradition with modern flair, making sure every bite—and every story—feels like home. Today, we’ll chat about his journey, the stories behind his dishes, and how food can be a powerful way to honor your roots while carving out your own path. Let’s get into it!

    Welcome, Adharsh!!

    To reach Adharsh for mentorship, his Instagram handle is @notyourammaskitchen and emails are nyak@sparkmedia.la and notyourammaskitchen@gmail.com

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    46 mins
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