From Flight Attendant to Community Leader: Archana’s Journey of Motherhood, Adaptability, and Empowerment.

Today, we have the privilege of delving into the remarkable motherhood journey of Archana Rao Chopra, a “journey encapsulated”, in her own words. Motherhood, career transitions, and community leadership intertwine to shape a narrative that reflects the essence of resilience, adaptability, and empowerment. Join us as Archana generously shares the chapters of her life—from the skies as a flight attendant to the heart of a thriving community, demonstrating that each twist in the path is an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Motherhood is a transformative journey, often marked by unexpected turns and decisions that shape one’s life in profound ways. For me, this journey began with a challenging pregnancy in 2015, followed by a two-year waiting period before the arrival of my precious daughter in 2017. The joy of motherhood, limitless and fulfilling, prompted a significant decision—to bid farewell to a soaring career as a flight attendant, a chapter that had spanned over a decade. Priorities in life became crystal clear, leading me to choose the path of full-time motherhood over a high-flying career.

The decision to leave the aviation industry wasn’t an easy one but inevitable, considering the demands of the job that required extended periods away from family. However, it opened the door to a new chapter—a chapter that involved not just being a mother but also becoming a community leader. As my motherhood journey unfolded, a desire to stay occupied led me to initiate a Facebook community named “We Women Thane.”

In its early days, the group lay dormant with only 25 members. Gradually, the community flourished, and within five years, it organically grew to include 17.5 thousand members. The journey from flight attendant to mother to community leader has been nothing short of amazing, demonstrating that certain things in life are destined to happen.

Adapting to Change and Embracing Challenges

Transitioning from the dynamic lifestyle of a flight attendant to a full-time mother presented its share of challenges. The accustomed routine of check-ins at star hotels, the luxury of cabs for pick-up and drop-offs, and the bustling crew lifestyle were elements missed in the initial days of my sabbatical. Yet, adaptability, a quality ingrained in a flight attendant’s repertoire, facilitated a seamless transition.

The lessons learned from the job, extending beyond serving tea and coffee, have proven invaluable. Patience and effective situation handling, honed during my time as a flight attendant, have greatly eased my journey through motherhood.

Building We Women Thane: A Community of Support

The inception of We Women Thane was spontaneous, without set goals initially. However, as my daughter grew, specific objectives emerged. Recognizing the challenges faced by new and working mothers in terms of socializing, the primary goal was to create a supportive community. We aimed to bring women from all corners of the city together, fostering bonds and connections. The group’s popularity led to the creation of a WhatsApp community, transforming into a cohesive family that stands by and supports one another.

The Role of Online Communities for New Moms

Online communities play a pivotal role for new moms, offering a wealth of advice and shared experiences. In my case, Facebook groups were a lifeline during my daughter’s colic phase. The collective wisdom and support from experienced mothers proved invaluable, surpassing the resources available even on Google. We had the freedom to chat about anything and everything, from the daily routines of our babies to the essential toys for childhood, just like friends do. For instance, I strongly believe that open-ended toys foster communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills during early childhood. It was heartening to discover many other mothers who shared this belief, and we could exchange our creative ideas on the topic.

Family Support: A Pillar of Balance

Balancing motherhood and community leadership is a task made smoother with unwavering support from my family. My husband’s support extends beyond emotional encouragement to logistical assistance in organizing events. Even my 6-year-old daughter actively participates, understanding the importance of her mom’s role as a community leader.

Challenges and Evolution of We Women Thane

Challenges in managing the quality, reliability, and trust among community members, particularly entrepreneurs, were significant hurdles. The community has evolved substantially since its inception, emphasizing responsible use of social media. It serves as a platform for support, both in terms of business and emotional well-being, with notable instances during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Future Aspirations

We Women Thane has been instrumental in empowering entrepreneurs, witnessing the growth of home-based businesses into thriving commercial ventures across diverse domains. My aspirations extend to encouraging budding entrepreneurs, ensuring they become strong brands through high-quality products, reliable services, and unwavering community support.

In essence, We Women Thane continues to evolve, offering camaraderie, emotional connections, and a positive mind-set. The commitment is ongoing—to innovate resources and provide maximum benefits to the community, fostering both entrepreneurs and buyers alike. The pride lies in the success stories within the group, reflecting the diverse talents and accomplishments of its members. As the journey unfolds, the mission remains—to encourage, support, and uplift every woman in the community.