Pooja Bavishi grew up knowing exactly who she was at home. Gujarati Jain, deeply proud of her heritage, fluent in the language of her culture and her family. But the moment her family moved from an inclusive tight-knit community in Pennsylvania to Charlotte, North Carolina, something shifted. The world around her didn't accept her fully, and for years she couldn't fully explain why.

In this episode of Sense of Self, Dr. Gowri Aragam sits down with Pooja Bavishi, founder of Malai, a Brooklyn-based ice cream company that has become one of the most beloved and culturally significant food brands in the country. What starts as a conversation about ice cream quickly becomes something much deeper. A story about belonging, about the cost of feeling othered, about the defense mechanisms we build to protect ourselves, and about what happens when you stop waiting for a community that feels like home and decide to build one yourself.

One flavor at a time.

Connect with Pooja Bavishi:
https://www.instagram.com/pooja_bavishi_/
https://www.malai.co/
https://www.instagram.com/malai_icecream/

Connect with Sense of Self:
Subscribe for more episodes like this: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sense-of-self/id1742905024
Follow the Sense of Self Podcast: http://instagram.com/senseofself.podcast

Connect with Dr. Gowri Aragam:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/drgowriaragam
Website: https://www.drgowriaragam.com/

00:10 Meet Pooja of Malai
02:40 The Meaning of Puja
10:55 Belonging in Pennsylvania
16:37 Culture Shock in Charlotte
33:38 Sisterhood and fairness
35:12 Craving Indian community
37:41 Intimidated by desi peers
41:29 Malai as identity unlock
52:03 Founder lows and letting go

A note on ethics, process, and safety:

• The individuals in this podcast have graciously shared their stories and it's important to note that while these discussions are enriching and enlightening, they are not a substitute for therapy or mental healthcare.
• Please note that each guest has given their consent to participate, had full control over what aspects of their journey were shared, and either currently engages in therapy or coaching, or has done so in the past.

Thanks from all of us at Sense of Self