Growing Up with Mother Theresa, Sangita Datta’s Rising Phoenix – Dallas Frisco Portrait Photographer – Me Ra Koh
Our FIORIA team never knows what stories and beautiful words we will discover when we call family and friends of Rising Phoenixes. That’s why we call it a Discovery Call, we are mining for the gold in every person. No one’s story has ever surprised me more than Sangita’s aunt, Bena.
Growing Up with Mother Theresa
She told me how Sangita’s family lived near Mother’s orphanage. “As a little girl, I’d give Sangita candies and chocolates. But she wouldn’t eat them. Instead she’d say, “We’ll give it to the babies when we go to Mother’s home”. (I didn’t realize until almost the end of the call that “Mother” was Mother Theresa. I just about fell over backwards!)
“I’ve known Sangita at every stage of her life,” shared Bena. “She is always about others. Sangita never stops doing good, never worries about the outcome, and leaves it to God. She grew up with that spirit.”
What Mother Theresa Used to Tell Sangita
When I asked Bena what she hopes Sangita’s Rising Phoenix artwork reminds her every day when she sees it, she said, “I hope it reminds her of Mother telling her, “Before you are a good Christian, Hindu, or a good Muslim, you have to be a good human being because humanity is the only religion”. She should be able to tell herself, “I’m a good human being”.”
What Her Sister Said
From there, I reached out to Nivi in India. Oceans separating us, we had the most wonderful conversation about Sangita. The words from her sister and Sangita’s sons were a huge inspiration to this next portrait.
“She is a fighter, always fights for what she believes in but in a very poised manner, not aggressive.
(Sangita) also has this calm within that helps her overcome lots of obstacles in life,” said Nivi. “She is a people person too. But her superpower is the faith and belief she has in herself. The power of not giving up.”
“We’re not similar but not opposites. She’s one of a kind.”
“I hope these portraits remind her every day to stay strong, never give up. She’s a fighter,” shared Nivi.
What Her Husband Said
“Sangita is extremely positive about everything! She is also honest and will tell you the truth even if it’s not what you want to hear. And she is an amazing cook, wife, mother, so supportive in the house. Sangita is very hard working; I cannot keep up with her! She gets up at 5:30am to do her Police Academy class and then makes calls to clients.”
“Her eyes are smiling, happy,” Ramesh said. “I hope that when she sees these portraits, she will be more energized to work even more towards her goal. She will be in a very happy mood – which is the most important thing for me. If she is happy, I’m happy.”
Adult Kids Say the BEST Things
We were able to catch Adhit, her youngest son in college. His words are priceless.
“I respect and admire my mom because she intimidates everyone because she exudes confidence all the time. She commands attention the moment she walks in! But she’s not aggressive at all and she’s so good at bringing people in,” said Adhit.
“She is my inspiration for my career. I aspire to be at all similar to her.
“My mom makes something out of nothing. The door of a rat hole, she will make big enough to get everyone through. If she ever doubts herself, my mom will look and say, “I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again”.
“She is the most dynamic and versatile person I’ve ever met! She is the reason I’m the person I am today. In India and made almost nothing and made almost nothing, but she loved little kids.”
“Then all of a sudden she is studying for a license to become an Insurance agent. Now she has been on the Forbes list twice! Twenty plus awards are on the wall and a closet full of awards.”
“And yet, she somehow makes time to still give to us. I’m only going to school and can’t even call home! But she will have a 30 hour day and call me and say, “Have you eaten today?”
When I asked Adhit what his mom’s superpower is, he said “I’ve always seen her as someone who gets 150% out of 100%.”
Her Oldest Son Almost Made Me Cry
Sangita’s sons lover their mother fiercely. They are both so different and powerful inspired by their mom.
When I asked Abhik, her oldest son, what he hopes her Rising Phoenix artwork reminds her of, the gravity and sincerity of his words almost made me cry.
“Don’t ever change. She’s too important to us. The impact she has on us is critical to our mental stability and insanity. She’s the glue.”
What Abhik Loves Most About His Mom…
“She doesn’t budge. Even though she’s gone through a lot but despite it all, she still keeps that amazing smile on her face and does a great job of helping others do the same. No one can mess with her.
My mom is extremely empathetic to everyone. She goes way out of her own way to help others. Extremely supportive–she asks questions before taking action. And even if you don’t align with her values, she supports you.”
What His Mom has Taught Abhik
“A couple years ago, my friend’s mom passed away and she kept sending food to make sure they were okay. She taught me to be a more empathic person, how to care, to think about other people, to always work hard and reward will come after, and how to stand up straight. My mom always has your back – she has an amazing backbone and does for everyone else.”
No Longer a People Pleaser
In my Discovery Call with Sangita, I was so inspired by how she chooses to do good and not worry about what others think.
As a little girl growing up with Mother Theresa, she now lives a life of giving to others in her own unique way. This is one of the qualities she’s most proud of in her life. “My desire to help inspire and encourage people and myself. I love doing that! I don’t have to please anyone. This is me. I’m authentic and genuine and people see that.”
“My attitude is also a big part of my resilience. No matter what situation or circumstance, my attitude and smile to complement it never fades,” said Sangita.
“I gets a lot of these attributes from my parents. My father was the most optimistic person on Earth and would say, “Keep working, keep smiling, keep moving ahead”. Always give and you will get back.”
What Would It Give to Her to See Everyday
I loved Sangita’s answer to the question, “How would it impact your day to see your confident, positive attitude, smile and empathy every day?”
“It wold be inspiration to keep me going! Tomorrow will be even better!” To remember, “Wow! I’m good!” (She made the Forbes list twice!). Another hope to make another change.”
Sangita’s Invitation
Sangita sent a text and posted on Facebook that BEST invite to her Rising Phoenix Reveal Party!
“I was fortunate to go through this experience and wanted to share it with you . It’s a special portrait of the Rising Phoenix, my resilience within. I would would love to have you come for this special Reveal to see the final result, the artwork, for the first time with you and most of all, to celebrate resilience.
Celebrating resilience is something we don’t think much about, but the entire process is so exciting that I feel everyone should go through it once . Join me on Friday evening at 6:30 for this special REVEAL! with Some food n wine . Feel free to bring a snack – Variety is the spice of life ? and yes bring a friend too!”
Listen to the Audible Gasp
We had the most AWE-mazing Reveal Party with Sangita’s friends, family and other Rising Phoenixes! Even family from across the country joined in live on zoom!
Everyone gasped when we revealed her large Rising Phoenix portrait. They saw the fighter, the calmness, and the regal confidence Sangita carries. Who better to inspire a portrait than the words from those who love you most?
The New View from Her Desk…
Isn’t her Rising Phoenix Collection powerful? Each one holds different meaning inspired by all the Discovery Calls with friends and family. (Brian and I just love what we do. It’s so meaningful to every heart in the room.)
Sangita asked if we could do a special Rising Phoenix Giveaway for two of her friends! And the winners are… SO FUN!!!
What a joy to have Nivi here visiting from India! The timing couldn’t be more perfect! Even Nivi’s daughter, Shreeya, got on zoom with me and shared how much she loves her aunt’s passion, courage and good heart. “She makes everyone feel comfortable around her, uplifts everyone’s mood, the whole vibe in the room is changed,” shared Shreeya.
“(My aunt) has taught me how to work hard through seeing her ambition. She encourages me every day to be my best, to get better. She’s an aunt in relation but my second mother. The way she’s invested in my life….the positive impact on me and everyone who knows her.”
Brian and I loved having Barbara and Terri come! They both have their own beautiful Rising Phoenix Experiences!
CLICK HERE to see Barbara’s!
CLICK HERE to see Terri’s!
Connect with Sangita
Sangita’s friendship is a gift. So many of her friends told me tonight how they moved to Frisco and didn’t know anyone. Then they met Sangita and they didn’t feel alone any more.
She’s also been on the Forbes List for two years in a row! If you need any help with insurance, as Bena said “She’s your go-to person.”
CLICK HERE to contact Sangita.
Sangita, thank you for the honor of giving you the Rising Phoenix Experience. Your family, friends and local community celebrate YOU and the treasure that you are.
What is a Rising Phoenix Experience?
This is about you seeing the truth of who you are. When you see your resilience on the wall every day, it transforms you from the inside out. If you are overwhelmed with all the reasons why you shouldn’t invest time or money in yourself, I want you to pause and think of all the obstacles you have overcome in your life whether it’s a weight loss journey, depression, anxiety, cancer, seasons changing with kids leaving the nest, loss of a loved one.
Have you been promoted in your career or pivoted with resilience? The list of how we rise like a phoenix to overcome the odds goes on and on. But so many of us struggle with taking time to acknowledge it.
You Give to Everyone Around You
You’ve most likely given to everyone else. The time has come to give something transformational and lasting to you. Just read the following stories.
Have you achieved a weight goal? Read Jamie’s inspiring story of never going back after significant weight loss.
Maybe you need a deeper healing from childhood trauma. You’ve done the counseling but still struggle to see the truth about who you are. You may relate to Tiffany’s story.
Jajuan flew from Seattle for his Rising Phoenix Experience! He wanted his daughters to see not only who dad is but where he’s come from. Sony spotlighted Jajuan’s Rising Phoenix story as one of the Best Of portraits in 2022! See Jajuan’s powerful story.
Or maybe you’re turning 40, 50, 60 or 70+ and feel the need to reflect and celebrate who you are and the possibilities of what this next season of life holds?
The first step is to fill out our Phoenix inquiry; CLICK HERE.
Michelle Found Courage to Step Beyond Grief
Meet Michelle. She is definitely someone who has known great courage. At one time, she was an interrogator for the US military in the Middle East. This 5’4 woman knows confidence. But the loss of her mom swallowed that confidence.
There are some seasons in life when we feel unshakeable courage and other seasons that leave us feeling lost. After great loss, it takes great courage to step forward. Maybe you relate to Michelle’s story.
Meet Our Oldest Rising Phoenix
She was in her 80s and never had her makeup and hair done. I’ll never forget the giggles we had over watching Oma that day in the studio. This beautiful 4’9 woman came to the United States with Opa when she was only 23 yrs old and pregnant with her first baby. All they had was $50. Leaving behind family and all that was familiar in the Netherlands, they boarded a cargo boat and set out to make a new life.
Krista, Oma’s granddaughter, had a FIORIA family experience with us last year. When she saw us launch the Rising Phoenix Experience, she thought of her grandma. Oma is the heart of their family and lived eighty plus years as a rising phoenix.
Click Here to meet Oma, our oldest Rising Phoenix!
Crystal drove to us from Las Vegas.
A single woman who has always been known for being responsible and quiet, yet there is another side of her that wants to come out. A side that is brave and takes risks—that believes she is worthy of doing something special not just for others but for herself too. A year after her Rising Phoenix Experience, she sent us photos of her traveling solo in Europe! She told us how much her life has changed from seeing who she is every day when she looks at her Phoenix portraits!
What truth do you need to be reminded of daily to unleash your purpose and potential?
Meet Our Youngest Rising Phoenix, a Miracle Photo Shoot!
CLICK HERE to see the most miraculous Rising Phoenix portraits!
This is the first time Isabella has ever looked at the camera and smiled. This was a miracle photo shoot.
I’ll never forget my first Discovery Call with Isabella’s mom. She wasn’t sure this was a good idea because Isabella is very sensory sensitive. Photo shoots have never gone well in the past. She felt very hesitant to believe this photo shoot could be a success.
I felt her words on such a deep level. I didn’t want to set them up for disappointment either. But I just knew that there was something so special about this whole thing. I told her, “There are many doubts and fears I can struggle with, but this is something I am confident I can do.” She borrowed that confidence, and we witnessed a miracle photo shoot.
All these people have something in common, they were ready to …
Rise above the ashes of what other people have said
Rising above their fear and doubts
Embracing their Rising Phoenix within.
Through our Rising Phoenix Experience, they not only did something special for themselves but also received something transformational.
I invite you to experience the transformation too!
Your Rising Phoenix Experience includes:
- Signature Phone Calls with You and Loved Ones (collection of words that give you life)
- Professional Hair & Makeup
- Wardrobe Consultation & Vision
- Rising Phoenix Photo Shoot with Me Ra Koh (Sony Artisan, Disney Host, and Live with Kelly & Ryan Guest Expert—You’re in good hands. I will pose you, and Brian will drop shadows and light on you in the most flattering way that radiates your Rising Phoenix.)
- Same Day Cinematic Reveal & Custom Design Session with our In-House Design Specialist
- Beautiful Artwork of Your Rising Phoenix, Custom Designed for the Best Place where it will Speak Truth to You Every Day.
CLICK HERE to fill out the inquiry and begin your Rising Phoenix Experience!
I can’t wait to speak soon! Still we rise!
Me Ra
GEAR USED
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