Today we’d like to introduce you to Bhavika Shah.
Hi Bhavika, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Looking back, I can now see that a running theme in my life has always been helping others. I’m the eldest child in an immigrant family, an empath by nature, and someone people have always naturally gravitated toward to share their stories. I feel deep joy and purpose in being there for others.
For nearly 20 years, this showed up in my corporate career – where I led with empathy, collaboration, and clarity. I started out in the banking and entertainment industries, then spent 17 years at a public policy organization, ultimately serving as Director of Organizational Effectiveness. My work consistently empowered individuals, strengthened team dynamics, supported cultural change, streamlined processes, and created environments where people felt seen, supported, and set up to thrive.
At a crossroads in my career, I took a solo trip to Florence, Italy, to soul search. While sipping cappuccino, journaling in a piazza, and watching children ride a merry-go-round, I reflected on how easy it is to lose touch with joy and our dreams amidst life’s practicality and mundanity. That quiet, reflective moment became a turning point. It planted the seed for what would grow into Chai with Bhav Coaching – a practice that aligns perfectly with my long-held passions: empowering others, feminism, dismantling patriarchy, and supporting mental wellness.
I’m now a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) through the ICF-accredited and world-renowned iPEC Coaching Institute and am also an Energy Leadership™ Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP).
My coaching spans both personal and professional areas, but my favorite spaces to explore with clients are uncovering purpose, clarifying core values, and navigating life transitions. Having spent much of my 30s discovering who I am, why I’m here, and doing the deep inner work of healing old wounds, I feel called to guide others through their own transformation. I understand the layered dynamics that often come from cultural expectations, patriarchal norms, and societal pressures—and I’m committed to helping women challenge the beliefs that limit their potential.
My mission is to help women tap into their inherent power, reconnect with their true selves beyond traditional roles, and live lives rooted in fulfillment, freedom, and purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey definitely hasn’t been without its bumps. As a woman of color in the workplace, I often faced challenges around having my voice heard, securing a seat at the table, and being fully recognized for my unique skills and perspective. While these experiences were difficult at times, they also shaped me into a more resilient, empathetic, and intentional leader. They sparked a deeper question in me: How can I make it easier for the next generation of women? Coaching has become my answer to that – it’s a way to pay it forward and help others feel seen, empowered, and equipped to lead on their own terms.
When it comes to building my business, one of the biggest challenges has been establishing a steady client base. Coaching is deeply personal work, and it takes time to build the kind of trust that leads someone to say, “Yes, I’m ready to do this with you.” Growing a presence, sharing my message, and cultivating that trust – especially in an oversaturated digital space – has required patience, persistence, and a lot of inner work to stay grounded in my “why.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Chai with Bhav Coaching is dedicated to serving women – especially those navigating life transitions, seeking purpose, or yearning to reconnect with their true selves. As a growth and development coach, my mission is to empower women to embrace their uniqueness, break free from limitations, and create lives aligned with their values, desires, and inner wisdom.
Why the name Chai with Bhav? As a British-Indian-American, chai holds deep significance for me – it’s a nostalgic tie to my roots and a symbol of comfort, warmth, and connection. Just like chai is slowly brewed to bring out its richest flavors, my coaching sessions are designed to create a nurturing space where you can reflect, process, and transform. Think of it like sharing a cup of chai with a trusted friend – only the conversation goes a little deeper.
As your coach, I’m here to support you in getting unstuck, identifying what you truly want, and removing the limiting beliefs that hold you back. I combine rigorous coach training with my intuitive gifts and two decades of corporate leadership experience to offer a holistic, compassionate, and results-oriented approach. Through powerful discovery work and tailored guidance, I help you clarify your vision and move toward it with confidence and intention.
My offerings include personalized 1:1 coaching packages (customized to your needs), group coaching programs, and immersive workshops. I love blending creativity and personal development – for example, co-hosting events that combine life coaching with dance to explore self-expression. I also host journaling circles and lead community gatherings like Chai Chats – casual, safe spaces for South Asian women to connect, reflect, and build sisterhood.
What sets my brand apart is the deep care and intentionality behind everything I offer. In a world that often tells women to shrink or hustle nonstop, Chai with Bhav Coaching is a counter-space: soft, brave, and expansive. I’m most proud of creating experiences that help women feel seen, held, and inspired to reclaim their own narrative.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, navigating change, or simply craving more fulfillment, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey – with compassion, curiosity, and a warm cup of chai.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One of my all-time favorite books is The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Divakaruni (who happens to live right here in Houston!). It’s a powerful, feminist retelling of the Hindu epic Mahabharat from the perspective of Draupadi, the female protagonist. I return to it every few years, and each time, it offers new wisdom that speaks to whatever phase of life I’m in. It’s one of those rare stories that continues to evolve with you.
In the non-fiction realm, Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King holds a special place in my heart. It’s a transformative guide to cultivating positivity, self-love, and personal growth. I love how it gently introduces concepts like mindfulness, manifestation, and flow in a way that’s accessible yet deeply resonant. It’s a great first step for anyone beginning their journey into intentional living and energetic awareness.
I tend to gravitate more toward reading than listening, so I lean on newsletters and blogs rather than podcasts. Some of my favorites include:
– Yung Pueblo (https://yungpueblo.substack.com/) – bite-sized reflections that cut straight to the heart.
– Culturally Enough (https://culturallyenough.substack.com/) – thoughtful insights on identity, culture, and belonging from a South Asian therapist.
– The Well Guide by Israa Nasir (https://israanasir.substack.com/) – beautifully grounded mental health wisdom.
As for tools, I love using Canva to channel my creativity – it helps me bring my ideas and brand to life visually. And the Calm app is a favorite for grounding myself with mindfulness, especially on the days that feel a little too full.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chaiwithbhavcoaching.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithbhavcoaching/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhav07/
Image Credits
Professional photos are by:
https://amirabphotography.mypixieset.com/
