From Teacher OOTDs to Building A Brand with Payal Desai

From Teacher OOTDs to Building A Brand with Payal Desai

This week on Unscripted with Karishma Patel, I’m sitting down with content creator and former teacher Payal Desai for a real conversation about social media, going viral, creator burnout, confidence, and what it actually looks like to build a career online. We talk about Payal’s journey from posting teacher outfit videos to becoming a full time creator, the pressure that comes with being perceived online, and the parts of influencer life people don’t usually talk about. From internet culture and comparison to finding balance and staying true to yourself, this episode feels like a FaceTime call with your internet besties. If you’ve ever questioned your path, compared yourself online, or wondered what really happens behind the perfectly curated content… this one’s for you. Topics we cover: * Leaving teaching and becoming a full time creator * The reality of going viral * Creator burnout and social media pressure * Confidence and self identity online * The highs and lows of internet culture * Comparison, validation, and staying grounded * Building a personal brand authentically * Advice for aspiring creators Connect with Payal: Instagram: www.instagram.com/payalforstyle TikTok: www.TikTok.com/payalforstyle Stay Connected with Me! Instagram: www.instagram.com/kp.fitstyle TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kp.fitstyle YouTube: www.youtube.com/@kp.fitstyle   Keep up with the podcast:  www.instagram.com/unscriptedwithkp  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unscripted-with-karishma-patel/id1664622384 https://open.spotify.com/show/4CtZ2LPYJU5yew6Janwj9v?si=0d818475a9824ca8 www.youtube.com/@kp.fitstyle Got thoughts on the episode? DM me or leave a review. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review, it helps more people find the show and grow our community. See you next time on Unscripted with Karishma Patel. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2031854/support]

When Your Body Forces You to Slow Down: A Conversation with Samantha Rose

In today’s episode, Samantha Rose gets real about what happens when life forces you to pause. We dive into the emotional, physical, and deeply personal journey she experienced after her thyroid surgery, the unexpected challenges that followed, and the ways her healing changed the way she sees herself. This is a conversation about slowing down, listening to your body, rebuilding your confidence, and learning to trust yourself again. Samantha opens up about being in a season where everything felt heavy: the surgery, the recovery, the loss of control, the identity shifts, and the emotional toll that comes with not feeling like yourself. She shares the parts of healing no one talks about, the fear of not knowing what your body will feel like day to day, and how she learned to give herself grace through all of it. This episode feels grounding, soft, and real. A reminder that healing is not linear and becoming the stronger version of yourself often happens in the quiet moments. We talk about * What her thyroid surgery taught her about slowing down and letting go * The emotional roller coaster of healing and not recognizing your own body * How she rebuilt her confidence during a vulnerable season * Why listening to your body is not only important but necessary * Shifts in friendships, boundaries, and relationships during recovery * The fear of feeling “behind” when everyone else seems to be moving fast * How she learned to rest without feeling guilty * The moment she realized she could trust her body again * What becoming “her” looks like after going through something so life changing If you’ve ever had to start over with your body You will feel so seen in this conversation. Samantha reminds us that slowing down is not weakness. Rest is not falling behind. And healing can create a new version of you that is stronger, wiser, and more aligned. Listen if you’re craving * Real conversation about healing * A reminder that slowing down is okay * A moment to breathe * Permission to rest * A story that makes you feel less alone Connect with Samantha: Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifestylewithsamantha TikTok: www.TikTok.com/lifestylewithsamantha Stay Connected with Me! Instagram: www.instagram.com/kp.fitstyle TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kp.fitstyle YouTube: www.youtube.com/@kp.fitstyle Keep up with the podcast: www.instagram.com/unscriptedwithkp  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unscripted-with-karishma-patel/id1664622384 https://open.spotify.com/show/4CtZ2LPYJU5yew6Janwj9v?si=0d818475a9824ca8 www.youtube.com/@kp.fitstyle Got thoughts on the episode? DM me or leave a review. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review, it helps more people find the show and grow our community. See you next time on Unscripted with Karishma Patel. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2031854/support]

The Balance Between Creating and Living with Rachel Lately

In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Lately, a longtime Austin content creator who has mastered the art of keeping it real both online and offline. We dive into what it truly means to find balance as a creator, how to show up authentically without burning out, and why stepping away sometimes leads to the best ideas. Rachel opens up about her journey in the creator space, how her content has evolved over the years, and the importance of enjoying life beyond the feed. We talk about everything from navigating social media pressure to embracing slower seasons and finding joy in everyday moments. If you have ever struggled with staying consistent without losing yourself, this conversation is for you. It is honest, fun, and such a good reminder that life happens beyond the camera roll, and that is where the real stories begin. Key Takeaways: * You can slow down without falling behind — creativity often thrives in rest. * Authenticity is not a strategy, it is a lifestyle. * Boundaries are the key to staying sane as a creator. * Real life will always inspire better content than comparison ever could. * You are allowed to evolve, both online and off. Connect with Rachel Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachellately Instagram: www.instagram.com/512bites TikTok: www.TikTok.com/512bites Stay Connected with Me! Instagram: www.instagram.com/kp.fitstyle TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kp.fitstyle YouTube: www.youtube.com/@kp.fitstyle Keep up with the podcast: www.instagram.com/unscriptedwithkp  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unscripted-with-karishma-patel/id1664622384 https://open.spotify.com/show/4CtZ2LPYJU5yew6Janwj9v?si=0d818475a9824ca8 www.youtube.com/@kp.fitstyle Got thoughts on the episode? DM me or leave a review. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it helps more people find the show and grow our community. See you next time on Unscripted with Karishma Patel. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2031854/support]

Unfiltered & Unapologetic: Humor, Hustle, and Owning the Spotlight with Pinky Patel

Episode Summary: In this hilarious and honest episode, Karishma sits down with comedian and viral sensation Pinky Patel — who took the internet (and comedy stages) by storm. From cracking jokes in her closet to performing sold-out shows across the country, Pinky opens up about how it all began, what it took to step into her confidence, and how she’s balancing it all while staying true to herself. This conversation is about more than just laughs — it’s about taking risks, breaking stereotypes, and finding your power by being exactly who you are. In This Episode: * How Pinky Patel went from PTA mom to full-time comedian * The moment she realized her humor had a bigger purpose * What people really said when she started pursuing comedy * How she deals with criticism and stays grounded * Finding confidence and identity as a South Asian woman in the spotlight * The behind-the-scenes reality of touring, family, and hustle * Her advice for anyone scared to start something new Key Takeaway: Being unapologetically yourself isn’t just brave — it’s your superpower. Pinky reminds us that the real magic happens when you stop trying to fit in and start showing up as you. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube — and don’t forget to follow @unscriptedwithkp and @kp.fitstyle for more behind-the-scenes and upcoming Unscripted guests. Connect with Pinky: Instagram: www.instagram.com/pinkypatelofficial She's on tour right now: https://pinkypatel.komi.io/?fbclid=PAdGRleANk2RxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp6lpBbfHbNSsKKXOtXtHjmxKCgFefBAYoLhPLgSADrvOIun93HjVY_auBcwS_aem_qmOkGo25yDEyiS6KuJGabw [https://pinkypatel.komi.io/?fbclid=PAdGRleANk2RxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp6lpBbfHbNSsKKXOtXtHjmxKCgFefBAYoLhPLgSADrvOIun93HjVY_auBcwS_aem_qmOkGo25yDEyiS6KuJGabw] Stay Connected with Me! Instagram: www.instagram.com/kp.fitstyle TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kp.fitstyle YouTube: www.youtube.com/@kp.fitstyle Keep up with the podcast: www.instagram.com/unscriptedwithkp  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unscripted-with-karishma-patel/id1664622384 https://open.spotify.com/show/4CtZ2LPYJU5yew6Janwj9v?si=0d818475a9824ca8 www.youtube.com/@kp.fitstyle Got thoughts on the episode? DM me or leave a review. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it helps more people find the show and grow our community. See you next time on Unscripted with Karishma Patel. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2031854/support]

More Than Survival: Motherhood, Cancer, and Community with Shruti Babu

In this heartfelt episode of Unscripted with Karishma Patel, I sit down with Shruti Babu — a mom of two, breast cancer survivor, and founder of SAMOSA, a collective created to bring South Asian creators together through connection, community, and storytelling. Shruti opens up about her journey through breast cancer — from the diagnosis to the emotional and societal challenges she faced — and how she turned that pain into a mission to empower others. We talk about what it really means to find strength in vulnerability, to redefine beauty and identity after illness, and to build a life rooted in gratitude and purpose. This conversation is raw, real, and deeply inspiring — a reminder that survival isn’t just about making it through, but about rediscovering yourself along the way. In this episode, we dive into: * Navigating breast cancer as a South Asian woman and mother * The mental, emotional, and physical healing process * Handling societal stigma and unsolicited opinions * Creating SAMOSA and the importance of representation * Redefining confidence, femininity, and community after hardship Connect with Shruti: Instagram: www.instagram.com/pajamamama512 Stay Connected with Me! Instagram: www.instagram.com/kp.fitstyle TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kp.fitstyle YouTube: www.youtube.com/@kp.fitstyle Keep up with the podcast: www.instagram.com/unscriptedwithkp  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unscripted-with-karishma-patel/id1664622384 https://open.spotify.com/show/4CtZ2LPYJU5yew6Janwj9v?si=0d818475a9824ca8 www.youtube.com/@kp.fitstyle Got thoughts on the episode? DM me or leave a review. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it helps more people find the show and grow our community. See you next time on Unscripted with Karishma Patel. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2031854/support]