What happens when you realise the life you’re living no longer feels like you?
In this episode, I’m joined by Arpitha — private chef, content creator, storyteller and founder of Alchimie by Arpitha. Originally from Bangalore, Karnataka, Arpitha has created a beautiful life around food, Ayurveda, creativity and sharing the things that bring her joy.
But behind the food and beautiful experiences is a much deeper story.
Arpitha opens up about the difficult chapters that shaped her — leaving an unhappy marriage in India, moving to France, navigating life as an immigrant, losing her father, going through a relationship that no longer felt aligned, and eventually finding the courage to choose herself again.
We talk about what it means to come home to yourself - and how that inner shift can completely change the way you show up in the world.
From struggling with severe acne and not wanting to look at herself in the mirror, to confidently showing her bare skin on camera and sharing her story with hundreds of thousands of people, Arpitha’s journey is a powerful reminder that healing isn't linear.
Sometimes, getting your spark back means making difficult decisions.
Sometimes it means letting go.
Sometimes it means starting again.
And sometimes it simply means allowing yourself to be seen.
We also dive into:
✨ Finding the courage to leave a life that no longer feels aligned
✨ Why we sometimes settle for less than we truly deserve
✨ Learning to recognise when a relationship is limiting your growth
✨ The connection between inner healing, confidence and how we show up externally
✨ Why authenticity can be so powerful — and so scary
✨ How sharing your story can create connection with people you’ve never met
✨ Ayurveda, meditation, breathwork and the small rituals that helped Arpitha reconnect with herself
✨ Creating a business that reflects your values instead of someone else’s dream
✨ Food as an experience — nourishing, anti-inflammatory and still indulgent
✨ The inspiration behind Alchimie by Arpitha
✨ And the courage it takes to keep showing up, even when healing happens in waves
One of the biggest reminders from our conversation?
You don't have to have everything figured out. You just have to keep showing up for yourself.
If you’ve been feeling disconnected from yourself, stuck in a life that no longer feels right, or simply feel like you’ve lost a little bit of your spark, I hope this conversation reminds you that it’s never too late to begin again.
About Arpitha
Arpitha is a private chef, content creator and storyteller originally from Bangalore, Karnataka. Her work brings together plant-based cooking, Ayurveda, culinary experiences, catering and fine dining.
Through her work and her story, she shares the things that have brought her joy, supported her healing and helped her reconnect with herself.
Find Arpitha:
Instagram: @arpitha.savale
Alchimie by Arpitha: @alchimie_by_arpitha
Email: bonjour.alchimie@gmail.com
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ABOUT THE HOST - SARAH LENA SMUTNY:
Sarah is a certified integrative nutritionist who has guided over 150 women toward a more balanced and vibrant life. She seamlessly integrates human design, herbal medicine, and Ayurveda to create personalized approaches for her clients, empowering them to reconnect with their joy of life and the simplicity of health.
Connect with me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/simplyinbalance/
My healing story:
https://simply-in-balance.com/my-healing-story
Holistic health Coaching:
https://simply-in-balance.com/integrative-health-coaching
Sep 13 202651 min