As You Start to Walk on the Way, the Way Appears

Welcome to the very first episode of Coffee with FreshInk, where we share inspiring stories of individuals who have merged their passion with profession. In today’s episode, we highlight Saarani, a remarkable STEM professional who followed an unexpected path from the world of science to making her mark in the global arena, all while staying true to her roots.

Her journey is a reminder that sometimes, life doesn’t go according to plan, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create something extraordinary from the unexpected.

Saarani’s Journey from STEM to Purpose: A Story of Resilience

Let’s be real — if you grew up in a typical Indian household, chances are your family had one ultimate dream for you: “Doctor or nothing.”

Yup, Saarani’s story starts there too. She wanted to be a doctor, and so did her parents. But life had a different plan. She didn’t land a government medical seat, and with financial pressure and family institution breakdown, her dream was parked.

Now, most people would’ve sulked — and maybe even settled. But not Saarani. Instead of clinging to a closed door, she opened another — one called Biotechnology. She got into matriculation, took up the course with a big, open heart, and told herself:
“I’m talented. I know I’ll succeed wherever I go.”

And guess what? She did.

At first, she didn’t even know what biotech really was — but she loved biology, and that was enough for her to start. Every day, she Googled to learn more. Every step forward was taken with curiosity and trust. She wasn’t afraid to explore before deciding what she truly wanted — and that is what made her journey extraordinary.

Along the way, she discovered that working in confined labs wasn’t for her, but that didn’t push her out of the field. Instead, it pulled her deeper — into science communication, policy, and regulation. She found mentors, attended global conferences, and built a name for herself in a space people rarely talk about — all while still a student.

“Biotech is HUGE,” she says — and she means it. It’s more than white coats and microscopes. It’s innovation, governance, global impact. And Saarani is living proof of how much possibility exists in this field when you choose to see it.

Today, she holds a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology, a Master’s in Development Studies, and is pursuing her PhD in Biotechnology Regulation. Her new role Regulatory Affair Specialist (Asia Pacific Region) at Oxitec, mentors young minds, writes for national platforms, and is the founder of AgBioVoice, advocating for ethical biotech innovation.

But let’s go back to the full-circle moment.

From a girl who couldn’t become a doctor due to financial struggles…
To a woman who gained knowledge, global exposure, and eventually, financial freedom — all by owning the path she was given.

And the most beautiful part? That freedom gave her something priceless — the ability to choose what she truly loves doing. That choice led to purpose.

Just like Rumi once said,

“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.”

Saarani didn’t wait for a perfect plan to show up — she walked, explored, fell in love with the process, and trusted her instincts.

Empowering Artists: FreshInk’s Commitment to Building a Creative Community

At FreshInk, we share Saarani’s belief in empowerment. While she took her journey into the biotech field, our journey at FreshInk is focused on empowering artists and turning their creativity into thriving businesses. We believe in nurturing the artistic potential of our henna artists, helping them develop skills that can lead to successful artpreneurial ventures.

With over 300 students trained and workshops held across Malaysia, we are proud to have created a community where passionate artists can find mentorship and opportunities. Whether it’s through bridal mehendi, corporate events, or personal workshops, FreshInk is a space where artistry meets entrepreneurship, just like Saarani’s commitment to the future of innovation.

To all the young dreamers out there feeling stuck or redirected — listen to Saarani’s story and know this:

Success isn’t always about sticking to “the plan.” Sometimes, it’s about turning Plan B into your best story ever.

We’re so proud to share Saarani’s journey — and we can’t wait to see how her purpose continues to light the way for others.

What is Coffee with Freshink?

We’re Freshink, a henna artist brand born from creativity, culture, and a love for bold expression. While we started with designing trendy, modern henna, we realized something magical — behind every design is a real person with a story worth sharing.

That’s how Coffee with Freshink was born — a space where we feature inspiring individuals from our own community who are chasing dreams, breaking barriers, and living boldly.

Here’s a beautiful henna design on a gorgeous lady with an equally beautiful story. If her journey touched or inspired you, do like, share, and drop a comment — because stories like these deserve to be seen and celebrated. 💫