Positive thinking is something I hold very dear. It isn’t about overlooking difficulties or pretending that life is always perfect, but about choosing to see possibilities even when the way forward feels uncertain. For me, it has been a quiet anchor, something that has shaped the way I live, create, and grow.
On Positive Thinking Day, I believe it is important to pause and remind ourselves of its power. Optimism does not need to be loud to be life-changing. It can be gentle, steady, and deeply personal. It has the strength to turn challenges into lessons and to transform what feels overwhelming into something we can move through.
That is why I wish to share a few reflections with you today as an offering of inspiration. Positive thinking is not about perfection; it is about persistence. A small shift in how we choose to see the world can open doors, create beauty, and carry us further than we might ever imagine.
Setbacks, Doubts, and Silent Determination
When I look back to the very beginning of Chandrika Thomas London, I often think about how complicated those early years were. The vision was clear: to create a house of fragrance rooted in meaning, sustainability, and quiet luxury. But clarity of vision does not make the path easy. But clarity of vision does not make the path easy. The development alone took years, working with trusted partners and skilled professionals across many fields, and learning to break every element down to its finest detail before building it back up again. My background as a couture wedding dress designer taught me that creation requires patience, deep understanding, and the courage to start over until it feels right.
With so many challenges, fear was naturally part of the journey. But I have always seen fear as essential, it signals that I am pushing boundaries and stepping into growth. For me, it is not something to run from but something to face head-on. Each time fear appeared, I took it as a reminder to stay determined, to break things down further, and to keep moving.
That is why giving up simply does not exist in my vocabulary. I have always believed that if you create something people truly need, there will be a place for it in the world. Whenever I found myself tired or frustrated, I shifted my thinking: how can I move this forward? Do I need to break it down further? That mindset kept me going when walking away would have been far easier.
There are always hardships in building something from the ground up, especially, as I later discovered, when you are a person of colour. When I first began this journey, I didn’t even think of it that way. I have never looked at people through the lens of colour; I simply see people as equal. My focus was on building relationships, working hard, and creating fragrances that would be universal, perfumes designed for all skin types, for all people, because beauty should never have boundaries. In more recent years, however, I have come to face the harsher truth of the obstacles that do exist. That realisation has only strengthened my belief in the importance of showing up proudly as an Asian woman, not only for myself, but in the hope of inspiring others who may be quietly dreaming of their own path.
Believing in Beauty, Even When It Felt Impossible
For me, luxury has never been about flash or excess. It is about balance, quiet living, and comfort woven into everyday life. True luxury is long-lasting, sophisticated, and deeply individual. Our fragrances reflect this, crafted to be notable and unique, yet able to blend seamlessly into one’s personality.
Holding onto that vision has not always been easy. There were moments when I developed something and considered releasing it, but deep down, I knew it did not meet the standard I wanted for my clients. Positive thinking gave me the courage to step back, to remind myself that it is better to wait, to refine, to begin again, rather than compromise.
There are always easier paths in business, but I have never been drawn to them. If a choice is not aligned with my values, then it does not belong in my brand. Positive thinking is what allows me to see beyond short-term gains and focus instead on building something meaningful and lasting. It is the belief that by choosing beauty, quality, and integrity every time, the right doors will eventually open.
Seeing Possibility in Every Challenge
I have always believed that setbacks are not the end of the story; they are opportunities in disguise. Where others might see a barrier, I choose to see a chance to think differently. Positive thinking means asking: What can I learn from this? How can I move it forward another way?
There was a time I needed a particular paper for our packaging, only to discover the supplier had run out of stock. Instead of allowing it to hold me back, I chose to redesign. That simple shift in mindset transformed frustration into creativity. Rather than beating myself up over something beyond my control, I embraced the flow and created something new.
The same perspective carries me through business downturns. Many see them as frightening, but I view them as a challenge, a time to stand taller, to work harder, and to prepare for what comes next. I know from experience that after periods of decline come periods of growth. A downturn is not the end, but an invitation to rethink, refine, and return stronger.
This is how I approach every challenge: with a flexible mind and a refusal to give in. Giving up has never been an option for me. If one path is blocked, then another can be made. Positive thinking is about trusting that with patience and persistence, there is always another way forward.
Fragrance as a Quiet Act of Optimism
Positive thinking often begins with noticing the small things, and for me, that has always meant tuning into the senses. Fragrance is one of the most powerful of these, able to comfort, to uplift, and to remind us that joy is never far away. A single scent can bring you back to a moment of discovery, a walk in nature, a romance, or a gathering with loved ones. These memories live within us, waiting to be reawakened. Choosing to revisit them is, in itself, an act of optimism.
I often speak about building a “scent library”, a collection of fragrances to return to depending on how you feel or what you need. In the same way, our senses can guide us towards positivity in daily life. The sound of music, the comfort of touch, the beauty of colour, the smell of the earth after rain, when we become aware of these gifts, they encourage gratitude and lift our spirits. Positive thinking, for me, is deeply linked to sensory living.
This is why I believe fragrance has the power to heal. When it is close to nature, it carries something restorative, grounding us in the rhythms of the earth. Personally, perfumes such as Assam Tea & Cardamom, Persian Rose, Thyme & Mandarin Fig, or Desert Rose are not just blends of botanicals; they are companions that soothe the mind, bring moments of calm, spark joy, and remind us to feel complete. Each one is like a gentle nudge towards optimism, offering comfort when life feels heavy and brightness when the day needs lifting.
Then there is Marrakesh, bold, vibrant, and assertive. For me, it has always symbolised resilience. It speaks of strength and confidence, yet still carries beauty and elegance. It reminds me daily that toughness and grace can exist together, and that optimism often lies in holding both: standing firm in who you are, while still choosing to see beauty in the world.
Every perfume I create is a quiet act of positive thinking. Each one carries with it a story of memory, courage, or joy, designed to be a gentle companion that helps us keep moving forward, with grace and hope.
The Routines That Keep Me Grounded
Optimism, for me, is not abstract; it lives in the rhythms of daily life. My days begin with gratitude: for my family, for good health, and for the comfort of home. Even small things bring joy and keep me centred. Sleeping in crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, waking up next to my loving husband, Peter, with Ollie’s morning cuddles, stepping into the day with a view from the window, all of these may seem simple, but they set the tone for optimism.
Walking into my kitchen, I find comfort in the sight of houseplants arranged as ornaments, each one bringing its own quiet beauty. Some mornings I decide to rearrange them, and even that small act feels grounding, it is part of my sensory world, a way of engaging with life’s simple pleasures.
Then comes my first cup of coffee, which I always enjoy with my husband, often turning into breakfast with the boys, chatting about their plans, ideas, or just the little things that make us laugh. Afterwards, a long walk with Ollie as he chases birds with his funny energy always makes me smile and reminds me to start the day lightly. The sensory details carry through outdoors too, the feel of the wind, the shifting weather, the changing seasons, the trees, the scent of the air. These little moments connect me to the present and remind me how much joy there is in simply noticing.
From there, I immerse myself in the work I love. Mornings are my most focused time, a space I dedicate to moving the brand forward. I often begin by listening to audiobooks on business, leadership, or areas where I want to sharpen my knowledge. I am not an expert in every field, but it is my responsibility to understand enough, whether it’s analytics, website performance, or SEO, so that I can guide and direct with clarity. This habit keeps me curious, always learning, and always improving.
Much of my time is spent on brand development: sketching new ideas, planning future collections, or speaking with trusted partners about possibilities for products. There is a constant rhythm of testing, refining, and going back and forth until every detail feels right. It can be analytical one moment and deeply creative the next, numbers and strategy woven together with drawing and design. That balance of disciplines, shifting between vision and precision, is what I find most energising. It reminds me that every small step, every adjustment, is part of building something greater.
Balance, though, is just as important. Throughout the day, I dip in and out of sensory joys: rearranging my plant displays, listening to music, anything from classical to rock or jazz, or simply spending time with my loved ones. I swim around three miles a week, practise yoga, meditate briefly, and relish family dinners where I catch up with my sons and my husband. Gardening is another great source of optimism for me. I am always a forward planner. This season, I cannot wait to plant tulips, alliums, and paperwhites, imagining the spectacular display they will bring in spring and winter. Autumn walks with Ollie also fill me with anticipation and happiness.
Art and creativity also keep me grounded. I have a collection of the finest pens for detailed drawings, small canvases for painting in oils and acrylics, and I often dip into illustrator as well. For me, these moments are both relaxing and exciting. They remind me that work and play need not be separate; most of my work is creative, and that in itself is fun.
These routines are my anchors. They keep my body energised, my mind clear, and my outlook optimistic. They remind me that positive thinking is not something you call on only in moments of difficulty; it is something you practise in everyday life. This is my way of staying grounded and moving forward, but each of us can create our own. The important thing is to find the rituals and joys that make you feel alive, and to let them carry you through challenges as well as triumphs.
What Positive Thinking Has Taught Me
If there is one thing my journey has shown me, it is that optimism is often quiet and steady. It lives in persistence, in gentleness, and in the daily choice to keep moving forward even when the way ahead is difficult.
To anyone building a dream, I would say this: You do not have to shout to be powerful. Positive thinking can be soft yet unshakable; it is the patience to refine, the courage to stay true to your values, and the strength to rise each day with curiosity and hope.
I also believe in the importance of giving yourself space to know who you are and where you want to go. Visualise your life not just in the next year, but in five, ten, twenty, or even a hundred years. Then work backwards and draw your map. If you can create a good map of your vision, you can achieve it. But a true map is not only about goals; it must also hold your lifestyle, your family, your happiness, and you as a person. That is what makes the journey sustainable, joyful, and worth it.
And once you have that vision, you need to walk it with the right mindset and with the right people. Surround yourself with positive people who lift you higher, because the company you keep will always play a part in shaping how you see the world.
At the same time, keep learning every corner of your craft. You don’t need to be an expert in everything, but understanding the whole picture gives you confidence and control.
And through it all, let passion and persistence be the compass that guides you forward.
When life does bring its negatives, as it inevitably will, remind yourself that each one carries the possibility of being turned into something positive. Challenges often reveal lessons, fresh perspectives, or even opportunities we could not see before. By shifting how we look at them, we give ourselves the power to transform difficulty into growth. The world is full of beauty, and people, at their core, are beautiful too. Holding onto that belief is what keeps optimism alive.
Positive thinking is not something to reach for only in difficult times; it is a way of life. Make it part of how you live, every day, and you will always find a path forward.
This Positive Thinking Day, I invite you to find beauty in your own journey. Perhaps you will discover it in your routines, your creativity, or even in a fragrance that becomes a quiet companion along the way.
We would love to know what positive thinking means to you. Share your rituals, your reflections, or your scent stories with us on social media, and let this day be a reminder that optimism, in all its forms, is worth celebrating.
