Meet Shirley

The Beginning: Manipur to New Delhi

I was born and raised in Manipur, a beautiful state in Northeast India known for its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Growing up, I was surrounded by the warmth of close-knit communities and traditional values. My family eventually moved to New Delhi, where I completed my education and began to dream of making my mark in the world.

In my culture, solo travel - especially for women - wasn't something that was encouraged or even discussed. The idea of a woman traveling alone, particularly to a foreign country, was seen as unusual and even risky. But I had always been curious about the world beyond what I knew.

The Google Years: Success and Burnout

After university, I landed a job at Google. It was everything I had worked for - a prestigious position at one of the world's most innovative companies. I was proud, my family was proud, and from the outside, everything looked perfect.

But behind the scenes, I was exhausted. The constant pressure to perform, the long hours, the feeling that I was always "on" - it all started to take its toll. I found myself going through the motions, feeling disconnected from the work that once excited me. I realized I was burnt out, and I needed a change.

I needed to step away, to breathe, to remember what it felt like to simply be present and alive.

The Trip That Changed Everything

On a whim - or perhaps out of desperation - I booked a solo trip to Thailand. I didn't tell many people about it. I knew what they would say: "It's not safe." "Why alone?" "What will people think?"

But I went anyway. And those first few days in Bangkok were terrifying. I questioned everything - my decision to come, my ability to navigate a foreign country alone, even my own judgment. Every interaction felt like a test I wasn't sure I'd pass.

Then something shifted. Maybe it was the kindness of a local vendor who helped me find my way when I was lost. Or the sunset I watched from a rooftop bar, where I realized I was actually enjoying my own company. Or the conversations with other solo travelers who shared their own stories of courage and self-discovery.

Whatever it was, I started to see my solo trip not as something scary, but as something empowering. I was navigating a new country, making my own decisions, and discovering a version of myself I had never met before - one who was brave, independent, and capable.

Falling in Love with Phuket

When I arrived in Phuket, something clicked. Maybe it was the laid-back island energy, so different from the hustle of Delhi and the intensity of my Google life. Or the stunning beaches, the vibrant Old Town with its colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, the friendly locals who made me feel at home.

I extended my trip. Then extended it again. I started exploring beyond the tourist areas, making friends with locals, learning about Thai culture, discovering hidden gems that weren't in any guidebook.

And then I realized: I didn't want to leave. So I didn't.

Finding My Purpose

Living in Phuket, I met countless travelers - especially women - who were navigating the same challenges I had faced. Solo female travelers worried about safety. Girlfriends looking for experiences that went beyond the typical tourist traps. Moms trying to balance adventure with the needs of their children or aging parents.

I realized I could help. I knew Phuket inside and out. I had connections with trusted local businesses. I understood the unique concerns of female travelers because I had lived them myself. And I had a passion for creating meaningful, transformative travel experiences.

That's how Wear Your Adventure was born.

My Mission Today

Through Wear Your Adventure, I help travelers - especially women - experience Thailand with confidence and joy. My enamel pins celebrate the spirit of adventure and the courage it takes to explore the world. My travel concierge service provides the insider knowledge and support I wish I had during my first solo trip.

I focus on three types of travelers because I've seen how their needs differ:

• Solo travelers - especially women who, like me, are stepping out of their comfort zones and defying cultural expectations. I provide safety-focused planning, connections to trusted female drivers, and the reassurance that comes from having a local friend who understands.
• Friend groups - looking for authentic experiences and lasting memories. I help you skip the tourist traps and find the real Phuket - the beaches locals love, the restaurants that serve the best food, the experiences you'll talk about for years.
• Moms - traveling with young children or aging parents, who need extra consideration for accessibility, family-friendly activities, and logistics. I understand the unique challenges and can help you create a trip that works for everyone.

Why I Do This

That solo trip to Thailand didn't just change my life - it transformed how I see myself and what I'm capable of. It taught me that sometimes the scariest decisions lead to the most beautiful outcomes. That stepping outside your comfort zone isn't reckless - it's necessary for growth.

Every time I help a traveler discover Phuket, I'm reminded of my own journey. Every time a solo female traveler tells me they felt safe and empowered, I think about how scared I was on those first few days. Every time a family has an amazing trip because of my planning, I feel grateful that I took that leap.

Travel changed my life. Now, I get to help it change yours.