Creator shares her journey of overcoming insecurities and building an identity through content creation at an interactive community meetup in association with L’Oréal Paris
Kolkata: Candid conversations, creative activities and personal experiences took centre stage as Kolkata-based content creator Preeti Sarkar hosted her first-ever community meetup, Chai Latte with Preeti, at Hashtag in Kolkata on October 26. Organised in association with L’Oréal Paris, the gathering brought Preeti and her followers together for an afternoon of interaction, self-expression and community bonding.
The event offered a glimpse into Preeti’s journey from facing self-doubt and criticism to establishing herself as a content creator. During an open conversation with attendees, she spoke about the challenges she encountered after arriving in Kolkata to pursue acting, including an upsetting audition-related experience that made her question her place in the industry.
She also recalled facing criticism over her appearance during a brand shoot, an experience that affected her confidence because of insecurities she had struggled with for years.
Sharing a message of self-belief, Preeti said that the same person who had once been made to feel insecure about her appearance eventually became the face of an international hair colour brand. She urged people not to allow others’ beauty standards to limit their ambitions or determine their sense of self-worth.
From a Phone and Sunlight to Content Creation
Preeti also spoke about the early days of her content-creation journey, when she relied on little more than a phone, natural sunlight and an improvised tripod to make videos.
According to her, a significant change came when she stopped trying to imitate others and began creating content in her own voice. Reflecting on the lessons she had learnt along the way, she encouraged attendees to focus on building a life they could be proud of rather than spending their time proving others wrong.
Her conversation highlighted the importance of perseverance, individuality and the confidence to follow one’s own path despite criticism and setbacks.
Games, Creativity and Community Interaction
Beyond the conversations, the afternoon featured several interactive activities, including Chai Latte Bingo, Kulhad Pong and DIY charm-making. Participants also enjoyed refreshments, photographs and informal conversations with Preeti, fellow creators and friends.
The activities gave attendees an opportunity to interact beyond social media and connect with one another in a relaxed, informal setting. The gathering combined entertainment with personal storytelling, creating space for participants to share experiences and celebrate individuality.
The association with L’Oréal Paris complemented the event’s focus on self-expression, personal identity and embracing one’s appearance.
With its mix of honest conversations, creative engagement and community interaction, Chai Latte with Preeti marked a new step in Preeti Sarkar’s engagement with her audience, bringing online connections into a real-world setting.
