A Woman in Transition By Debika Sen

A Woman in Transition

By Debika Sen

I signed up to be a part of a program, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. Little did I realize my entire world was going to be changed overnight. I was transformed, so did my business model! My creative juices ran amok causing havoc in my brain. My husband, Mark, encouraging me to design “Women Empowerment” tours and the program got me thinking what is “Women Empowerment?” Thus, began my adventure into a world that continues to intrigue me – Women are spectacular! I had to get to know her – me!

I first had to understand her journey through the centuries, losing her identity and re-claiming it in some countries and in others never to have had an individuality. I glared at the word “empowerment” scrawled across my scratch pad. I realized, within, is a phrase “Power!” We are resilient, our inner strength is amazing and our blind faith in knowing it will all work out is phenomenal.

Being an Indian woman, steeped in Indian tradition, I understand that society dictates the “Terms and Conditions” as to how we should live. When I resided with my parents, it was their rules and regulations. Migrating to America, I brought with me, my old fashioned idea that I had a family name to uphold. I dared not break the boundaries lest I bring shame to my family. So, when I got married, it was my husband’s home, his rules and now I have two family names to maintain. I had no identity in either homes. I delved into a world steeped in mystery and magic.

During my travels, I meet women from all walks of life. Each leaving her imprint on my soul. An encounter with a florist in Japan – understanding the science and art form behind an ikebana arrangement. The Japanese form of flower arrangements accentuates style and balance – sky, earth and mankind. This relates to a woman – she is feminine, a beautiful soul, intelligent, practical and strong. Meeting with a Buddhist nun in South Korea, who has chosen this path to break free from the constraints of male domination. After much introspection, she realized the need to detach from people’s opinions and expectations, replacing it with self-assurance. The importance in her life, is to be spiritual – to be human and not be attached to the war of the genders. A South Korean female chef, who, through her culinary skills, brings to the table, a mélange of vegetables with harmony and peace – just like a woman who keeps a fine balance of calm, peace and happiness in her home environment, freeing herself from the shackles of ego, bringing people together and permitting them to be creative in their own way. Each component added to a tour is measured, thought through very cautiously without disturbing the fine balance between wellness, being an individual and forging connections around the globe.

When living in a society that is traditional, a woman becomes innovative – working her way through a maize of age old customs without disturbing society’s expectations of a woman’s place in her home and region. It is the recognition that each woman’s experience in “empowerment” differs based on her environment, personality and society. She has, in her own way begun the process of a “Women’s Movement,” paving the way for the next generation.

Debika Sen believes creativity is key when it comes to developing unique international tour experiences. Driven by a need to curate immersive trips for a range of participants, Debika draws on her more-than-a-decade of experience to deliver just that.

Currently, Debika is the Founder and President of A Classic Tours Collection, an immersive tour operator that takes tour participants across continents on unique tour experiences.

Website:  www.aclassictour.com

After entering the travel industry as a receptionist, Debika discovered a fascination for designing trips. As she began to understand the mechanisms of what makes a trip great, Debika embarked on designing trips that today focus on - and fulfill - a spiritual and emotional need for travelers. It was her passion for unique tours that culminated in the launch of A Classic Tours in 2008, based in Redondo Beach, CA. Over the past decade, Debika has grown her tour offerings, team and business, and has offered over 30 experiences across 20 countries.

Notably, Debika created the Women’s Empowerment Tour after being selected for - and participating in – The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. During this time, Debika developed the unique Women’s Empowerment Tour of India, which led to additional tours of historical importance, from Women Empowerment tours to Tahiti, Croatia and Japan, to her one-of-a-kind journey into Imperial Russia and The Occult.

In her downtime, Debika is an avid reader and writer, putting together articles about travel and insights gained through travel, and devouring a multitude of books on travel and history. She also enjoys seeing movies and of course, traveling!