Itโs that magical time of year again, Christmas is upon us! The festive ambience lingers in the crisp winter air, bringing a sense of warmth and joy even on the chilliest days. As 2024 comes to a close, I canโt help but reflect on everything this year has brought, its highs, its lessons, and the moments that truly matter.
This season feels like the perfect time to pause and show gratitude. I wanted to take a moment to pen this note, a small way to leave a mark on the blessings I've received and share a sincere message of appreciation with all of you.
Reflecting on 2023 and 2024 fills me with a profound sense of pride and gratitude. These past two years have been nothing short of transformative, marked by challenges both personally and as a businesswoman. Through it all, Iโve grown stronger and more resilient.
Navigating through this period has been anything but easy. Iโve faced trauma and hardship, though Iโll spare the details. What Iโve come to realise is that in moments of crisis, weโre often left with two choices: to sink or to swim. Iโve chosen to swim. And every day, I make that choice, because I truly believe that even when weโre gasping for breath, like I have been, there is always an end. If we just keep swimming, we will eventually reach the shore.
For my brand, Chandrika Thomas London, 2024 has been a year of growth and survival. Despite my personal challenges, my small team and I have continued to push forward, making a conscious effort every day to nurture and expand the brand. We have strived to craft something truly special, not just luxury fragrances, but an experience that connects deeply with each of you. As the year draws to a close, I am grateful to reflect on how weโve touched peopleโs lives through the world of fine fragrances.
And now, I want you all to know:
โThis is just the beginning, we are now ready.โ
When I first visualised the fragrance range 14 years ago, this exact collection is what I had in mind. To see it come to life now, and to witness all that both the brand and I have accomplished, fills me with immense pride. I can now look back at my younger self from 14 years ago and say,ย
โI told you it was possible.โ
This journey would not have been possible without the support of my family, Ollie my beloved dog, and especially my husband, Peter. He has been my constant pillar, standing by me not only as my life partner but also as someone who deeply believes in me and the strength I embody as a woman with a unique story and perspective. Iโm also grateful for my dedicated small team and the loyal customers who have supported me and my brand through it all, continuously reminding me of the purpose behind everything I do.
As I reflect on the moments I've shared with my customers, whether at events, greeting clients at my stand, or connecting online, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy.ย Over the years, Iโve had the privilege of hearing so many touching and meaningful stories about how our fragrances have become part of your lives. These personal connections serve as a beautiful reminder of something I always share with my team: our fragrances are not just ours; they belong to our cherished customers, who have created their own unique stories and crafted memories that are beautifully intertwined with the scents they wear.
It is through these relationships that our brand continues to evolve and thrive. My clients provide me with the strength to keep moving forward, to craft new products, and to persevere as a woman in business. To think that for nearly ten years, Iโve had the privilege of making my clients happy and that the relationships Iโve built have brought me so much joy, fills my heart.ย I truly feel that the Chandrika Thomas London family is growing stronger and expanding every day, and I couldnโt be more proud and grateful.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to personally thank all of youโmy clientsโfor standing strong with me and for all the love that I and my fragrances have received. Thank you for making us a part of your lives.
This year, Christmas means more to me than it ever has before. Over the past two years, I have struggled deeply with personal challenges and traumas, which made it difficult for me to be mentally present with my family. Even last Christmas, I wasnโt truly there in the way I wanted to be.
This year, while attending the Spirit of Christmas Fair, I came to an important realisation. As I stood at my stand, despite everything Iโve been through, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. I was there, smiling, fully present, celebrating life and the journey that continues.ย
For me, that moment was a quiet victory. A powerful reminder that even in the toughest of times, we can show up, face the world, and still smile. Itโs a testament to resilience and the belief that, no matter the challenges, I will continue to rise, and continue to keep moving forward.
Reflecting on that experience, I realised just how much Iโve missed by not being fully present with those I love over the last two years. With the support of art therapy and the love of those around me, Iโve made a conscious decision to fully embrace the spirit of Christmas this year. I am committed to being here, both physically and mentally. with my family, to celebrate and honour the true meaning of Christmas: a sacred time of connection, joy, and togetherness.
I also want to encourage all of you, my dear clients, to celebrate this festive season with your loved ones. Take the time to be truly present, to cherish those around you, and to embrace the joy of the season. Christmas, regardless of what we believe in, is a time of birth and new beginnings, a reminder that life is ever-renewing, full of fresh starts and infinite possibilities. Itโs about the moments we share, the memories we create, and the love that surrounds us.
Just as Iโve learned the importance of being fully present, I hope this season inspires you to reflect, to connect with those who matter most, and to celebrate the beauty of lifeโs continuous renewal. This is the time to embrace joy, to start anew, and to find peace in the simple, powerful moments of togetherness.
Love,
Chandrika X
