Meet our sister: Mandeep Bedi

We've met some incredible women since founding Sefte - from our artisans, customers, partners, fellow entrepreneurs, and more. We like to take time to celebrate them, and need to do this more often!

With that we'd love to introduce you to a fellow customer and one of our biggest champions, Mandeep Bedi, who came to our attention after taking her Paya Meditation Shawl to the base of the Matterhorn. It turns out she's a major supporter of Every Mother Counts, as well. She lives her life with purpose and generosity. Take a read - we think you'll be inspired by the beautiful and giving Mandeep as well!  

How and why did you get involved with Every Mother Counts (EMC)?

I wanted to raise money for a non-profit that had great “purpose” and impact - EMC helps amazing Mothers in developing countries who walk miles and miles to deliver their babies. These Mothers are the True Heroes of this world and I wanted to honor their impossible task of childbirth in extremely difficult circumstances…with my #everystepeverymother because Every Mother Counts.

Tell us about your Matterhorn climb for EMC?

Climbing The Matterhorn to 14,692 feet was the most brutally hard life pursuit I have ever undertaken...but it was also the most magical, enlightening and deeply humbling experience. I still can't believe I climbed to The Summit with only 5 months of training! This ascent will forever be my biggest life accomplishment, my proudest moment and made 41 my best year ever!

What do you do when you're not summiting epic peaks?

I am a twice entrepreneur. I have a management consulting business in healthcare and also a creative company called TasteArchitecture where I curate events in amazing, architectural spaces. I fell into healthcare by accident when I was 21 and the rest is history. I founded TasteArchitecture later in life when I stumbled upon the most beautiful, abandoned architectural building in Manhattan…it was love at first sight!

Do you have a “sister” who has propped you up personally or professionally? 

My acupuncturist Maria Bowling is the most beautiful, magical and inspiring person I know. She is an amazing healer and her multi-dimensional practice has completely transformed my life. She is the one who suggested I climb The Matterhorn…and I achieved this goal with only 5 months of training with her immense support.

Many people think that you only have to be an athlete to climb a Mountain but that is far from the truth. It is the practice of mind, spirit and body that prepares you for ascension. She always knew I could summit and had more faith in me than I did at the time. Maria has taught me that when our heart beats with the heartbeat of the Universe and Nature…that we achieve oneness. I am very lucky to have found this “sister” and “teacher” on this beautiful, magical journey called life.

Where do you seek sanctuary - to dream, meditate, be creative or just find me time? 

In two places: the Ocean and in the Mountains. I love being with Mother Nature…she is our greatest teacher. I have learnt so much about life from climbing Mountains…they teach you to be fearless, bold, take huge risks, grow rapidly outside of your comfort zone and to be fully present in the moment. 

What do you do to try to remain present and slow down?

Transcendental Meditation (TM), yoga, hiking and climbing, and always taking a moment every day to be grateful…gratitude makes us very present.

What is your next mountain climb?

My next mountain climb is actually a non-profit organization for Syrian orphans in Aleppo, Syria. I am going to build a Children’s Hospital for these beautiful children who desperately need our support. I tell myself everyday…Mandeep you were not able to have children in this lifetime…but you are going to be a Mother to hundreds of Syrian orphans. Who knew that climbing The Matterhorn would help me find my lifelong mission to help these orphans…what a GIFT!