#KetchupTalks: “Storytelling heals because it connects.” - Esha Shetty on choosing insecurities through her new series

Lifestyle and fashion content creator Esha Shetty opens up about her new series #HerSideOfTheStory, the lessons she has learned along the way and more.

A lot of what we become as adults is a result of our childhood experiences. The subtle hints that suggest you are lacking something or even made to feel less than just because of the way you look are not things you want to hear as a child. Despite being hurtful, these experiences shape us into adults. We now realise that most of our adult life involves unlearning things and embracing every flawed and imperfect version of ourselves. Esha Shetty, a creator who uses her platform to address her own insecurities, is on her own journey of showing people how to be better at it with her series #HerSideOfTheStory.

As someone who stands by, “Building a world where beauty isn’t just vanity, it’s a voice,” Esha has been demonstrating to her audience the power of self-love. Esha chose to transform the rage of having grown up being shamed for her appearance into her superpower, channelling it to help others find their own beauty too. By sharing anecdotes of times when she was made to feel inferior in her childhood, she proves how anyone can rise above mistreatment and find their inner spark, regardless of where they are in life. She talks about this with us, as we explore what inspired her to start Her Side of the Story, the importance of sharing these stories on a platform like social media, and more.

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A post shared by Esha Shetty (@esha_shetty)

Here's what she had to share:

What was the turning point that made you want to start 'Her Side of the Story'?

Honestly, I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. I always felt there was more to me than creating makeup and lifestyle content. The real turning point came after a few recent incidents that made me realise something important: People will never stop putting you down, and they may never change. So instead of staying silent, I chose to use my platform to speak up, share these conversations openly, and educate others. If even one woman feels motivated to fight back and not give in, that’s a true victory for me as an influencer. That’s how Her Side of the Story was born.

The series touches on experiences of being an elder daughter, being called “fat,” or being judged for skin tone. Why was it important for you to give space to these stories?

Because these are the exact conversations that are usually brushed under the carpet. Many of us grew up carrying these labels silently, thinking it was “normal” often having quiet conversations with God, asking “Why me?” because we were too shy or too scared to question the titles forced upon us. By creating space for these stories, I want women to feel seen, to know they are not alone, and to release the shame that was never theirs to carry. More than anything, I want my profile to be a SAFE SPACE for every woman.

You describe the series as a voice for women who were silenced within their own homes. What has been the most powerful response you’ve received so far?

One of the most powerful responses came from a 14-year-old girl who wrote to me saying, “Did you just say imagine, Esha? All this has been happening to me and even worse than you can imagine. But I’m glad someone is here talking about these things and giving us the strength that if Esha could do it, then we can too.” Reading her message made me emotional, but it also strengthened my intent to continue #HerSideOfTheStory, because that’s exactly why I started it.

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A post shared by Esha Shetty (@esha_shetty)

You talk about how silence keeps wounds alive. How did you personally find the courage to break that silence?

I grew up watching my mother stay silent for so long and she still does. But even in her silence, she quietly empowered me. When I was 16, she told me to never accept a life like hers and to always take a stand for myself. That moment changed everything for me. I became vocal because she encouraged me to use my voice, and it transformed my life. And that’s how we will break the generational curse of “our mothers struggled a lot” by choosing differently, by speaking up, and by rewriting the narrative for ourselves and for the women who come after us.

What role does storytelling play in healing, not just for the person sharing, but for those listening?

Storytelling heals because it connects. For the storyteller, it’s about reclaiming your power, For the listener, it’s about realising you’re not alone. When we hear our own struggles reflected in someone else’s voice, that shared recognition is healing in itself.

The series promises to break the cycle and be the “first woman in our families to love ourselves.” What does self-love look like for you today?

Trust me, I’m still learning. Putting myself first was a new concept, but today self-love means choosing myself without guilt, setting boundaries, and not measuring my worth through others’ eyes. It’s about being kind to myself even on the days I feel low or when I don’t make enough money.

How do you envision HerSideOfTheStory growing? Do you see it as a safe space, a movement, or maybe both?

Right now, it’s a safe space a platform where women can finally be heard. The number of DMs I receive asking me to never stop this series shows me how deeply it resonates. But my vision is bigger. I want Her Side of the Story to become a revolution a movement that challenges conditioning and reminds women everywhere, whether dark or fair, skinny or healthy, fat or round, able-bodied or handicapped, that their voices matter at any age of their lives.

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How has hearing others' stories helped you accept yourself? Let us know in the comments below.