We had the good fortune of connecting with Khushi Jain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khushi, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m originally from India, and growing up there deeply shaped my values, identity, and outlook on life. I was raised in a culture that’s rich in tradition, community, and resilience—but also one that often holds rigid expectations, especially for women. From a young age, I learned the importance of hard work, humility, and staying grounded, but I also witnessed the impact of societal pressures, particularly around body image and success.

My background as a national-level swimmer taught me discipline and mental strength, while later navigating the world of modeling revealed the importance of self-worth beyond appearances. Moving away from home and stepping into new environments—whether through travel, education, or work—has given me the courage to redefine myself on my own terms. I’d say my upbringing gave me roots, but my journey so far has given me wings. It’s why I now use my voice to champion wellness, authenticity, and self-love—not just for myself, but for others too.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art lives at the intersection of storytelling, wellness, and self-expression—whether it’s through content creation, song-writing, brand marketing, or movement like yoga, singing and dance. I believe in using creativity as a tool to heal, connect, and empower. What sets me apart is that I don’t just create for the sake of aesthetics or trends—I create from lived experience. Everything I put out into the world is rooted in authenticity, emotion, and intention.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. I’ve walked away from industries that once validated me if they were costing me my peace and mental health. I’ve had to rebuild my confidence from the ground up and learn how to trust myself again. I’ve navigated self-doubt, body image struggles, and the uncertainty of starting over in a new country. But through all of it, I kept leaning into what felt true to me—even when it wasn’t the most linear or conventional path.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve created a life and career that align with my values. Through my non profit about mental health and eating disorder awareness, work with brands and my own content, I aim to spark honest conversations around wellness, identity, and joy. I want the world to know that healing is possible, that success can look different for everyone, and that softness can be powerful.

If there’s one lesson I keep coming back to, it’s this: your story is your strength. The more we show up as ourselves, the more we give others permission to do the same.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want them to feel the magic of New York City through my eyes—equal parts cozy, creative, chaotic, and deeply soulful. Here’s how I’d curate the week!

Day 1:
We’d kick off with a slow morning at Maman for coffee, then head to Washington Square Park to people-watch and ease into the energy. Dinner would be at Jack’s Wife Freda for something cute and cozy. Nightcap at Maison Premiere in Brooklyn—it feels like stepping into another era.

Day 2:
We’d explore the Rubin Museum or The Met Cloisters—hidden gems that are stunning. Lunch at Divya’s Kitchen (nourishing Ayurvedic food), followed by a long walk through the West Village with a stop at Three Lives & Company bookstore. Evening yoga or a sound bath at Sky Ting, followed by dinner at Beyond Sushi (vegan but so good!).

Day 3:
Start with breakfast at Grind Cafe on 43rd and 9th, then take the train to Brooklyn Bridge. We’d hit up Domino Park, hang out in Williamsburg for thrifting and rooftop views. Dinner at Lilia or Laser Wolf—both unforgettable.

Day 4:
A Central Park picnic, followed by a visit to Roosevelt Island for sunset views. We’d cook dinner at home and have a deep heart-to-heart night in!

Day 5:
We’d take the ferry to Governors Island.We’d journal, take photos, and maybe even spend a couple hours at QC Spa. Dinner at Thai Diner back in the city.

Day 6:
We’d do a food crawl across Jackson Heights, Queens—Indian chaats, Tibetan momos, and Colombian arepas. Then explore
Queens a bit more and maybe grab dinner in Long Island City!

Day 7:
We’d sleep in, grab brunch at Banter, then go for a slow yoga class or a walk along Hudson River Park. Wrap the week with a sunset cruise or just sit by the water reflecting on all the beauty we soaked in <3

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and moments that have shaped me, but if I had to dedicate a shoutout, it would first go to my parents. Their unwavering support—even when they didn’t always fully understand the unconventional paths I chose—gave me the courage to follow my heart. My dad, in particular, has been my anchor. Whether I was pursuing competitive swimming, struggling with mental health, or navigating career pivots, he showed up with quiet strength and unconditional love.

I also want to recognize my mother, sister and so many incredible people I’ve met along the way—friends, mentors, and creatives—who reminded me that vulnerability is strength, and that there’s space for softness and ambition to coexist. And lastly, a big shoutout to every person who ever messaged me saying my words or story helped them feel less alone. They all inspire me to keep showing up honestly, and their kindness keeps me going.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherhappygirl

Image Credits
Defeating Disorders Workshop for high school students about eating disorder awareness, nutrition, and mental health.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.