Nirmala Narine was born in Guyana, South America to parents of Indian descent. Nirmala’s grandfather, an Arya Samaj Hindu Pandit, began teaching her yoga when she was just two years old and entrusted to her ancient Ayurvedic spice recipes, techniques, and treatments to heal the body from within. These simple lifestyle practices were further enriched by her endless discoveries on her many extensive travels around the globe. Nirmala has visited more than 137 countries and counting.
At the age of 6, she began to cook in a tiny kitchen with no running water or electricity. When she was 11, her family immigrated to New York City. Today, Nirmala is a sought-after speaker, author, consultant and expert on global food, culture, flavor, fragrance and lifestyle trends.
Nirmala has been featured in the NY Times, on CNN, and as the Country Living “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year,” and she is also a frequent guest on The Martha Stewart Show, the CBS Early Show, and the Today Show.
When she is not working, she shares her love of Vastu Shastra, farming, and ancient civilization at the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian, and several public schools and orphanages in both hemispheres.
FUN FACTS
5 Surprising Things About Me:
1. I don't know how to swim, but it hasn't stopped me from scuba diving, whitewater rafting or snorkeling.
2. I enjoy any kinds of animation movies including ... cartoons -- there I said it!
3. I love diners (because I can eat breakfast anytime).
4. Due to my hectic schedule there is usually no food in my refrigerator. (Unless Vodka counts!)
5. I love the equatorial rains and I have literally soaked myself in them for hours at a time.
10 Things I Can't Live Without1. Change. "Compassion is the ability to embrace change.” I said that!
2. Old Books. Especially if they're 25 cents from a church sale. Their scent so sharp and dry like fall leaves you can taste.
3. Traveling. To far off places and meeting the citizens of this great planet.
4. My BMW. It truly is the ultimate driving machine ... although I love my tractor as well.
5. Socks. My mother is the only person who buys them for me -- always from the dollar store -- love you mother.
6. My homemade mango lip-gloss. I never travel without it.
7. Rice! Enough said.
8. Spas and massages. Anywhere in the world.
9. My Chai Tea. Made with fresh whole milk from cows at my farm in the Hudson Valley. Along with green cardamom, fresh ginger, cloves, allspice, fresh Tulsi leaves, fresh lemon grass and long pepper -- the sweet warm spices, citrus notes, thick creamy milk lingers in the sensual heat from the long pepper -- well you simply have to make it and then you’ll understand why I can’t live without it.
10. Ideas. Without ideas none of the innovated things I do would exist.
