━ INTRODUCING SHANAYA SANGHVI
full name: Shanaya Sanghvi
nickname(s): Shana,
age: 34
birthdate: July 27th 1990
occupation: Owner of Velvet Roses
currently living in. Saugatuck
relationship status. Single (currently separated from her husband)
sexuality. Bisexual
gender: Cis Female
pronouns: She/Her
hometown: Naperville, IL
time in westport. 6 years
hello hello !! please give this a like if you’d like me to pop into your dm’s to plot !!
BIOGRAPHY ;
Born and raised in Naperville, Illinois, Shanaya Sanghvi grew up in a close-knit South Asian community where tradition and cultural expectations shaped every facet of daily life. Her parents, first-generation immigrants from India, instilled in her a strong sense of discipline and the importance of academic achievement. However, this upbringing came with rigid boundaries—strict curfews, a firm “no dating” rule, and little room for self-expression outside of cultural norms. Shanaya often felt like her life was pre-written, a script she was expected to follow without question. Even as she excelled in school, earning accolades and straight A’s, she yearned for something more—a life where she could explore who she truly was.
Her big break came in the form of a full scholarship to New York University’s Stern School of Business. Stern, with its competitive program and dynamic student body, offered Shanaya not just a prestigious education but also a chance to leave the confines of Naperville for the vibrant streets of New York City. For the first time, she experienced a world that embraced individuality, celebrated diversity, and encouraged open dialogue on topics she had never been allowed to discuss.
While pursuing her degree, Shanaya gravitated toward courses in branding and entrepreneurship, discovering a passion for building connections and fostering creativity. Simultaneously, she worked part-time at a boutique in SoHo, where she absorbed the nuances of running a small business—from curating inventory to creating a welcoming customer experience. This hands-on experience, combined with her coursework, ignited a dream she hadn’t dared to articulate before: owning a business that would challenge societal norms and provide a safe space for self-expression.
After completing her degree, Shanaya returned home briefly to fulfill her parents’ wishes of an arranged marriage. She married someone from a respected family in their community, a match that seemed perfect on paper but lacked the emotional connection and shared values Shanaya craved. Despite her efforts to make the relationship work, the fundamental differences between them became apparent. Shanaya’s growing sense of independence and her husband’s adherence to traditional roles created an insurmountable divide. Ultimately, the couple separated amicably, with Shanaya using the experience as a catalyst to further define what she wanted in life.
After the separation, Shanaya sought a fresh start and a community where she could bring her vision to life. She chose Westport, Connecticut, for its charm, progressive atmosphere, and vibrant local scene. It was here that she founded Velvet Roses, a boutique unlike any other in the area. The store’s ethos mirrors Shanaya’s personal journey—one of liberation, empowerment, and a commitment to breaking taboos. Velvet Roses isn’t just a shop; it’s a haven where people are encouraged to explore their desires, embrace their identities, and celebrate intimacy without judgment.
Through Velvet Roses, Shanaya has not only built a thriving business but also fostered a community. Her journey, marked by breaking free from societal constraints and learning to embrace her individuality, has inspired others to do the same. Today, Shanaya is proud to call herself an entrepreneur, a trailblazer, and most importantly, a champion of empowerment and self-expression.
HEADCANONS ;
She’s been wanting to adopt a pet, but doesn't know if she's ready for that commitment yet.
Shanaya has a tattoo on the nape of her neck that says ‘phataka’ in Hindi which means firecracker.
She has a pair of her mother’s ghungroo’s and almost always wears them when she’s preforming kathak as she feels closer to her parents that way. Dance is something she does to really blow off steam but it's mostly in the comfort of her own home, or a private dance studio.
Retail therapy is a very real thing and Shanaya is truly the prime example of it. If she can’t go out and shop—she’ll end up online shopping but she will do it as a form of therapy.
She’s a very headstrong stubborn woman. If she doesn’t agree with someone or something, she won’t pretend to be passive about it like she used to be. She will let her opinions be known.
Shanaya will go to any length for dark chocolate. It is her biggest vice.
She wants to travel the world, feeling like it'll help enhance her writing but so far has only visited five countries. (united kingdom, india, united arab emirates, italy and canada).
CONNECTIONS ;
EX-HUSBAND - currently separated only but this is a connection that would need to be proper fleshed out.
RIDE OR DIE/BEST FRIEND - This would be someone who Shanaya has happily let into her life and allowed to become close to her.
COLLEGE FRIENDS - some people from New York would be someone she would definitely appreciate since they'd be someone who saw her during her transformation period
CHILDHOOD FRIENDS - people who knew Shanaya when she was under her parents control technically, the 'good' girl essentially.
FRIENDS - Shanaya has always wanted to belong, and be a part of something so a friends group would definitely be something she would cherish.
FLINGS - Pretty self explanatory, she's been someone who isn't sure if she can fully commit to anyone and so flings would be much more her thing, of course this would be either during college and her period of discovery or after her separation from her husband.
FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS -This would be something now I imagine—the woman has needs and she figures this is the best way to take care of them.
FLIRTATIONSHIP - This could just be for fun or we could see where it goes, but basically—just someone who is always flirty with her but it doesn’t ever really go anywhere and they both know that.
CUSTOMERS - People who shop at Velvet Roses of course.
NEIGHBORS - self explanatory really lol
& honestly anything else that comes to mind…
