NAME: Resh Kirpalaney

JOB TITLE: Corporate Communications Account Director at The Propaganda Agency in Leeds

When and Why did you make Manchester your home?

I moved from Hong Kong in November 2017. I was stuck in a rut. Every day was the same - and something was lacking, so I was looking for a change. I wanted to meet new people but also wanted a few of the materialistic things that were out of the realms of possibility for me in Hong Kong like a car and my own house.

My sister lives in Manchester so it made the where a no brainer - and a support network instant. I started applying for jobs whilst still in Hong Kong, interviewed via Skype and once I accepted a job offer - within 5 weeks I’d packed up and was on a plane! 

What makes Manchester special?

Manchester is something special - there’s just this vibe - you can really sense it when you’re here. This sense of community I think, everyone comes together to help each other when it matters the most. You’re never truly alone in Manchester.

What drives you?

Me. I think this is the hardest question of all to answer. I used to think life was about everyone else, what everyone else thinks of me, of how I look, of what I do. Recently, I’ve begun to realise that it’s not - it’s about me. I want to be happy, I want to succeed - and it’s become more about me than ever before.

I have this innate need to please everyone, whether it be in my work or my personal life, possibly to make up for failures previously. But now I try my hardest to put myself first, look after myself - for the sake of my own health - both physically and mentally. It’s a slow learning curve but I’ll get there! 

What are your dreams/ where would you like to be in 5 years?

I’d still like to be in Manchester (and most likely still doing the dreaded commute to Leeds)! I’m halfway to reaching my goals I set out just before moving here - I bought my car in January, I have a fantastic job working with people I love and a house is on the cards for the end of the year for me. They may seem materialistic to others, but for me they seemed so unattainable before it’s just a complete personal sense of achievement. 

What is the biggest issue at the moment for women which needs to be talked more about?

I have two - mental health and fertility. Whilst mental health awareness has become increasingly talked about in recent years, in the culture I come from, it still feels like taboo - with all the stigmas attached. Fertility (or infertility as a result) is one I just feel is still associated with embarrassment, shame and inadequacy.

None of which should be felt by a woman who finds herself in this situation - the mental, emotional and physical stress that comes with it isn’t well publicised or discussed at all. It needs to be, women need to feel like they are not alone, not failures and not inadequate in any way. 

What is your favourite Manchester Girl Event and why?

I met some of the best girl friends I have at the coffee and drinks events - they’re a chance to let your hair down, relax and meet some new, incredible people in a safe environment. The first one is always the hardest, but once you get yourself going and realise everyone is there for the same reason, it’s always a good laugh!

Why did you choose the place you were photographed?

Travel is in my blood— I’ve moved from Hong Kong to the UK, to Germany, the US and back. Although in all honesty, I seem to spend most of my time here- at Piccadilly Station, waiting for the trains, attempting the daily commute to work in Leeds!