What does the American Dream really mean? For many immigrants, it’s a blend of cultures, opportunities seized, and a relentless pursuit of a better life. This is the story of Mayble Thomas, a family nurse practitioner and medical spa owner, who shares her journey from India to the United States. Her experiences show the example of navigating and embracing two cultures while building a thriving career and a fulfilling life.
Early Years and the Move to America
Maybles’ story begins in India. She moved to the U.S. in the early 1990s at the age of five. The initial move was influenced by a nursing shortage in the United States. Her father’s eldest brother’s wife, a nurse, had come to the U.S. in the 1960s. The family filed paperwork in the 80s, but her father was in the Indian Air Force, so the move was delayed until 1993.
The family’s first stop was New York, a common entry point for many immigrants. They soon relocated to Asheville, North Carolina, where Mabel experienced her first winter. This was a stark contrast to the hot climate of Kerala, in South India, where she was born. She remembers playing in the snow, making snow angels, and the novelty of her colorful snow gear.
Embracing Two Cultures: Growing Up Indian-American
Growing up, Mayble’s parents struck a balance between adapting to American culture and preserving their Indian traditions. Her father, who quickly adapted to American culture, didn’t have a noticeable accent. Her mother, however, retained her accent even while working multiple jobs. Despite this, the family maintained strong Indian values at home.
Home-cooked Indian meals were a staple. The family practiced their Christian faith within an Indian church community. After a brief stay in North Carolina, the family moved to Philadelphia. There, Mabel grew up surrounded by a mix of Indian and American friends. She felt like she was part of both worlds. This early integration helped her avoid feeling like an outsider. What a beautiful display of embracing two cultures, which is a common theme in the immigrant experience.
Medical Spa Owner: A New Chapter
Mayble owns a medical spa. The difference between a regular spa and a medical spa lies in the services and staff. Regular spas offer non-invasive treatments, such as massages and facials, staffed by estheticians and massage therapists. Medical spas, on the other hand, are supervised by licensed healthcare workers.
Medical spas offer more invasive treatments such as Botox, fillers, IV drips, microneedling, and laser hair removal. They also carry medical-grade skincare lines. Mabel’s medical spa also has estheticians who provide medical-grade facials under her supervision. She opened her business in October 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Joys of Business Ownership
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning her own business is the autonomy it provides. She can manage her schedule and be there for her family. For instance, when her child is sick, she can stay home and care for him. The flexibility of not having a boss is liberating.
However, it also requires self-discipline and accountability. Mayble attributes her success to hard work and dedication to growing her business. Before opening the spa, she taught nursing school, a role she loved for its educational and training aspects.
The American Dream: Opportunities and Integration
For Mayble, the American Dream is a journey of self-discovery and integration. It involves embracing two cultures: Indian and American cultures, and finding her own voice. Unlike her children, she understands the value of hard work and the opportunities available in America. She believes that America offers numerous doors and opportunities that simply don’t exist in India.
In India, opportunities are limited, and securing loans for education is challenging. Families often have to mortgage their homes to afford education. America, in contrast, offers scholarships and accessible education. Mabel is grateful for the opportunities she has had and encourages others to seize them.
Final Thoughts: Never Give Up
Mabel advises others to pursue their dreams. She never imagined she would be a medical spa owner. But life often leads to unexpected paths. When one door closes, another opens. She encourages everyone to see life as a cup half full and to never give up on their goals.
With Love, Heidy
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