At 19, she came to India for job without knowing her salary. US woman reveals how Mumbai made her an adult in viral post

At just 19 years old, Eliza Karaza left behind the familiarity of the United States and embarked on a journey that would forever alter the course of her life. Raised in the vibrant city of Chicago, this Syrian-American artist found herself accepting a job offer to teach art at a school in Mumbai—despite knowing almost nothing about the city, the role, or even the salary she would earn. With a heart full of excitement and no concrete details, she packed her belongings and boarded a flight to India in 2015, carrying nothing but a deep sense of adventure and boundless enthusiasm.

Landing in Mumbai, she faced a reality filled with uncertainty. She had not spoken to her future employer, nor did she know where she would be staying or how to navigate a city she had never visited. She didn’t know which school she would be assigned to or what her income would look like. But in the face of the unknown, Eliza chose to dive in, driven by youthful curiosity and a fearless spirit.

A decade later, Mumbai is no longer foreign—it is home, she revealed. The city shaped her, challenged her, and ultimately transformed her. In a heartfelt reflection shared on social media, Eliza recounted how Mumbai forced her to mature quickly. She had arrived in a place where she knew no one and could barely speak the local language. Yet over time, she adapted. She became fluent in Hindi, forged meaningful friendships, and built a life rooted in purpose and resilience. The bustling streets, local trains, vibrant chaos, and diverse communities of Mumbai became the backdrop of her personal evolution.

In 2020, Eliza launched Harakaat, a fashion label that merges hand-painted artistry with South Asian influences like Mughal miniature designs, Bollywood imagery, and Indian truck art—all blended into Western-style denim jackets. Her creations reflect the duality of her identity, rooted in both Eastern tradition and Western modernity.

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A post shared by 🌑eliza🌙 (@kweenkaraza)

Now with over 48,000 followers on Instagram, Eliza is more than just an artist—she’s a storyteller and entrepreneur. She shares her life with her husband, Ibal Preet, and their child. Together, they run Mehal House, a cozy, family-run creative studio and shop based in Chicago, where their artistic visions come to life.

What began as a leap of faith for a teenager with no plan has blossomed into a life rich in culture, growth, and creativity—proof that sometimes the boldest moves lead to the most beautiful chapters.

Netizens React:

Eliza Karaza’s deeply personal story of leaving home at 19 to build a life from scratch in Mumbai has struck a chord with audiences online. Her courage and creativity have been lauded, with many calling her journey “inspiring” and “brave.” Fellow creatives, especially those navigating new phases in their own lives, found her narrative comforting and uplifting—one user even remarked that her reel offered a reassuring sense of peace during a challenging time.

Others celebrated the serendipity of her Mumbai chapter, expressing joy that the city had embraced her so warmly. Comments like “This is peace” and “Bombay always delivers” captured the emotional resonance of her story. Whether it was appreciation for her artistic growth, admiration for her boldness, or simple solidarity from others on their own uncertain paths, Eliza’s tale became a source of shared hope, reminding many that new beginnings—no matter how daunting—can lead to unexpectedly beautiful lives.