A landmark UCLA study reveals that female friendships are truly special, shaping who we are, soothing our inner turmoil, and filling emotional gaps. Spending time with close women friends can help counter everyday stress. In the new episode of The Healing Circle, powered by coto, an emotional wellness platform, content creator and entrepreneur Malvika Sitlani, along with her friend and business partner Veronica Bahl, shares her journey — highlighting how deep female friendships have supported her through some of her most challenging times, including her separation and pregnancy. Aparna Acharekar, Co-Founder at coto, also joins the conversation, with all three speaking in an engaging discussion hosted by Janice Sequeira. Together, they beautifully capture the essence of these bonds — from letting your guard down to celebrating vulnerability among friends — showing how these connections go far beyond the surface.
Speaking about how the women in her life have been her greatest pillars of strength, especially during her pregnancy and postpartum journey, content creator and entrepreneur Malvika Sitlani said, “Through the hardest chapters of my life, it was women like my mom and Veronica who were my two biggest backbones during my pregnancy and postpartum. Veronica wasn’t just a business partner — she became my family. She stood by me through every hospital visit, every blood test, and even nursed my wounds when I needed it most. Sometimes, when my mom couldn’t make it, Veronica would be there without a second thought. My mom moved in with me to be closer, and together, they created a support system I could lean on unconditionally. These women — my mom and Veronica — reminded me that real strength lies in the way women show up for each other, without hesitation and without limits. These are not just friendships or relationships; they are the kind of chosen family that becomes your anchor when you need it most.”
Adding to Malvika’s thoughts, Aparna Acharekar, co-founder of coto, talks about the importance of having strong female friendships, said, ”We understand the power of strong female friendships, which is why we offer a 24/7 emotional wellness platform with live consultations. It’s about creating safe, non-judgmental spaces where women can find the support they need, share their struggles, and heal together. In a world that often pits women against each other, coto is here to break that stereotype, reminding women that true strength lies in empowering each other.”
Building on the theme of sisterhood and support, Veronica Bahl, Malvika’s friend and business partner, reflected on their bond. “While Malvika was navigating her pregnancy, I was also going through one of the most emotionally challenging years of my life. Yet, despite everything she was facing, she and her mom made sure I was never alone — whether it was making sure I had food, a safe space to rest, or simply offering their constant presence. At a time when I felt completely adrift, they nurtured me like family.”
The Healing Circle is exclusively on Janice Sequeira’s YouTube channel, with new episodes every Tuesday and Friday
