Hi everyone!

My name is Parvathy Unnikrishnan and I am the founder and creator of unconventional. I live in Charlotte, North Carolina and I am a sophomore in high school. In my free time, I love reading, watching Hasan Minhaj comedy specials, and I am also a huge Spotify enthusiast. On top of that, I am a Bharatanatyam dancer and I learn Carnatic music.

I started unconventional. to give AAPI youth, like myself, an outlet to express their thoughts and show others how they can grow confident in their own skin. Due to the recent rise of AAPI discrimination, I felt that it was imperative to show youth that it is okay to embrace your culture even if it is not always accepted. Additionally, I felt that it was important to highlight a myriad of stereotypes and stigmas surrounding Asian culture. Being Asian doesn’t mean that you are an academic overachiever or “nerd”. It doesn’t mean that you are naturally incredible at math. It doesn’t mean that you have to be a doctor or engineer. Unconventional. is all about showing teenagers and youth that they can pave their own path and embrace their own beautiful cultures.

I can’t wait to see how we all learn and grow together!