She says, "Age is not a factor to start a new journey in life", and lives that!
With two decades of experience as an entrepreneur & after taking a break for years, it may seem challenging to play a student's role for many. But definitely not for Supraja Ganesh.
When we, Atma Studios, had a chance to interact with Supraja Ganesh, we were inspired to know her journey from an entrepreneur to a student to a creative entrepreneur & a teacher!
Here is her journey with a piece of Wisdom from her life-changing experience!
1. How did you come to know about Artpreneur Program?
My cousin Abishek introduced me to the Artpreneur Program. He said about the Program when he enrolled. But I joined a year later.
2. What were you working as before joining Artpreneur?
I initially started my career in the apparel industry & eventually started my own venture. I was an entrepreneur for almost 20 years before I took a break.
While joining the Artpreneur program, I was working as an art & math tutor for kids.
3. What made you take up this 1-year Program?
Trust in Abhishek's words & Sir's portfolio made me join the Program.
Recommendation coming from Abhishek, who is an entrepreneur himself, built trust within me.
When Abishek introduced me to the Program, I surfed Mr. SCD Balaji's website. I was always a fan of Indian folk arts, and I was impressed with Balaji sir's Indian Folk Art illustrations. I didn't do any other research.
Before joining the Program, I happened to travel to India. At that time, I attended Balaji sir's Character Design Workshop, which gave me a sense of what it will be.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Supraja, Aditi Yeva | Artpreneur Program Alumni
2019-2020 | The Cocoon of Fireflies Batch
4. With 20 years of experience, how was your journey as a Student in the Artpreneur Program been? What were the challenges you faced & how you handled them?
Coming from an apparel industry background, I was pretty aware of the design industry & had an interest in doing digital designs as well.
But, I didn't have any clue about the scope after completing the Program.
The only question I asked Balaji was, "Can I earn after the program?"
Just 2 weeks into the Program, I realized how silly my question was. I understood I'm going to learn much more for life from this Program. That's when my perspective shifted.
I learnt that I need to trust the process without questioning. I understood why each assignment is given the way it is given. I wanted to enjoy the Program as a Student & completely gave myself into the process.
Also, I got to interact with students from different background & I enjoyed learning from everyone.
It was a" supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" journey!
Of course, there were challenges.
Time management, striking the work-life balance was challenging, which eventually I managed.
5. As an entrepreneur for decades, how do you think Artpreneur will help entrepreneurs in their business?
I think the right attitude is the main take away for an entrepreneur from the Program.
You can earn, upgrade your business, brand it & be a mentor after the Program.
When you join the Program while being an entrepreneur, you are literally stepping into a student's role. You are here for a reason – to learn something new. That mindset plays a major role in what you get from the Program.
No matter how many years of experience you have, your works will be critiqued by the educators when you are a student. Unless you are open to that, you are not going to develop.
This process of learning something from scratch, the journey as a student, will teach you patience with yourself. It will break a lot of beliefs within you & makes you even more confident.
For that to happen, you should be super doper dedicated to the process.
When you learn to be patient with yourself, you'll eventually be patient with your clients. You can earn not just by taking up projects but also as an educator or mentor.
The journey as an Artpreneur will teach you discipline, costing, time management, positivity and the art of learning anything from scratch.
6. What do you do now? How would you describe the return on investment from this Program?
I have started my design studio Aditi Yeva, which means "creative world". I have started taking up Branding Projects as well.
I'm a co-educator in the Artpreneur Program & I'm enjoying the role of being a teacher.
ROI in terms of money, yes, you could earn back more than you invested.
In terms of time, again ROI depends on the person's attitude.
If you dedicate yourself to the process, the time you invested will give a lot of Wisdom that can't be measured. You'll find changes in your attitude towards life, approaching things, facing problems, pushing your limits, getting out of your comfort zone and much more.
You'll experience that nothing will come easy & nothing will happen overnight. You got to give your effort.
Conceptualised and Designed by Supraja, Aditi Yeva | Artpreneur Program Alumni
2019-2020 | The Cocoon of Fireflies Batch
7. Apart from technical aspects, what you learnt & gained from Artpreneur Program.
Despite my entrepreneurial experience, I learnt so much from the Program. I'd say it became a lifestyle program for me. I became even more grateful to teeny tiny things in life. It gave me inner peace, the joy of being a teacher.
Not just that, my time management & teamwork skills got polished even more.
I got to interact with people who have similar mindset& positivity.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Supraja, Aditi Yeva | Artpreneur Program Alumni
2019-2020 | The Cocoon of Fireflies Batch
8. How has the relationship between the mentor and the Artpreneur community been after the Program?
I'm always grateful to Mr. SCD Balaji for changing my life, and Abishek for introducing the Program to me & for being our co-educator.
I am from the Cocoon of Fireflies & the whole team is like a family. What I especially like about the Artpreneur community is that it's non-judgemental & we celebrate everyone's success as our own.
Conceptualised and Illustrated by Supraja, Aditi Yeva | Artpreneur Program Alumni
2019-2020 | The Cocoon of Fireflies Batch
9. Would you recommend Artpreneur Program to others? Why?
Definitely!
Anyone who wants to pursue an independent life, transform their lives through creativity, art & design. I'll recommend this to aspiring entrepreneurs & entrepreneurs who want to upgrade & brand their business.
10. A word to people looking to join the Artpreneur program...
For those who are thinking to join, I'd say… Do your research, talk to the team, but don't overthink. Just take the plunge.
Your journey & career will be taken care of if you stick to your commitments, invest time, learn with the curiosity of a child, trust, & enjoy the process.
Attitude, time investment & patience is the key.
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