Mind is a universe in itself. But it is a scattered one, with billions of neurons competing passionately to convince you with their ideas, desires, and thoughts.
Art is the focal point that brings unity in that diversity and provides a platform to the mind to introspect and concentrate. So that all those scattered and conflicting ideas, desires, thoughts, and passions will flow in a holistic vision.
The vision of a constellation. One constellation to pull them out of their conflict and find them. One constellation to bring them all together and bind them. Shakkeela Manoj is that constellation. She is the Founder & CEO of Nakshatra Arts, where stars get born out of the black hole of anonymity.
In an interview with Insights Success for its special edition of ‘The Women Owning the Business Arena’, she speaks about her passion, compassion, mission, and vision to transform the field of creativity and painting.
Drawn below are the highlights.
What was your inspiration behind venturing into this creative industry?
I started my journey in art during one of the worst phases of my life. I accidentally stumbled into this field and realised what magic this world of colours could do to you and your soul.
First, I got introduced to Kerala’s traditional mural painting years ago. I was awestruck, and from then, I started learning about the traditional art forms of our country. We have such a rich heritage and culture which reflects in our traditional arts too. I started exploring, and they kept inspiring me, which eventually reflected in my teaching style. I want people to be aware of these art forms, and who better to start it with than kids. Thus, my journey ends up in Nakshatra Arts, and we all together keep learning.
Please describe Nakshatra Arts in detail.
Nakshatra arts started in the year 2014 in Chennai. We provided freehand drawing classes and Kerala traditional mural painting classes initially. Here in Nakshatra Arts, we provide freelance painting works, specifically the traditional ones, and we are always enthusiastic about experimenting with the combination of classic and contemporary arts. Post pandemic, all our classes became online, and we teach both kids and adults different traditional art forms of our country. Not only just art but its history too. I am an art therapy practitioner too, so art therapy sessions are also going on.
Tell us about Nakshatra Art’s journey so far.
I started my art journey in 2012, and it eventually ended up in Nakshatra arts in 2014. And here we are in 2022, with more than 100 students learning from us from different parts of the world. My journey of teaching started with a friend’s kid. My friend insisted I make her son sit and draw for at least half an hour as he was a hyperactive kid. Once again there, I realised the power of art. My first ever student later spent hours creating masterpieces. I felt I was good with conveying art methods to kids, and thus my journey started. Realising the magic art can bring in kids am trying to make it worthwhile for them in the best way.
What were the initial challenges you faced while venturing into the respective industry?
I started my journey with art during one of the worst phases of my life. I was fighting with myself, with my failed infertility treatments and the traumas. That was my first challenge. When an academically excellent person turns down all those expectations from family and starts to paint receives a lot of criticism from within the family. I had seen the happiness in their eyes when I went for a less paid job, leaving this in between, even though it was for a short period. But I realise the happiness here, the quality time I get, the profit I get and the satisfaction I get.
What are the USPs that highlight Nakshatra Art’s uniqueness?
We create unique Paintings which we never recreate, and all our classes are online and open to all ages.
What professional values and qualities do you think your clients value in you and your company the most?
Authenticity and Sincerity
As an experienced professional, what would you like to advise the budding aspirants?
Never worry about the result; whatever you do, make sure it makes you happy and do it with all your heart.
How do you envision your company’s operations eventually, concerning the changing scenario of your niche, post-pandemic?
It was challenging to teach art online, but now I feel it is one of the most productive ways as my students’ art is their creation. To do it, you need a lot of patience, that is all. And I know with that same patience, perseverance, and passion, Nakshatra Art will expand its scope further.
