Reflecting on my journey, I realize how much choosing the path of art has transformed my life. I was always passionate about learning, and for seven years, I dedicated myself to the pursuit of civil services, which I saw as a way to make a meaningful impact. I poured my energy into it, driven by the love of studying and the desire to serve. But when that dream didn’t materialize, I had to confront a new reality. Instead of giving in to disappointment, I pivoted and found a new way to build a fulfilling career in Human Resources.
I didn’t rush into it; my transition into HR wasn’t merely a fallback—it was a space I genuinely enjoyed. I loved connecting with people, solving workplace challenges, and being the bridge between employees and management. I thrived in my job, and it gave me a sense of accomplishment. I was good at what I did and found satisfaction in that 9-to-5 routine. But like many corporate experiences, my workplace became entangled in office politics, which eventually pushed me away. That phase was difficult for me, not because of the work but because of the toxic environment. It wasn’t easy to walk away from a career I had built with dedication, but the workplace had become emotionally draining.
From HR to Healing through Art
Leaving the corporate world, I found myself in an unsettling space. It wasn’t just about losing a job but grappling with the question: What now? The idea of jumping into another similar role didn’t appeal to me because of the trauma from office politics. At this point, I wasn’t sure what career path to pursue next. I felt stuck.
It was during this time of uncertainty that I turned to art—not with the intent of making it a career, but as a way to escape and process my thoughts. I started painting more regularly, just to keep myself occupied. I had always been fond of creativity, but it was in these quiet, reflective moments with a paintbrush in hand that I truly began to see how art could do more than just fill my time—it could help heal me. It was the most liberating experience I had ever encountered, as it felt like art was the one thing nobody could take away from me.
Suddenly, I saw possibilities where there once was only doubt. Could art be more than just a hobby? Could it be a career?
The Birth of Sprinkles and Splash: A New Chapter
Art went from a personal refuge to something much bigger. It wasn’t a planned career switch, but the more I painted, the more I felt a pull toward this creative world. The turning point came when I decided to launch Sprinkles and Splash—not just as an artist showcasing my work but as a platform that could share creativity in different forms.
At that moment, I wasn’t just an HR professional who had left her job, but an artist, entrepreneur, and teacher, all rolled into one. Managing Sprinkles and Splash required a new set of skills—handling the business side, organizing workshops, connecting with clients, and managing logistics. I wore many hats, and it was challenging, but each challenge brought an opportunity for growth.
The journey has not been without its struggles. I faced setbacks, especially in the beginning. It wasn’t easy to get people to understand my work, and I had to learn the hard way about pricing, marketing, and balancing creative freedom with financial stability. But Sprinkles and Splash gave me a sense of purpose and helped me realize that art could not only be a career but a deeply rewarding one.
Into the Unknown: A Leap into Entrepreneurship
Walking away from a secure job and regular paycheck was daunting. Most of my friends were well into stable careers, and here I was, starting from scratch. But there was something freeing about that as well. Instead of feeling lost, I treated my solitude as a blank canvas, one on which I could paint something entirely my own.
During that first year, the entrepreneurial world tested my resilience. The financial crunch was very real, and there were times I had to prioritize work that could bring in income over personal art projects. But even in these struggles, I found hope. The drive to build a sustainable career as an artist fueled me, and I realized that the lessons I had learned during my entire life are all relevant in the creative world.
Lessons Along the Way
As I continue on this journey, there are some valuable lessons I’ve learned that guide me daily:
- Stay Focused on Your Craft: The distractions are many, but keeping my focus on improving my art has been key to growing as an artist. Every day presents a new challenge, but staying rooted in the creative process has been the best way forward.
- Trust Your Values: Through all the ups and downs, I’ve learned the importance of holding onto my values. Whether it’s standing firm on pricing or choosing projects that align with my artistic vision, knowing my worth has been invaluable.
- Lifelong Learning: One of the greatest gifts of this journey has been the opportunity to keep learning. Whether it’s refining my painting techniques or mastering new business strategies, the learning process never stops.
- Professionalism Matters: Treating my artistic practice with the same discipline I once applied to my HR job has helped me stay productive and focused. There’s a misconception that creative work doesn’t require structure, but in reality, structure is what allows creativity to thrive.
- Embrace Uniqueness: I’ve stopped comparing myself to others. Every artist has a unique journey, and staying true to my path has been one of the most important lessons I’ve learned.
Creativity: A Constant Evolution
Art has always been an essential part of my life, but choosing it as a full-time career has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. It feels fulfilling to contribute something to the world of art, and yet, there is always room to grow, to explore new ideas and methods.
For me, creativity is an ever-evolving pursuit. I don’t see myself as having reached a final destination; instead, I’m on a continuous journey of learning and self-discovery. Each piece of art is an opportunity to push boundaries and uncover something new about myself.
Roots of My Passion
Rumi’s words, “Maybe you’re searching among the branches for what only appears in the roots,” resonate deeply with me. So often, we look outward for validation or answers, but in reality, the true source of creativity and fulfillment lies within us.
My journey has been about connecting with those roots—recognizing that everything I need to grow and succeed is already inside me. This has been one of the most powerful lessons art has taught me: the importance of looking inward and trusting myself.
One Year Later: A Journey Far from Over
Looking back, choosing creativity over certainty has been the most liberating decision of my life. I may have faced challenges along the way, but each one has shaped me into the artist and entrepreneur I am today. From commissions to workshops and building a community of fellow creatives, every experience has contributed to my growth.
As I continue to expand my work and grow Sprinkles and Splash, I know this is just the beginning. There’s so much more to learn and explore, and knowing that I’ve built this career from my passion gives me the energy to keep pushing forward.
My journey is far from over, but with every step, I’m carving a path that’s uniquely my own, and I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.
Goal is simple, let’s be better than yesterday.
Join me on this creative journey—whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply someone who loves creativity, there’s something for everyone at Sprinkles and Splash. Follow along and let’s create something beautiful together!