We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sabbie Narwal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sabbie below.
Hi Sabbie, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
In the first year of starting my business, I was definitely working chaotically and around the clock. Desperate to look and feel as busy as I had been during my 9-5 days (if not even busier), I forced myself to work at my desk for hours on end, with no holiday or weekend off limits.
Of course, I wasn’t actually working all the time. In fact, I was locked in a burn-out cycle where I would work hard to silence guilt, often staying up late, late into the night only to have the stress physically catch up with me a few days or weeks in. Then, I would find myself in a slump…until the guilt and mental weight of thinking about work would force me back into working around the clock.
Gradually, I began to learn that I needed to have a “sacred” day off. A day completely off to do whatever I want—a day of total rest. I ended up designating Sunday as this day and I always look forward to it as an aimless day to laze around, meet with friends, reconvene with nature, indulge in a Netflix or reading binge, or whatever else may strike my fancy. The only rule is that I cannot work. This rule of Sundays has been incredibly transformative for my health and business as I get to work hard and make strides in my business without sacrificing my health and happiness.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hi, I’m Sabbie Narwal! I’m a Canadian illustrator specializing in traditional and digital illustration, and public art. I am also the founder of The Paper Narwhal, an art goods brand specializing in inspiring, cosy stationery and lifestyle goods. My work is generally known for its warm, whimsical and inviting nature. Over the years, my business (and the art practice behind it) has evolved a lot, but the mission has always been the same: to create art that uplifts, inspires & comforts others.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Building and maintaining any business, especially as an artist, requires an ever-increasing set of skills and qualities, but here are three that really helped me get started:
1 – Stay curious. Don’t be afraid to try new things (whether for fun or for business). Be fascinated with the world and people around you.
2 – Always be learning. I don’t really believe in failures or “waste”. I think every experience imparts knowledge that will be useful going forward in our lives, even if it’s not apparent in the moment.
3 – Be flexible. Not only will you need to deal with day-day mishaps or obstacles, but you will likely need to pivot often and fast while running a business. Always be flexible (and honest) enough to admit when something is not working or needs adjustment.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Being of South Asian background, pursuing a career in the arts is still very much taboo. Luckily, when I announced that I was starting my art business in 2021, my parents were supportive. They weren’t over the moon or anything, and they certainly were (and are) hesitant. But whenever one of our relatives asks me what I do, they back me up proudly as I answer “I am an artist”. It’s usually at that moment, when those aunts or uncles look around with dubious expressions, that my parents step in with anecdotes about my business’ growth and my hard work. Having them stand by me on my unconventional path, even when facing judgement from their peers, really does mean the world to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepapernarwhal.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepapernarwhal/
