An Inspired Chat with LAVANYAA SURENDAR of Wisconsin

We recently had the chance to connect with LAVANYAA SURENDAR and have shared our conversation below.

LAVANYAA, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Who are you learning from right now?
Lately, I’ve been learning a lot from Charlie Munger — about clarity, conviction, and knowing your purpose. I’ve always been drawn to his idea that if you really know what you’re doing, you don’t need to diversify. For me, that applies to life as much as it does to finance.

As an artist, I’ve lived many versions of myself — part biologist, part engineer — before I fully committed to being an artist. Now, I see my creative journey as a kind of focused investment: all in, no hedging. I believe, like Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players”. Whether you’re a musician, entrepreneur, or teacher, we’re all artists in our own way, shaping stories and experiences.

Right now, I’m learning to deepen that belief — to build a community and a space where art, happiness, and human connection thrive together.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Lavanyaa Surendar, a Bharatanatyam artist, educator, and arts leader dedicated to building joyful, inclusive communities through art. I founded AUM LLC, a Brookfield-based Indian dance studio and creative space that celebrates the intersection of tradition, innovation, and well-being.

What makes AUM special is its holistic approach — blending classical Indian dance, neuroscience, and community engagement to make art both accessible and transformative. Our programs, like Art & Anatomy and Ziksa – An Art Forum, bring together artists, educators, and learners to explore creativity as a pathway to happiness and human connection.

Beyond my own practice, I also serve at The Florentine Opera in Milwaukee, where I help strengthen the organization’s philanthropy and community engagement initiatives. This work allows me to bridge my artistic and administrative worlds — connecting creativity, storytelling, and strategy to expand arts access and impact across Wisconsin.

My journey continues to revolve around one central idea: that art isn’t just performance — it’s participation. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, inspired, and connected through shared creativity.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of being powerful wasn’t tied to money or status — I grew up in a middle-class family where neither defined who we were. I learned early on that knowledge is power, and that understanding has shaped everything I do. Learning became my constant pursuit — from books to people to the rhythm of everyday life.

But the moments I’ve felt truly powerful have always been on stage. When I perform, share stories, and connect with an audience, I feel an unspoken exchange of energy — where art transforms into something larger than myself. That connection, that ability to move people through storytelling, is where my real sense of power comes from.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, many times. But each time I reached that point, something greater — a quiet, guiding energy — pulled me back toward my purpose. I’ve learned that it’s okay to pause, to be silent in a world full of noise and chaos. It’s okay to surrender, to stop chasing opportunities and simply return to practice.

That deep sense of surrender has been my greatest teacher. When I let go, life has a way of opening doors I never knew existed — revealing new possibilities, new collaborations, and a renewed sense of faith in my path.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is the rich literature and timeless values embedded in the Indian performing arts tradition. The epics, poetry, and philosophy that shape Bharatanatyam are not just stories — they are moral, emotional, and spiritual maps for how to live with grace, discipline, and compassion. I see it as my responsibility to preserve these traditions while reinterpreting them for today’s world — ensuring they remain alive, relevant, and accessible to future generations.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
I will regret it if I don’t live a meaningful life with purpose . For me, success isn’t about accolades or recognition; it’s about using my time and talent to create something that leaves people feeling more connected, inspired, and seen. If I fail to live with that intention, that would be my greatest regret.

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Image Credits
All image credits is owned by AUM LLC

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