We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chitra Sharma. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chitra below.
Chitra, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
At Art college, I was always aware of being one of very few south asian women on campus. This has continued through my career, and I have felt very isolated at times. Although the number of south asians working in the arts sector is increasing, I still am, more often than not, the only one in the room at many events and meetings.
People are often surprised/confused when I explain what I do for a living, but I think that this is actually a good thing. I like turning stereotypes on their heads and think of myself as an ambassador for my community in the creative sector.
Just by being an artist/designer/crafter, I am providing an example for younger generations of South Asian women that this can be done, this is an option.
I found it hard to make connections as a young designer, but I hope that I am helping to change that for a new generation of creatives. The arts industry needs more diversity, I teach a summer arts camp for kids in my neighborhood for this reason. My visibility in this industry can only help to dispel stereotypes and pave a path for more diversity in the arts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the owner/designer at Noctiluna LLC, a baby and childrenswear brand. Noctiluna is a one woman micro business that was started on my dining table in 2012 when my kids were tiny.
After working as a teacher for a few years, I decided to reconnect with my practice as a textile printmaker (I have a degree in Textile Design). I would print when the kids were at school, and leave products drying all over the house. Screens were washed out in my kitchen, and boxes of onesies were stacked in our living room. As the business slowly started taking over our house, we decided to build a proper printing studio above our garage. All Noctiluna products are still printed, pressed, and packaged by me in that studio today. It is truly a family endeavour.
I am aware of the role that the garment industry plays in the damaging of our environment, so I take care to make sure that the things that I make are long lasting, heirloom quality that can be handed down through generations of kids. Noctiluna products are all hand printed and heat pressed for longevity to prevents prints from fading over time, or dyes from running. The products are made from ethical materials, sourced from eco friendly companies and printed with water based ink. I subscribe to a slow fashion ethos, so all Noctiluna items are carefully hand printed in small batches, and often have hand painted details on them. You can see that each piece was crafted by hand and has its own unique qualities.
Lately, I have started to run a textile upcycling service called PrintUP! where customers can bring me their old, stained textiles and get them updated with a new print. I run upcycling clinics at my local Zero Waste shop and run upcycling workshops as well.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience – Just being able to push through times of difficulty and keep on going. On days when you just can’t get started, just do anything, the little, mundane tasks, until you are ready to tackle the big things.
Flexibility – Being able to pivot and make changes when things are becoming stale. It is important to know that journeys hardly ever go in a straight line.
Organizational skills – I have to be super organized because I am so disorganized, if that makes any sense. I build automated tasks into my workweek, such as a weekly drawing session, and every evening I plan out the next day in my planner so that I can start the day with a plan, although I may not get everything on the plan done.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I started my business with zero business skills, and it still shows. I have lots of creative skills, but have found it really hard to tackle the practicalities of running a business. Enter my husband, who has basically held my hand through this whole process, from financial stuff to how to join a conference call. One area that both of us have a steep learning curve with is social media – my teenager is much more useful there!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://noctiluna.com/
- Instagram: @noctilunakids
- Facebook: @noctiluna
- Twitter: @noctiluna
- Youtube: @chitrasharmanoctiluna – Noctiluna Art
Image Credits
Stacey Vaeth Photography
