Meet sena runa

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sena Runa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sena, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose through a journey of personal discovery and creative exploration. Initially working in a corporate job that I found unfulfilling, I started quilling as a hobby in my free time. The meditative and creative process of quilling brought me joy and a sense of fulfillment that I hadn’t experienced in my corporate role.

My transition to a full-time artist began when I started sharing my quilling creations on social media. The positive response and encouragement from people around the world inspired me to consider turning my passion into a career. Recognizing the potential to make a living from my art, I made the courageous decision to leave my corporate job and dedicate myself fully to creating colorful art pieces.

My journey highlights the importance of following one’s passions and being open to new opportunities. My story is an example of how embracing creativity and taking risks can lead to discovering one’s true purpose and achieving personal and professional fulfillment.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I love to bring “fruitful colors” to the lives of others and enjoy spreading joy through my work around the world.

I studied Business Administration and had a career in HR for seven years. I discovered paper quilling in 2013 while searching for a hobby. In 2015, I decided to leave the corporate world for good and began a new chapter in my life, pursuing my newfound passion – art! Since then, I’ve been working as a full-time artist, creating vibrant and intricate quilling pieces.

My journey has led me to collaborate on high-profile projects for many brands, including Royal Caribbean, Essie, Veepee, Ikono, and Red Bull. I love working with these brands as it allows me to bring my art to a wider audience and see my creations come to life in exciting new ways. I’ve also won online design competitions for the Peanuts movie in 2015, Heineken in 2018, and Bombay Sapphire in 2023.

In addition to creating art, I love sharing my passion through my tutorial books, “Quilling Art,” “Quilling with 20 Beautiful Designs,” and “Quilling Flowers,” published by GMC Books in the UK. Each book contains 20 projects varying in complexity, appealing to both beginners and experienced quillers alike. My first book has been translated into Dutch, Chinese, and Finnish. I also offer online courses, soon I’ll be launching a new series of online course, designed to guide both beginners and experienced quillers through more advanced techniques and projects.

I’m excited to continue spreading joy and inspiring others through my art.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Patience: The transition from a stable corporate job to a full-time artist was challenging and required a lot of patience. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but staying committed to my passion and allowing things to develop at their own pace made all the difference. My advice for those early in their journey is to stay patient and trust the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s important to keep going.

Creativity: Embracing and nurturing my creativity has been essential. It’s what sets my work apart and keeps it evolving. To develop this, I recommend experimenting with different styles and techniques, and finding what truly excites and inspires you. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone, as that’s often where the most unique ideas are born.

Originality: Being original has been a cornerstone of my artistic journey. Creating work that is true to my vision and style has allowed me to stand out and connect with people on a deeper level. My advice for developing originality is to stay authentic. Draw inspiration from your unique perspective and let it guide your art. Avoid the temptation to imitate others, and instead, focus on what makes your voice and vision special.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I find that taking a short break helps me reset and clear my mind. It’s important to step away from the source of stress to gain perspective and calm down. Sometimes, I need to set clear boundaries to avoid taking on too much at once. This might mean saying no to additional commitments. Setting limits helps me focus on what’s most important.

Engaging in activities that inspire me, like exploring new art techniques or spending time abroad, helps a lot. Talking to friends or family about how I’m feeling can provide support and new insights. Sometimes, just sharing what’s on my mind can make a big difference.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a step back and take care of yourself.

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