We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sonia Pal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sonia below.
Sonia, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
In my creative journey, persistence is driven by a profound personal mission. Picture this: after two decades in clinical research, I stumbled upon my creative passion during the early days of the pandemic. Instead of returning to my corporate career, I embarked on a path that led to an unexpected business venture, which soon became a heartfelt mission to spread joy, healing, and connection through art.
However, not everyone shared my vision. Friends and acquaintances questioned my timing and my lack of formal art training. They urged me to return to my corporate job, emphasizing my proficiency there. These words initially stung, but I realized they couldn’t see the grand vision I held in my heart.
The doubters multiplied when it came to my brand and niche. ‘You’re doing too much, and your brand name is confusing,’ they’d say. ‘Your art isn’t practical.’ Rather than let this criticism deter me, I took it as constructive feedback. I shifted my focus to one goal at a time. First, I built a professional online presence, sharing my mission even when it felt vulnerable. Then, I started offering free resources like calligraphy lessons and art tips for beginners.
Yet, the financial sustainability of this journey remained a question. ‘You’ll be a starving artist,’ they warned. I knew there was some truth to it, so I pivoted. I began teaching calligraphy and digitizing my art for sale.
Still, critics remained. ‘You don’t have a practical product,’ they asserted. Rather than be disheartened, I saw this as a challenge. It led to the creation of practical merchandise like tote bags, mugs, and journals.
Through it all, I’ve learned a vital truth: not everyone will understand your dream. What matters is finding a community that supports you and values your vision. I’ve learned to listen to feedback with an open mind, adapting my strategy without compromising my mission.
Here’s what I’ve discovered: It’s never too late to learn new skills. Invest in knowledge, research, and network with like-minded individuals. Embrace the journey of trial and error, transforming failures into stepping stones. There’s no magical formula, just resilience and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth.
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?
My professional journey is rooted in the core values of love, joy, connection, and healing. I’m excited to share the facets of my work and what makes it truly special.
1. Calligraphy classes for beginners of all ages, virtual and in person:
I wholeheartedly believe that learning calligraphy is a journey filled with personal and professional rewards. In my classes, I cater to beginners of all ages, offering both virtual and in-person sessions. With the resurgence of interest in calligraphy, newcomers often find themselves overwhelmed by the abundance of information on tools, supplies, and formats. My mission is to guide them, no matter their level of commitment, from those simply curious to budding entrepreneurs. Through hands-on projects, I ensure that calligraphy becomes an accessible and enjoyable pursuit right from the start.
Link to in person class registration: https://www.lunespark.com/service-page/calligraphy-adults?referral=service_list_widget
Link to online class registration: https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/calligraphy-workshop-online
2. Fine art, prints and merchandize:
My artistic journey extends to fine art creation, utilizing mediums such as watercolors, acrylics, mixed media, and calligraphy. What’s truly special about my art is its purpose – each piece serves as a means to make a positive impact. I donate a significant portion of my art to support charitable causes, including child education and local community initiatives. With every brushstroke, I seek to contribute to meaningful projects, both within my community and beyond. You can find prints and a range of merchandise on my website.
Link to website: https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/artist-favorites
3. Upcoming fabric collection:
I’m on the brink of launching an exciting new endeavor—an exclusive fabric collection featuring my art. This collection, which will be available through print-on-demand sites this fall, is a perfect marriage of handmade creativity and artistic expression. I have a deep appreciation for the vibrant quilting and sewing community in North Carolina, and I’m eagerly anticipating the moment when fellow artists and makers can incorporate my artistry into their imaginative projects.
In all these pursuits, what ties everything together is my commitment to spreading love, joy, connection, and healing through the beauty of art. It’s not just about the products or services; it’s about the meaningful impact they can have on people’s lives.
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?
Reflecting on this creative journey, I’ve identified three qualities that have been the bedrock of my progress. These qualities not only played a pivotal role but continue to shape my path. For those beginning their own journeys, here’s my advice on cultivating and refining these essential traits.
Clarity is the first and foremost quality.
It’s about knowing precisely why you’re embarking on a particular path. This doesn’t always necessitate a grand mission; even the pursuit of simple joys in daily life benefits from clarity. Take watching a movie, for example. When you’re clear about your intention—to enjoy it—the experience becomes more fulfilling. This principle extends to business endeavors. The simple act of asking why you’re doing what you do can radically enhance productivity. Mindless social media scrolling and time-wasting activities naturally fall away, replaced by hyper-focused, intentional consumption.
Consistency, the second pillar, cannot be overstated.
Mastery of any skill, including creative arts, demands discipline and practice. I’ve witnessed too many talented individuals abandon their dreams due to inconsistency or not persisting long enough. Early stages require patience; greatness is not achieved overnight.
Strategy, the third element, is the compass guiding your journey.
Learning is valuable, but without a well-crafted strategy for implementation, it can remain dormant. Break down your strategies into short-term (6 months), mid-term (1-3 years), and long-term (3-5 years) goals, each with mini milestones. This forms the basis of SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Running a business means you’re your own compass. Keep a vigilant eye on these goals, measuring your progress regularly, and be prepared to adapt. Seek support, when necessary, be it from an accountability partner, family member, or friend. Not all strategies will hit the bullseye; failures are opportunities for growth.
Investing in your education and tools is paramount. Free resources have their limits; seek courses or training to learn and implement crucial business aspects. Time and focus are your most valuable currencies. If a task is time-intensive but outside your expertise, consider outsourcing. Concentrate your energy on building your dream and the tasks only you can accomplish.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I count myself incredibly fortunate to have been raised by parents who nurtured my dreams and values from a very young age. Born into an average middle-class family in India, we didn’t have many luxuries, but my parents instilled in me a deep sense of pride in hard work, the importance of education, respect for others, and a love for humanity. Today, I attribute much of who I am to my upbringing.
Growing up, I observed that gender dynamics varied in other households, with boys often treated differently than girls. However, in our home, my brothers and I, along with my sister, were all treated equally and given the same opportunities. My mom, for instance, preferred watching my sister and me work on science projects rather than learn to cook as teenagers. My parents did countless impactful things; it’s challenging to enumerate them all.
If I were to single out one of the most impactful decisions, it would be my dad’s unwavering support for my dream of becoming a doctor. Despite concerns from extended family, he insisted on sending me to medical school because he knew it was my passion. This decision defied societal norms, where sending daughters far away to study or investing heavily in their education was uncommon. My dad paid no heed to societal opinions; he simply believed in supporting my dreams. This choice set me on a trajectory that molded me into the ambitious, motivated, and self-driven person I am today. He instilled in me the belief that I could dream big and pursue my heart’s desires, no matter what others said.
When I transitioned from my corporate career to creative entrepreneurship, he stood beside me, enthusiastically cheering me on in this new journey. He taught me that success isn’t solely defined by professional degrees or traditional markers; it’s about pouring your heart and soul into your pursuits, relishing them, and letting success follow naturally.
Losing my dad last year was a profound loss that led me to contemplate life’s meaning. It strengthened my mission and underscored the significance of human connections that often go overlooked. My artwork, ‘The Tyger’ and ‘Rumi Love,’ stand as tributes to my dad, serving as a constant reminder of his enduring influence.
Link: https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/fine-art-prints/art_print_products/tyger-william-blake?product_gallery=133247&product_id=5917504
Link: https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/fine-art-prints/art_print_products/rumi-love-blackwhite?product_gallery=133247&product_id=5971905
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asquarewatermelon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090185775721
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsoniajpal/
