Meet Tanya Momi

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

Tanya, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in the example set by my father, a highly accomplished and organized man whose career began in the wake of the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947. Starting as a high school teacher, he quickly became a paragon of efficiency and productivity, traits that were instilled in our family from a young age. Both of my parents were survivors of the 1947 Partition of India. At just 12 years old, they were uprooted from their homes along with 20 million others, forced to start life from nothing. Their resilience and determination are a testament to their strength. For more about this period, you can read about it on 1947PartitionArchive.org.
Growing up, we were accustomed to being morning people, a routine shaped by our father’s disciplined approach to his role as a public relations officer for the school education board. Each morning, before heading to work, he would diligently read all the major newspapers in four languages—English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu. If he came across any news related to the school education board, he would clip it out to take with him to work. This practice not only kept him well-informed but also introduced us to the importance of staying updated and informed.
From a young age, we joined him in reading the newspapers, making it a family ritual that fostered communication and critical thinking. Our father ensured that we were not just passive recipients of information but active participants in discussions. This emphasis on communication extended to our dinner conversations, where our mother and father engaged us in enlightening discussions on literature, art, history, and food. These interactions were not just about sharing knowledge but about cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning and curiosity.
The values of time management, productivity, and continuous learning that my father exemplified have become the cornerstone of my work ethic. His dedication to his work, his methodical approach to staying informed, and his commitment to open communication have all profoundly influenced how I approach my professional and personal life. Even today, our family discussions continue to be rich with insights and knowledge, a testament to the enduring legacy of my father’s work ethic.
Our mother was incredibly proactive in our upbringing and unwaveringly supportive of our decisions. She would often say, “You can do anything you put your mind and heart into. There’s no such thing as girls not being able to run a business. You are equal, and with determination, everything is possible.” When I wanted to open my full-service salon in 1994, she encouraged me wholeheartedly, saying, “Do it. I’ll ask Dad to give you the money to start your business.”
Our parents were early risers who instilled in us discipline and healthy habits. We have continued this routine throughout our lives. Mom always emphasized that, although she didn’t have the opportunity for higher education or to start her own business, we were no less than anyone else. She encouraged us to follow our hearts’ desires.
All four of us have upheld these work ethics and routines, carrying forward the values and strength our mother instilled in us.

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?

As a child, I always dreamed of becoming an artist. I pursued my studies in art, and after getting married, I moved to the United States. For the first five years, I stayed home to care for my children. Under pressure from my in-laws to start working, I found it difficult to continue my education in graphic arts due to the demanding hours. A neighbor suggested that I attend beauty school, as her aunt was opening a full-service salon nearby. My parents generously paid for my schooling since my husband refused to support this endeavor.
I earned my license and began working at my neighbor’s aunt’s salon, where clients quickly grew to love my work. However, after my father-in-law passed away, my mother-in-law moved in with us. This marked the beginning of severe abuse and torture from both her and my husband. Fearing for our lives, I reached out to my parents in Canada. They came to our aid, helping us escape the abusive situation and begin the process of rebuilding our lives.
With my parents’ unwavering support, I opened my own full-service salon in 1994. My mother helped care for the children, allowing me to focus on the business. The clients I served became a supportive community, providing encouragement and helping us heal. Their support also rekindled my passion for art, and after a 22-year hiatus, I began painting again. My salon transformed into a gallery showcasing my artwork, offering me a new avenue to express myself and connect with others.
Despite being shunned by parts of our Indian community, we persevered and carved out our own path. With my clients’ support, my children flourished, and I continued to develop as an artist. On August 2, 2023, I sold the salon and am now seeking new opportunities to support myself and leave a legacy through my art.
I am reaching out to art collectors and museums to showcase my work. If you have any connections in the art world, please help me share my story and my art. I aspire to be known and respected as an artist. Your support can help me achieve this dream and inspire others to overcome adversity and follow their passions. Produced a movie ‘Design by Preeti’.
My current show are
illuminating symbols in art UNCLE Cradit Union Art gallery, Livermore March 14th May 19th 2024
Asian with Asian roots May 18th June 16th 2024 Half Moon Bay
Expression multicultural artist May 23,2024 Sept 15, 2024 Los Altos History Museum

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?

Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge
Reflecting on my 35-year journey from starting a full-service salon from scratch, three key qualities and skills stand out as the most impactful: a hardworking mindset, an unwavering commitment to learning, and a dedication to serving others with a positive attitude.
1. Hardworking Mindset and Perseverance One of the most crucial qualities that sustained me was my hardworking mindset. I firmly believed that nothing was impossible. This mindset enabled me to face challenges head-on and continuously strive for excellence. My advice to those early in their journey is to adopt a mantra of “never give up.” In both tough times and good times, keep moving forward. Persistence and determination are essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
2. Commitment to Continuous Learning Another significant factor was my commitment to continuous learning. Even while running my business, I kept myself enrolled in various courses to learn new ways of doing business and improving my skills. This dedication to education not only enhanced my professional abilities but also kept me adaptable in an ever-changing industry. For those starting out, I recommend constantly seeking knowledge and staying updated with industry trends. Lifelong learning is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
3. Dedication to Serving Others with a Positive Attitude The most impactful aspect of my journey was the ability to touch, move, and inspire others with a smile. Being personable and dependable made me a trusted figure in my community. Taking work seriously and showing genuine care for my clients fostered a loyal customer base. To those beginning their careers, I emphasize the importance of building strong relationships and serving others with kindness and enthusiasm. A positive attitude can make a significant difference in how you are perceived and how effectively you can inspire others.
By embodying these qualities—perseverance, continuous learning, and a positive, service-oriented attitude—you can navigate your journey successfully and leave a lasting impact on those around you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

5. Seeking Collaborators to Showcase and Elevate My Art
Absolutely! I am always looking for art collectors and museums to showcase my work. In the art world, connections are everything. It’s about building deep, meaningful relationships that can help elevate my art to new heights. I am particularly interested in connecting with international art collectors and museums, as these connections can truly make a significant impact on my career. My dream is to see my art on the walls of collectors while I am still alive, and to personally connect with my buyers in the old-fashioned way. Together, we can build a meaningful bond, as they hear firsthand the stories behind each piece directly from me. When you purchase my art, you take a part of me with you. It truly makes my day when my collectors share my stories and feel a genuine connection with my work.
I am currently busy creating a new body of work and am eager to share it with a wider audience. It’s incredibly valuable when others recommend an artist to collectors and museums. If you have connections or can introduce me to those who appreciate and support art, it would mean the world to me.
For those who are interested in collaborating or helping me grow my art, please reach out. Together, we can create something truly special and ensure that my art reaches those who will cherish it. Let’s connect and make a lasting impact in the art world.
You can contact me via [insert preferred contact method]. Your support and collaboration can help turn my artistic dreams into reality.

www.Tanyamomi.com
@tanya.momi
Tanya Momi

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TanyaMomi.com
• Instagram: @tanya.momi
• Facebook: Tanya Momi
• Linkedin: Tanya Momi
• Twitter: @TanyaMomi