SAWN Monthly Spotlight:

Kamlika Chandla , a published poet, artist, teacher, and a leadership development coach, talks to us about her journey and how she navigates the challenges of balancing both her creative and business pursuits.

Tell us about your journey and what drew you to the medium of art?

The urge to absorb, interpret and express both pain and beauty in and around my inner and outer world triggered the pursuit of art and creative expression. I have probably written more poetry than I have painted pictures but both the written and the painted word became an integral part of my life very early on. I moved to the USA in 2008, made the decision to return to college, became a researcher, worked in academia and healthcare, then sought the best training from living classical masters in USA and Italy and pursued my journey as an artist. I eventually learnt how to split my time as an artist/educator and management (Organizational Development & Leadership) consultant.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment so far?  

My greatest accomplishments are perhaps more intangible, such as remaining committed to the path to self-actualization and becoming and offering the best version of me personally and professionally. In terms of public success, I would say getting a national award in poetry and representing my country at NASA as the first student ambassador. I am most proud of doing humanitarian work, teaching and seeing my students grow and efficiently managing my art and consulting businesses.

Did you always want to be an artist/ entrepreneur when you were growing up?  

Yes, as a child, I always wanted to be an artist. Becoming an entrepreneur was something that I had to work hard towards and continue to do so.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in starting out on their own or changing their path?

It is imperative to have self-assuredness, conviction, knowledge & expertise in the area of interest/pursuit, a game-plan, and the unwavering determination and self-discipline to execute that vision & plan. Self-monitoring and self-motivation are eventually what help any entrepreneur and creative person thrive in the external world.

What are you most excited about in 2023 and beyond?

I launched my Management Consulting Firm this June and had the opportunity to return to Italy to work with my colleagues over the summer. This year, I am working on a series of portraits and figurative paintings themed around the “commoner” in India and here in the USA. I feel drawn to the resilience, the grit, the hunger and endurance of the people and their untethered authenticity. In the last few years however, I have seen the impact technology, the pandemic, socioeconomics and politics have had on both the people and their environment. And yet, what hasn’t changed is that grit and determination to be consistently and constantly better (especially in India)! I hope to be able to capture some of that essence in my new series if possible.

Visit www.kamlikachandla.com to see Kamlika’s work or listen to a recent podcast: Kamlika Chandla: A Journey of Creativity and Connection by TEN7.