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

Hi Neha, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it wasn’t an overnight success. I worked as an engineer for 15 years before making the leap to becoming a full-time artist. The decision wasn’t made lightly, but eventually, my art income was able to supplement, and even exceed, what I was earning from engineering.

The journey was anything but linear. I paid my way through engineering school with the income from my art and after graduation I balanced both careers, growing my client base and refining my artistic voice while still working my engineering job. Over time, demand for my art increased to a point where I knew I could transition out of my corporate role. That was a huge milestone for me, and it was empowering to see that my passion could provide financial security.

However, Covid-19 introduced new challenges. Events and in-person work, which were major sources of income, slowed down dramatically. The pandemic underscored the unpredictability of being a full-time creative, and I had to adapt quickly to virtual opportunities and alternative ways to engage clients.

If I could speed up the process knowing what I know now, I’d focus on building an even stronger online presence earlier, as that became key when in-person work was no longer viable. Diversifying income streams, like offering virtual workshops or limited edition products sooner, would have also helped stabilize my earnings during uncertain times.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Los Angeles-based henna artist who turned my passion for art into a full-fledged business. My journey began with a love for intricate henna designs, but over time, I’ve evolved it into a multifaceted career that includes not only henna but also custom-painted products and unique collaborations with brands. I got into this industry through years of perfecting my craft, blending traditional henna techniques with a modern, artistic approach.

I offer a variety of services, including bridal mehndi, custom artwork, and personalized projects like hand-painted sneakers, apparel, accessories, furniture and wall art, as well as collaborations with other brands and industries. I bring the traditional art form of mehndi to the forefront for my clients by delivering high-end, tailored artistry that goes beyond the conventional, meeting their specific aesthetic desires. From customizing bridal henna to reflect cultural symbols or personal stories, to designing one-of-a-kind products that elevate my clients’ experience, my work is distinguished by its personalization and artistic depth.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend tradition with innovation. My bold use of traditional patterns, contemporary designs, and luxury-level craftsmanship make me a standout in the henna world and beyond. I’m known for pushing boundaries in my art, integrating elements like crushed glass, landmarks, portraits, florals, and even sports logos into my designs.

I’m most proud of how my brand empowers me to share my artistic expression with others in a way that resonates deeply. I’ve built a loyal following across my social media platforms and I’ve achieved viral moments thanks to my eye-catching designs and willingness to experiment.

The main things I want my potential clients, followers, and fans to know are:

1. My brand is all about high-quality, custom artistry.
2. I am proving that mehndi can be a part of your daily life in any shape or form.
3. I am continually pushing the boundaries of what henna and creative design can be.
4. Every piece I create is a reflection of my passion for making something truly unique for each client.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society can take several actions:

1. Invest in Creative Spaces: Building and maintaining community art spaces, studios, and galleries gives artists physical platforms to create and showcase their work. Public funding for such spaces can democratize access.
2. Financial Support and Grants: Offering grants, fellowships, or subsidies allows artists to pursue their work without the pressure of always having to commercialize it. Crowdfunding platforms and government programs could also support creators in financial need.
3. Fair Pay and Recognition: Creatives often work on a freelance basis, where they may face undervaluation of their work. Advocating for fair compensation and better copyright laws can ensure they are paid for their talent and time.
4. Promote Diverse Voices: Supporting underrepresented artists through platforms and opportunities encourages diverse perspectives. This fosters an inclusive creative ecosystem where different forms of expression thrive.
5. Foster Collaboration Between Art and Business: Bridging the gap between the art world and industries like technology, fashion, and marketing can help integrate creative work into mainstream sectors, offering more job opportunities and recognition.
6. Cultural Patronage and Public Arts Funding: Governments and corporations can invest in art through cultural programs, public art commissions, and purchasing art for public spaces, reinforcing the value of creative work in society.
8. Support Through Public Engagement: Encouraging public participation in the arts by attending exhibitions, purchasing artwork, and supporting local artists helps maintain a thriving arts community.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey as an artist is a testament to resilience. One pivotal moment came when I made the courageous decision to leave my 15-year engineering career and pursue art full-time. It wasn’t an easy transition, but by then, I had built a successful brand around my intricate and modern take on traditional henna art, custom paintings, and hand-painted accessories.

Even though engineering provided a steady income, my passion for art became too strong to ignore. I eventually reached a point where my art career was able to match my engineering income, but then the pandemic hit. Covid had a profound impact on the events industry, and my art business took a serious blow. I faced cancellations, lost revenue, and a lot of uncertainty about what the future held.

But instead of stepping back, I adapted. I used the downtime to experiment with new mediums and refine my craft, diving into commissions, a hand painted product line and more detailed bridal mehndi designs. I embraced social media, engaging with my audience and expanding my digital presence. That time allowed me to focus on growing my brand in new ways, and I came out of the pandemic stronger than before.

The resilience I developed through this challenge reflects my dedication to my art, my ability to pivot when faced with obstacles, and my unwavering belief in my creative vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nehaassar.com
• Instagram: @NehaAssar
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/NehaAssar
• Linkedin: Neha Assar
• Twitter: @NehaAssar
• Youtube: @NehaAssar
• Other: TikTok – @NehaAssar

Image Credits

Image provided by Balerina Films (neha doing henna), Greycard photography (photos of sneakers), Shivani Reddy (photos of furniture)