Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anu Kumar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Anu thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my life was stepping away from a well-established career in business strategy to pursue a year dedicated to exploring my art. I have an MBA and spent 15 years developing a career that provided financial stability. Though I thrived in the corporate world, I never felt fully aligned with my purpose. It wasn’t until a moment of burnout that I decided to take a leap of faith: I left my corporate role to rediscover my creative side.

This decision was not without fear. Walking away from the security of a steady paycheck and established identity was daunting. Would I lose momentum in my career? Would I regret it? Still, I knew I needed this time for myself, and with a deep breath, I jumped into the unknown.

I enrolled in an artist residency program at Moore Art College in Philadelphia, where I immersed myself in creating art that told stories of sustainability and environmental preservation—causes I cared deeply about. I connected with other artists and even began consulting for nonprofit arts organizations, using my business acumen to support their missions while nurturing my creative side.

How did it turn out? The risk paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The year away helped me find a stronger sense of self and clarity about my purpose. I returned to the business world with a renewed perspective, combining my strategic expertise with the creativity I had rediscovered. I now feel more aligned than ever, balancing my work in the corporate and nonprofit arts worlds while living a purpose-driven, fulfilling life.

Taking that risk taught me that sometimes, stepping away isn’t a loss but an opportunity to grow. It reaffirmed the importance of trusting myself and embracing the unknown to live authentically.

Anu, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Ive found a fulfilling balance between my full-time job and my passion as an artist. My art focuses on raising awareness about environmental issues, especially the impact of pollution on beaches and the natural world. I use materials and techniques designed to spark conversations about sustainability, crafting visual stories that inspire reflection and action. I also create abstract pieces that evoke deep emotions and connection through my work.

My creative projects reflect my authentic style, which resonates with many. My paintings have been featured in juried gallery exhibitions across Los Angeles, and I’ve had the privilege of hosting solo shows where numerous pieces were sold to collectors who share my passion for sustainability. I’ve also taken on commissioned projects for businesses and personal homes, tailoring each piece to bring the client’s vision to life while staying true to my focus on environmental storytelling.

For example, while much of my work is abstract and surreal, I’ve also created specific pieces like an oil painting of a flower that reminded a client of their trip to South Carolina. It’s rewarding to tell my own story through my art and equally fulfilling to help others express theirs.

What I’m most proud of is having the courage to step away from the corporate world to rediscover my creative voice. That leap allowed me to align my life with my purpose. Whether I’m tackling operational challenges or creating art, everything I do is rooted in authenticity, passion, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

t was only after taking time off to explore my artistic side that I realized how many local art groups existed where artists could connect and collaborate. I also discovered evening art classes offered at local art centers for adults. These opportunities, combined with exhibitions and meaningful conversations, helped me uncover what I truly wanted to pursue outside of the traditional 9-to-5 work routine.

Looking back, I wish I had discovered these resources earlier. They were always there, but I was too busy to notice or participate. Now, I’m an active member of several art groups, which include people of all ages—from those in the middle of thriving careers, like myself, to others who have retired. Learning from and having conversations with such a diverse group is incredibly inspirational and motivational. I deeply value the connections and perspectives they bring to my life and work.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve always been a planner. My education and professional training have instilled in me the importance of assessing risks, analyzing outcomes, and moving forward only when there’s a high probability of success. It’s a mindset that has served me well in many aspects of my life.

But last year taught me something profoundly different—it taught me to let go of the need for certainty and to embrace the unknown. For the first time, I set aside meticulous planning and left room for spontaneity and possibility. It was uncomfortable at first, but it opened the door to experiences I never could have predicted.

By trusting the unknown, I learned that not everything can be planned—and that’s where the magic happens. Some of the most rewarding opportunities and connections in my life have come from stepping outside my comfort zone, taking a leap of faith, and simply allowing life to unfold. This lesson has reshaped the way I approach both my work and my art, reminding me that sometimes, the best outcomes arise when we make space for the unexpected.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://art.anu-kumar.com/
• Instagram: @palletcreator

Image Credits

Credit -Rodney Ramcharan and Priya Ramcharan for all of the photos. They are my family members.