We recently connected with Madhu Akasapu-Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Madhu, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I remember when I was 17 years old, I told my parents that I wanted to be a fashion designer. They were worried about my future and wanted me to pursue a career that would give me financial stability. So they gave me three choices, all of which were STEM-related jobs. I was initially disappointed, but I decided to pursue engineering instead.

Although it wasn’t my initial dream, becoming a civil engineer has given me a great platform to pursue my creative passions. I get to use my problem-solving skills during the day, and then spend my evenings working on my artistic projects. It’s been an amazing journey, and I feel grateful for the opportunities that engineering has given me. I love how I get to tackle complex problems in the morning, and then channel that same energy into creating something beautiful in the evening. I’m excited to see where my creative journey takes me, and I hope that my story inspires other aspiring artists to pursue their passions, no matter what path they take.

Madhu, 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?

I’m Madhu Akasapu-Smith, and I currently live in Atlanta with my husband and our adorable 9-month old puppy, River. I’m originally from India, and I came to the United States to pursue a Masters degree in Civil Engineering, specifically in Water Resources Engineering.

Growing up, I always had a love for creating things. I used to design my own clothes and enjoyed the process of designing. I always thought I would end up working in the fashion industry, but due to a lack of role models and societal pressures, I ended up becoming an engineer.

However, that didn’t stop me from pursuing my passion for design. I started making my own jewelry and decided to test my skills by opening an Etsy store called Masakali Studio. It’s a one-stop-shop for bohemian jewelry and handmade crochet items. I draw a lot of inspiration from my culture. India is a country that is full of color and artists, so every time I visit home, I explore the jewelry supplies and beads like kundans and Jhumkas to introduce them to the western world. I even incorporate traditional Indian lace into my crocheting to give it a more desi (Indian) feel.

I believe in the saying, “Jill of all trades and master of all,” which is why I’m always trying new things with jewelry design and handmade crochet items. And soon I will be introducing an apparel line (my dream of a one-stop boutique). I’ve never repeated a design, except for two items, because I believe that there should only be one special piece made for one special person in this world. It may not always be the most business-savvy decision, but I stand by it. My creative journey is ongoing, and I’m still discovering myself. It’s been a wonderful experience so far, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an artist, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your work resonate with others. It’s exciting and thrilling to receive positive feedback, but for me, the most rewarding aspect is when my customers truly believe in my journey. It’s more than just a transactional relationship; it becomes a meaningful connection that enriches both of our lives. Creating art is a personal and vulnerable experience, and when someone else can appreciate and connect with it, it’s truly a special feeling.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

As someone who straddles both the creative and non-creative worlds, I understand the challenges that come with pursuing a career in the arts. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of stability in income and difficulty in establishing a loyal audience or customer base. However, I am grateful for my unique journey. By pursuing a career as an engineer, I have been able to enjoy the stability and security of a steady paycheck, while also exploring my creative passions on the side.

I’m the type of person who takes my time to make decisions and approach new opportunities with caution. This doesn’t make me any less passionate about my creative pursuits, it’s just a way for me to balance both worlds and ensure that I’m making the best decisions for my life. When the time comes and I find success as both an engineer and a designer, I’ll be able to make an informed decision about which path to pursue more deeply.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MasaKaliStudio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masakalistudio/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masakalistudio/