Today we’d like to introduce you to Mansi Bhatia.

Hi Mansi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My artistic journey has been a winding path, a delightful fusion of words and colors. As a child, I was drawn to watercolor painting, but as I grew older, I was encouraged to pursue more “practical” paths. Eventually, I found my way into journalism, where I could channel my love of storytelling. For two decades, I worked as a communications professional, in cushy jobs with a humdrum lifestyle.

Years passed, and art became a distant memory, buried under the weight of responsibilities and expectations. Motherhood brought a delightful twist a decade ago. Observing my child’s uninhibited artistic expression ignited a spark within me, reawakening my dormant passion. Inspired, I embarked on a new creative journey, blending words and visuals, intuition and technique. This led to exhibitions at esteemed local venues and the more I explored different mediums and substrates, the more I realized that art had never been a hobby for me. It was a fundamental part of me.

Today, I’m a creativity facilitator and founder of Little Tokens, Big Ripples™—a presence-based practice that helps people rebuild creative confidence through play and imperfection, then share their creations as acts of kindness. Through intimate gatherings, community installations like The Ripple Station™, and an ongoing digital community, I guide people from internal self-trust to external generosity.

My work isn’t about making “artists.” It’s about showing people—many of whom arrive convinced they’re not creative—that creativity is already within them. It’s a tool for connection, self-expression, and everyday joy. I believe small acts, whether a brushstroke or a handmade token gifted to a stranger, can ripple farther than we imagine. And I’ve seen those ripples change lives, starting with my own.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth journey. Being told at 19 that I was “clearly not an artist” by a prestigious institution was a crushing blow. It wasn’t just a rejection; their words planted seeds of self-doubt that turned into a growing sense of insecurity, overshadowing my path for years to come.

When acclaimed professionals tell you that you lack originality, that your talents are mediocre at best, there really isn’t a way forward. Those labels clung to me like stubborn burrs, fueling a deep-seated belief that I was only capable of mimicking others, never creating anything truly my own.

I believed their labels and gave up on my artistic dreams, carrying that burden of “worthlessness” for over two decades. I stumbled back into art almost a decade ago during a period of personal struggle and loss of identity. While art became my sanctuary and a way to express myself, the rejection and its lingering effects continued to be a struggle. It was a constant battle between the joy of creating and the nagging fear that I wasn’t good enough.

The work I do now—through Little Tokens, Big Ripples™—has been my greatest act of healing. Guiding others to rebuild creative confidence and embrace imperfection has been as transformative for me as it has for them. Each workshop, each community gathering, each handmade token gifted into the world is a reminder that creativity is not about worthiness or validation—it’s about connection, presence, and self-trust.

My deepest hope is that by sharing my own story, I can offer others what I wish I’d had: a safe, judgment-free space to explore, play, and create. Because when we release perfectionism and reclaim our creativity, we don’t just make art—we make ripples that change the way we show up in the world.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Over the past seven years, I’ve built more than a creative practice—I’ve built a movement. Little Tokens, Big Ripples™ is my way of helping people move from creative self-doubt to authentic self-expression, and then outwards into acts of kindness that ripple through their communities.

While I’m a mixed media artist, my true work is facilitating your creativity. It’s the moment someone who’s been convinced they’re “not creative” suddenly sees themselves differently. It’s watching a hesitant hand become bolder with each brushstroke. It’s the delight of gifting a handmade token to a stranger and seeing their face light up.

My days are spent guiding people—through gatherings, community installations like The Ripple Station™, and intimate workshops—to play, experiment, and create without judgment. The art we make together isn’t meant for gallery walls; it’s meant to connect people, spark joy, and remind us all of our inherent worth.

For me, the measure of success isn’t how many paintings I’ve sold or where my work has been shown—it’s in the quiet, human moments when someone rediscovers the part of themselves that had gone quiet, and chooses to share it. Those are the ripples I live for.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

Finding mentors and building a network of hardworking, authentic, inspiring creatives has been crucial to my journey. Here’s what’s worked well for me:

1. Embrace vulnerability and authenticity: Share your story openly and honestly. People connect with raw vulnerability – when you share your pain, your struggles, your mistakes and your failures with authenticity, you attract others who resonate with your journey and are determined to embrace their imperfect selves. Diplomacy, compromise and people-pleasing should not stifle your authenticity. Give yourself permission to have an opinion, take a stand, be strong – you are worth listening to!

2. Seek out individuals you admire: Identify people who inspire you, whether they are established artists, entrepreneurs, or simply individuals with qualities you admire. Reach out to them, express your admiration for their work, and ask for their insights or advice.

3. Support other women: Be generous with your support and encouragement without judgment or jealousy or comparison. There is room for all of us. Compliment generously, listen intently, laugh heartily. It’s a beautiful way of building genuine relationships based on mutual respect and support.

4. Attend events and workshops: Participate in local events, conferences, and workshops. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, learn new skills, and expand your network.

5. Engage online: Join online communities and forums where you can share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage in conversations. Podcast interviews are a great way to discover new artists and learn more about their journeys. The virtual world can be a great way to forge meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds you might not have access to otherwise.

6. Give back to the community: Look for ways to contribute your time and skills to your community. Volunteer, mentor others, or share your knowledge through workshops or talks. Giving back not only strengthens your network and provides you exposure in your local community, but also brings a sense of fulfillment.

I treasure my community of fellow creatives — they have been hugely instrumental in helping me reach this point in my journey where I am figuring out what’s next. For me, networking has never been about numbers or prestige. It’s about building relationships rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose. The most impactful connections come when you approach people not with “What can I get?” but with “How can we grow together?”

Pricing:

• The Ripple Circle™: online membership $10/month
• The Ripple Room™: monthly live Zoom call, no recordings $10/sliding scale

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.littletokensbigripples.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littletokensbigripples/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleTokensBigRipples
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mansibhatia/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/littletokensbigripples