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

Surabhi, appreciate you joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

Securing that first non-familiar client is such a pivotal moment for any business!
Imagine the early days of a business—a cozy home filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. It’s been weeks of working over color themes, unique mandala designs, mastering symmetry and finally creating a unique mandala mirror.
One evening, after sending out another round of social media posts, I decided to call it a day. The next morning, as the sun poured into my home, you settled down at your desk, ready to dive into another day of hustle. I casually checked my social media inbox, not expecting anything out of the ordinary. But then, there it was—an order confirmation from someone you didn’t recognize. My heart skipped a beat.
I clicked on the email, scarcely believing my eyes. The name on the order was completely unfamiliar—a stranger loved my work, felt my passion , and decided to make a purchase. It wasn’t a friend, family member, or acquaintance; it was someone who saw the value in what I was offering.

The thrill was palpable. I jumped up, a huge smile spreading across my face, and I did a little victory dance around. This was it! It wasn’t just about the money; it was the validation of my hard work and the realization that my business could truly reach and impact people.

That first sale wasn’t just a transaction; it was a milestone, a beacon of hope, and a testament to my persistence and dedication.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At sur_creative_studio, I am immensely proud of the way my art has touched the lives of so many. Each mandala I create is a journey, a deep dive into the symphony of shapes, colors, and emotions that make up our world. The symmetry and sacred geometry of mandalas have always brought me a profound sense of peace, balance, and mindfulness, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work brings that same tranquility to others.

What I want my potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brand is this:

Passion and Authenticity: My journey as a mandala artist is rooted in a genuine love for the craft. Each piece is a reflection of my passion and dedication. I pour my heart into every design, ensuring that it is not just visually appealing but also a source of peace and serenity.

Uniqueness and Handcrafted Beauty: Every mandala I create is one-of-a-kind, a testament to the spontaneous flow of creativity that guides my brush. No two pieces are alike, each one emerging from a meditative state and carrying its own unique energy.

Healing and Mindfulness: Mandalas are more than just art; they are powerful symbols used for meditation, prayer, healing, and art therapy. Through my work, I strive to promote mindfulness and inner peace, helping others find balance and tranquility in their lives.

Community and Connection: My Etsy shop and Instagram profile are not just platforms for selling art; they are spaces for building connections. I cherish every interaction, every comment, and every message from those who admire and support my work. Your appreciation fuels my creativity and inspires me to keep growing.

Quality and Care: From the materials I choose to the packaging of each order, I ensure that every aspect of my work reflects the highest quality. I want my clients to feel the love and care that goes into every piece, knowing that they are receiving something truly special.

Personal Growth and Evolution: My journey with sur_creative_studio is one of continuous growth and evolution. I am always exploring new techniques, experimenting with colors, and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. I invite my followers to join me on this journey and witness the evolution of my art.

Thank you for supporting sur_creative_studio. Your encouragement and appreciation mean the world to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with you. Together, we create a community where art, mindfulness, and connection thrive.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I first started sur_creative_studio, my goal was to share the beauty and tranquility of mandalas with as many people as possible. My journey on social media began with a single, heartfelt post—a snapshot of one of my favorite pieces, accompanied by a caption that shared my love for mandalas and the peace they brought me.

At the start, my audience was small—mostly friends, family, and a few acquaintances. But I was determined to grow. I focused on consistency, making sure to post regularly. Each post was a window into my creative process, a behind-the-scenes look at the art I was so passionate about. I shared not just the finished pieces, but also the work-in-progress shots, the tools I used, and the inspirations behind my designs.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There was a period when everything seemed to be going against me. My Etsy shop had been open for a few months, but no sales. my Instagram engagement dropped dramatically due to an algorithm change. To top it off, an order I had been counting on stood up. My client never showed up. It felt like all the hard work was for nothing, and doubt began to creep in.

I realized I had two choices: give up or push through. I chose to push through.

I took a step back and revisited the core of why I started sur_creative_studio. The peace, balance, and mindfulness that creating mandalas brought me were still there, I reminded myself that every challenge was an opportunity to learn and grow.
Slowly but surely, things started to turn around,new orders started coming in. I also get offers to start an online class which I am surely thinking of pursuing next.

I hope this story resonates with you. Remember, resilience is about finding strength in the face of adversity and continuing to move forward, even when the path is tough. If you’re facing challenges, know that you have the strength to overcome them and that every setback is a setup for a comeback.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sur_creative_studio/profilecard/?igsh=MXNpa2M0eGZ2bjg1ZA==
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MandalamirrorsbySur?ref=profile_header

Image Credits

Surabhi