Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Momi

Tanya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I got married in my early twenties, moved to San Francisco, and quickly became a mother of two. At the same time, I had started my own business while raising two kids. By the time I was heading into my thirties, I had a successful business, two wonderful children, but a failed marriage that was steadily heading for a divorce. While my twenties were challenging and tough, it was my thirties that became a battleground where I had to strap on my boots and fight for my own survival and my children’s future. I was thrown into life’s challenges without the necessary tools, without much support, and I felt alone, but I was also fearless, bold, and unstoppable. Looking back now, I would not have chosen this life journey, but it did shape me into who I am today. What kept me going were my kids, the unwavering support from my family, and the incredible network of women that I met through my salon, who not only took us under their wings, but became lifelong friends. Even now, thinking back to those difficult times brings tears to my eyes. That was my life. Life gave me lemons, and I sold lemonade every day just to put food on the table. I played the role of a father, a mother, and business owner all at once. Now, after fighting these battles, I was finally ready to focus on my needs: meditation, painting, traveling the world, and leaving behind an impactful legacy through my art.
None of this was originally part of my dream or life plan. I never imagined I would be a young single mom of two kids. But with the help of my parents—financially, emotionally, and physically—I was able to rise. As an immigrant from Punjab India, I had married a very mentally, emotionally, and physically abusive man, and his family was just as abusive to me and my two kids. Even after the court ordered him to get help and change his behaviors, he outright refused as a result he lost custody. He never made any efforts to see his own kids again. So, I became a supermom, handling every responsibility to raise my kids, run a business, and rebuild my life from scratch. I did not have the luxury of being a housewife with the financial support of a husband. Instead, I had to learn life’s lessons the hard way, one step at a time, but I survived. I fought my own battles, and I stand here stronger for it. With the strength and support of my parents, I had left that toxic marriage and never looked back. Even though at that time, I had no understanding of my rights as a woman, I still told myself that I would not let anything hold me back and I would persevere. When the rain clouds finally started to open up, I had a wonderful opportunity to became a small business owner of a full service spa salon in Mountain View, California. Owning that salon became the gateway to meeting so many amazing people from all walks of life. They supported me, helped me grow, and embraced me and my kids.
Although the challenges seemed endless, there was finally a light at the end of the tunnel.

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?

The road has been far from smooth. Life handed me battles to fight without any armor or guidance. My abusive marriage was only the beginning; as an immigrant woman, I had no understanding of my rights, and being in a foreign country made it even harder. Financially, I had no support, and emotionally, the scars ran deep. But even in the darkest moments, I chose to fight back.
The biggest struggle for me was being a single mother while running a business with zero financial help. The isolation I felt from my own Indian community was quite painful. As a single mother, I was ostracized—people didn’t want their kids to associate with mine, and there was no support from the women in my cultural circle. This is still a major problem within the culture that is not properly recognized and talked about till this day. The rejection from my own community hurt deeply, but I refused to let it define me. Instead, I stood tall, dusted myself off, and kept fighting.
Today, my story resonates with women from all over the world, especially those who are trying to fight against harmful cultural practices that oppress women. Through my art, I connect with those who have struggled, those who need to hear that they too can rise above the pain. I refuse to be silenced because telling my story is how others find their strength. If my journey can help even one person realize they are not alone, then every struggle I endured was worth it. My resilience and transformative journey continues. 
I made sure that I put my kids and myself through therapy and always stated that as a family, we would navigate this unknown world we had been thrown into together.
Living in the Bay Area, I found myself surrounded by Indian families who had it all—great schools for their kids, thriving husbands, and wives living in comfort and luxury. They couldn’t understand the kind of hardship I faced, the abuse I endured. Instead of offering support, many walked away from me, unable or unwilling to relate to my struggles.
While others lived their seemingly perfect lives, I worked tirelessly every day to survive. I took night classes to improve my small business, constantly learning how to adapt and grow. It was a lonely journey, but I refused to give up. The path I walked wasn’t easy, but it made me who I am—resilient, fearless, and determined to keep going no matter what.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

 I specialize in creating art that captures the human experience, with a focus on the struggles, resilience, and empowerment of women. My work crosses multiple genres, 
including cubism, figurative, abstract, social realism, and spiritual art. Each piece is born from personal experience, often reflecting the journey of survival, pain, and ultimately, hope.
I am most proud of my “Women Empowerment” series. This collection includes works such as Independence Day, Women Don’t Go Back, and I Am My Mother’s Daughter. These paintings tell stories of strength and defiance, encouraging women to reclaim their power. What sets me apart is the raw, unfiltered emotion I channel into every stroke of the brush. I paint from a deep well of personal pain, survival, and the triumph of rising above. These works highlight the strength of women who rise above their circumstances, much like I did in my own life. Art gave me a voice when I had none, and now I use it to inspire and empower others. My goal is to leave behind a legacy—a body of work that speaks to the struggles of women and offers them strength. My art isn’t just about the visual; it’s about the stories that resonate, the connection with others who have walked similar paths. Each piece is a testament to the power of survival, the beauty in overcoming adversity, and the strength we find in our deepest struggles. 
I recently was also offered a role to help produce a very impactful movie where I also played the role of a head seamstress. The writer and director had displayed my art throughout the movie and this project became an integral part of my life for a year. The movie, Designed By Preeti, is a romantic drama that highlights the courageous journey of an Indian woman who is experiencing spousal abuse, but manages to find personal and professional empowerment through her own art of clothing design and eventually allows herself to experience love for the first time with someone outside of her community. Inspired by true stories, Designed by Preeti addresses domestic abuse, mental health, interracial romance, and pursuing your dreams.

As an artist, my simple request is this: support women artists who tell their life stories through their art. Every piece I create is not just a painting – it’s a part of my journey, a voice for those who feel silenced, and a beacon of strength for those who need hope. Art is about more than fame or recognition; it’s about telling the truth, sharing experiences, and creating connections that transcend boundaries.
To keep my work alive and my message of empowerment growing, I need your help. Collect my art, share my story, and together, we can spread a message of resilience and transformation. Help us continue to inspire through art, and keep the passion burning for all those who need a reminder that they too can rise above.

Please check out my art at www.tanyamomi.com

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?

I had owned my own full service salon for 35 years in Mountain View. I have lived in the Bay Area for over 41 years, and I absolutely love the natural beauty and wonders of Northern California. When I first arrived in San Francisco in 1983, it reminded me of Chandigarh, my hometown in India, with its vibrant landscapes and warm atmosphere. What I cherish most about Mountain View is the sense of safety and the tight-knit community that embraced me during my most challenging times. The people here became my extended family, offering support and kindness when i needed it most.
However, the town has now changed dramatically over the last 10 years. The tech boom has brought prosperity, but it has also stripped away the small-town charm. The soaring cost of living has forced many locals to leave, and the traffic has become overwhelming. It’s heartbreaking to see the orchards and peaceful streets replaced by bustling tech hubs. Though I miss the Mountain View that once was, I remain grateful for the community that shaped and supported me. Our small village community charm is gone. I wish for people to be mindful and preserve the nature of life in our small towns. Our communities are what keep us strong, resilient and together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TanyaMomi.Com
• Instagram: @tanya.momi
• Facebook: Tanya Momi
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-momi/

Image Credits

Tanya Momi