Nidhi left her MBA job to make her passion her profession, and is using her MBA knowledge to run her own art design studio.

Nidhi Desai is an Artist and Founder of ‘Shoonya’ design studio in Surat. It's been five years since she started this design studio.

Remembering her childhood memories, Nidhi says that she was interested in the art field from the beginning. She remembers that she used to love being with her colors more than playing with her friends. She was always coloring, drawing, or doodling on the walls. She thanks her father for creating a special "Nidhi's Art" wall just for her, where she could doodle or draw.

Describing her professional journey, Nidhi says that it has been full of ups and downs. She says that she started with conventional education; she first did her graduation in commerce and then left it because her parents did not see any future in fine arts. After her MBA in Human Resource Management, she joined a good company in Surat, but after a few days she started feeling monotonous, so she started giving fine art coaching to kids at home after her working hours. She also started taking up various art projects that came to her.

Once, due to an accident, Nidhi was bedridden for many months, and then she again made Art her partner. Then an opportunity came in front of her to paint the walls of a fashion institute. It was a new experience for her and also opened new avenues. She came to know that a wall mural is also a kind of art, and a wall muralist is also a kind of career option. After this, she thought of making it her field.

Describing her COVID experience, Nidhi says that during that time she had both types of experiences. She had lost her mother in the second wave, which was very painful for her. While she was debating whether to continue working or pursue her heart's desire, she resigned from her job after listening to her heart and thinking of becoming a full-time wall artist.

Nidhi says the biggest regret she has is overestimating her talent as an artist.  The other mistake she considers is not doing any self-marketing. She feels that she made the mistake of not meeting as many people as possible on her own, which she thinks every artist should do.

Speaking about her achievements, Nidhi says that, first, she is proud that she is using her MBA knowledge properly in growing and managing her business. Today she earns twice what she was earning when she resigned from her job, and it is a big and proud achievement for her. Another proud accomplishment is her collaboration with a well-known interior designer from Delhi on Indian folk designs, which was featured in India's renowned magazine “Architectural Digest."

Nidhi advises aspiring artists that they need a "guru" in order to succeed. That's why they should always take advice from a mentor or guru. She says that when you first start out, you may need some direction. At that point, you should seek advice from people who are experts in your field.

When asked about her role models, Nidhi says she looks up to her husband as one of her mentors. She says that her husband has always taught her the basics of business and has always supported her.

Nidhi enjoys mountaineering and taking solo vacations in her free time. Traveling amid nature rejuvenates and inspires her.

Nidhi encourages young people to always follow their hearts. According to her, there is always a conflict between the mind and the heart and whenever she gets confused, she always chooses to follow her heart.