A SheLit Exclusive
In a world where art is often seen as a hobby rather than a career, Sanya Jain is breaking barriers, one brushstroke at a time. From crunching numbers at a Big Four firm to curating her own art studio, her journey proves that when passion meets perseverance, possibilities are endless. We sat down with her to learn how she turned her childhood love for art into a thriving profession — and the challenges she overcame along the way.
🌿 The Journey: Where It All Began
Tell us a bit about your journey — how did your interest in art begin?
Art has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always doodling in notebooks, mixing colours, painting for hours — it just came naturally. But I never thought of it as something I could pursue full-time. I followed the conventional path — studied Business Economics, got a job at a Big Four company — but art never left me. It was always calling me back. Eventually, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. That’s when everything began to shift.
What inspired you to finally take the leap and pursue art as your career?
It wasn’t one big dramatic moment — more like small nudges from the universe. I’d paint after work, teach a class here and there, share my work online — and the response was overwhelming. I realised I felt most alive when I was creating. That’s when I knew — if this brings me peace and purpose, I owe it to myself to give it everything I have. That decision changed my life.
💡 Overcoming Doubts and Defying Expectations
Many girls hesitate to take art as a full-time profession. What made you believe in your path?
I understand that hesitation , I’ve lived it. Art is often dismissed as just a hobby, especially for girls. But my belief grew gradually. When I started teaching, hosting workshops, getting custom orders — and witnessing how my art made people feel , it built my confidence. I realised, if I can work so hard for something I don’t love, I can definitely build something around what I do love.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a woman trying to build a career in art?
One of the biggest challenges was being taken seriously. People often see women in creative fields as doing it just for “fun” or until they settle down. There were doubts , from others, but also from within. I was managing everything , teaching, workshops, sourcing materials , and still proving that this is a real profession. But I kept showing up. Eventually, the work spoke for itself.
🏆 Support, Struggles & Milestones
How did your family react when you decided to pursue art professionally?
I’m truly lucky , my family has been my biggest support system. In fact, it was my mom who encouraged me to open my own art studio. My dad has always stood by me, and my brother constantly appreciates my work. Even when I was stuck in the corporate grind and struggling emotionally, they were the ones who reminded me to give my passion a real chance. Their belief in me made all the difference.
As a woman entrepreneur and artist, do you still face biases?
Definitely. There are subtle assumptions , like this is just a phase, or someone else must be handling the “serious” work. I’ve had to prove myself , not just creatively, but as a businesswoman too. But that fuels me. I want to show that women can build from scratch, manage it all, and thrive , on their own terms. And I can feel the change happening, slowly but surely.
✨ The Dubai Dream & Defining Moments
Exhibiting your work at World Art Dubai is a huge achievement! How did that come about?
It was surreal. I submitted some of my older artworks for registration and when I got selected, I was over the moon. I created an entirely new collection for the exhibition, but just before final submission, I was told I had to stick to the original theme of my registration. It was heartbreaking , I had barely 15–20 days to recreate everything from scratch. It was the most exhausting phase of my life , but I did it.
Standing at my booth in Dubai, with people from across the world appreciating my work , it was unreal. That recognition, in another country, for something I created , that’s a moment I’ll always be proud of.
Is there another moment that made you stop and feel truly proud?
That Dubai moment, without a doubt. After all the stress and setbacks, to stand there and see people connecting with my art , it was beyond rewarding. I remember taking a deep breath and thinking, “You really did this.”
💬 Words of Wisdom for Young Dreamers
What would you say to girls who have dreams but are afraid to take the unconventional path?
Start , even if it’s small, even if you’re scared. The world may not understand your dream at first, but that doesn’t make it less valid. You don’t need permission to chase what lights you up. Be consistent, be brave and trust your journey.
How important do you think platforms like SheLit are for highlighting women’s stories?
Incredibly important. When we share the real, raw journeys , the wins, the doubts, the struggles , it reminds other women they’re not alone. Platforms like SheLit create visibility, and that visibility inspires. It gives others the courage to take their first step too.
Many girls fear failure. How do you deal with self-doubt or setbacks?
Whenever I feel stuck, I think of my dad. He built his business from scratch , it didn’t happen overnight. Watching his journey taught me that growth takes time, patience, and resilience. So when I hit setbacks, I remind myself , if he could face those struggles and come out stronger, so can I.
🎨 Dreams for the Future
What’s your next big goal or dream project?
Right now, my focus is on building my art studio at North Ex Mall. I want it to be more than just a place for classes , a space where creativity flows, where people of all ages feel welcomed and inspired. I also want to collaborate with more artists and brands, and eventually, take my workshops to other cities — maybe even internationally.
Where do you see yourself and your brand, Art Fibres, in the coming years?
I see Art Fibres evolving into a full creative ecosystem , offline and online. I dream of launching online workshops, art kits, and a vibrant community where artists and learners connect. It’s not just about creating art — it’s about experiencing it, feeling it, and growing through it.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
“It’s okay to dream differently. Don’t waste energy trying to fit into someone else’s version of success. You’re going to build something beautiful. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. Just keep going.”
At SheLit, we believe stories like these deserve to be heard — because when women rise, we all rise.
Connect with Sanya Jain
Follow her artistic journey and explore her work:
📸 Instagram: @artfibres__
🏢 Studio: Art Fibres Studio, B-10, North Ex Mall, Rohini, Delhi-85