Mulberry – an exotic fruit, with mixed flavours just like any traditional artform. Hence the name, Mulberry Colours.
Hello, I am Apurva Bhati from Rajasthan, India. I have been creating art and craft products for many years now, with folk art being my specialty. It started as a childhood hobby and has now turned into a meditative therapy for me. I have been working on customised products for a long time but in the year 2017, I took it up as a small enterprise. With tiny steps each day, my journey has been of facing and solving problems, learning to unlearn, new technology, accounting, understanding human behaviour, negotiation skills, time management and so much more.
During the pandemic, I took many online sessions, teaching about various folk art to pre-schoolers, school going kids, college students, adults and senior citizens. This journey helped me develop a sense of gratitude towards all. Each piece that I create is an expression of my heart and soul; the calmness of thoughts are reflected in each product.
Q1. Tell us a bit about yourself, your family.
I am Apurva Bhati from Rajasthan, living in Mumbai from last 15-16 years after marriage, I have a teenager son, 15 years old.
Did my masters in Extension and Communication management, Udaipur (Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology).
Worked at a few NGO's, SNDT college (M.Sc.)
In Mumbai I worked for a few NGOs, which enforced the feeling of gratitude in me.
Q2. What motivated you to start your own business?
After my marriage we bought a new house and moved to Mumbai. Being an artist, I could not stand the empty walls so I painted a few canvases for my house. When my neighbours & friends saw them, they started requesting me for orders, which kickstarted my journey. I started participating in exhibitions, took customized orders and built my brand. My journey was not smooth but I have enjoyed every bit.
Q3. What are some of the biggest challenges you faced?
The biggest challenges I faced were being clueless how to take my skill forward, what to do aside from exhibitions, where to store these bulk paintings, how to get more buyers and track their tastes (initially, I only liked working on my typical taste) and lastly how to increase my financial chart. After a while, I realized that I lack business skills so I started reading about it, making notes, journaling, planning, etc. and I was able to overcome these issues.
Q4. Given a chance would you change anything in your life?
Nothing, I am grateful for the ups and downs and ready to face what is to come.
Q5. If you have to give one piece of advice to someone who’s looking to reinvent themselves, what will that be?
If you really want to grow, grow inward - read, learn something, change habits you don't like, respect yourself, hear your heart, love yourself, stay positive, speak positively about yourself, to yourself and make realistic goals.
I am active on most of the social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Etsy, etc (as artists are always hungry) for connections - to be seen & heard as I expand my own tiny brand. Here are the handles, please do check them out!
Apurva Bhati
( India )