Meet Lakshmi Venkataramu

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lakshmi Venkataramu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lakshmi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My name is Lakshmi Venkataramu, an engineer by profession, an artist and creator by passion! Coming from a family full of enthusiastic artists and musicians, developing an interest towards art and music came naturally to me. I spent most of my childhood watching my mom paint and dad build wood structures. Following the usual path, I completed my Bachelors and later Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and started working for a reputed semiconductor company. After my daughter Saanvi was born, I realized how exciting it was to have a baby girl and spent most of my time in making hair accessories. Then came my discovery of sewing machine! Man O Man, did I mention fabric? I went on a sewing spree and started stitching dresses for my little one. This is when I realized that art, crafts and music is where my heart is! So, I quit my job and spent time in grooming myself and after a year, I started my business at home by creating artwork. So, you must be wondering why the name CreativeMindsA2Z right? Well, “Creative Minds” is what I came up with and “A2Z” is what my hubby could think of. According to him, I am a crazy artist who wants to try anything and everything I lay my eyes on! This is truly reflected by the items on my website; You can find a wide variety of items, from hair accessories to oil paintings to jewelry pieces. Each and every item is hand crafted with lots of passion and creativity. I hope you like them and enjoy browsing through my listings.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artwork includes oil/acrylic paintings, portraits, Indian tribal art etc. I create henna motifs on plates, lanterns, jars, candles, etc. I make one of a kind hair accessory along with stitching dresses for little girls. My inspiration mostly comes from Indian art and Arabic art forms. I also create an Indian art called Rangoli using colored sand, colored rice and flowers. I have been invited to participate at Musical Instrument Museum and create Rangoli art during India fest. I conduct various workshops around the valley. Each year, I conduct a clay modelling workshop during the Indian Ganesha festival and have more than 100 participants making clay idols of the God Ganesha. I participate in many community events doing face painting, choreographing group dance performances or arranging arts & crafts activities. I am proud to create one a kind unique artwork which brings a smile on my customers face. Customer satisfaction is my highest priority and I make sure they are happy with my artwork and this is what defines my business creativemindsa2z.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Grand Canyon! My most favorite of all! This is one place I would take everyone who visits. I would also take them to Kartchner Caverns State Park. This desert itself is an interesting place to visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to mention my support system which is my family. My husband, my 8yr old daughter and 4yr old son all have been my support system behind my success. Without them I wouldn’t be here today.

Website: www.creativemindsa2z.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemindsa2z/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeMindsA2Z/
Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativemindsA2Z