Meet Lakshmi Venkataramu of CreativeMindsA2Z in Chandler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakshmi Venkataramu.

Lakshmi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

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.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Initially, it was hard for me to quit a high paying job at a reputed company. Once I quit, there were quite a few challenges that I had to face in order to follow my dreams. My family had to run on a single income and I had to step up and prove myself that my decisions were right! It took a while to settle down and see what I wanted to create and how I could achieve that. I spent a lot of time reading about various art forms, took a few classes locally and interacted with many artists to understand the creative world. Working at home with two kids is always a bit of a challenge as both want to imitate me and give me a hand in creating artwork. I have to balance my day between kids, household chores and sleep!

Everyday is a special day for me to learn something new and to be creative.

Please tell us about CreativeMindsA2Z.
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.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Looking at my mom’s art book and trying to recreate her work. Working with my father on wood structures and helping him varnish and paint the wood. Helping my brother in his art projects and creating exciting artwork.

Contact Info:

• Address: 137 E Carob Dr
  Chandler
  AZ 85286
• Website: www.creativemindsa2z.com
• Phone: 480-414-7358
• Email: creativemindsa2z@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemindsa2z/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeMindsA2Z/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/creativemindsa2z

Image Credit:
Jacquelyn Phillips Photography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.