Richa Ashpal’s Journey into Art and Entrepreneurship: Brushstrokes of Wisdom
Richa Ashpal calls Mysuru home, a city with a historical vibe and its own laid-back pace and rhythm, even if it’s not a huge metropolis — here lives a passionate artist, a devoted teacher, and a determined entrepreneur. But her journey isn’t just about mastering brushstrokes or mixing the perfect shade of blue. It’s a story about family, and the deep-rooted desire to create and connect.
Richa’s entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t sparked in a business school; it grew organically within the walls of her childhood home. When she was just eight, her mother opened a preschool in their garage. It wasn’t just a business; it was a family endeavor. “It became our responsibility,” Richa recalls. “We weren’t just playing; we were helping to nurture and care for these children.”
This experience ingrained in her a deep love for children, one that later shaped her artistic journey. Her mother’s preschool became a second home, where little feet padded across the floor and laughter filled the air. Responsibility came early, too — Richa and her siblings were encouraged to earn and contribute to family earnings, whether through tutoring or art classes. This hands-on experience with both education and financial responsibility laid a strong foundation for her future.
At first, Richa’s artistic path was more of a necessity than a passion. She began teaching art at the age of just 15 to support the family. But somewhere along the way, something clicked. “I realized I didn’t just like art— I loved it,” she says with a smile. “I loved the way it connected people, the way it made children light up.” What started as “The Art House” has since evolved into “Richa’s Art Club,” a place where students don’t just learn techniques but experience art as a form of self-expression. Despite initial skepticism from her family about art as a viable career, Richa’s passion propelled her forward. She traveled to Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad, absorbing knowledge from seasoned artists. To complement her skills, she studied 2 years of graphic design and Animation besides child psychology, phonetics and Montessori education, ensuring her teaching was as nurturing as it was artistic.
Like any artist-turned-entrepreneur, Richa faced her share of struggles. Financial limitations meant she couldn’t always afford a high-end studio. “Even today, I sometimes think, ‘I should have a better setup,’” she admits. “People often judge a space by its exterior rather than what’s happening inside.” Another challenge was the initial lack of appreciation for art in her immediate surroundings in a tier 2 city like Mysore.
Managing everything solo also presented difficulties. Running the business, sourcing materials, teaching classes, and planning workshops left little time for marketing. “I’m terrible at taking photos, posting online — it just never seems like a priority when I’m in the middle of creating.” Despite this, word-of-mouth has been her strongest asset. Former students from the prestigious CAVA School of Art now assist her in teaching, and the support she once wished for is finally growing around her.
The advent of technology and online platforms, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, proved to be a significant turning point. Richa embraced online classes and connected with students from around the world, including Germany and Dubai. “I did a lot of online classes because of COVID and because of technology, of course, because of zoom meetings, all of that started right? I felt like in a good way, it impacted, not in a bad way. I grew a lot. I have so many students,” she shares. These online interactions, often fueled by word-of-mouth referrals from her local students, not only expanded her reach but also provided a valuable source of income through international payments.
One of the most impactful aspects of Richa’s Art Club was the nurturing environment fostered, something Richa deeply appreciates. She recounts the sweet interactions between the children and their parents, like the mother who patiently waited on a yellow bench outside for her sometimes cranky daughter, reassuring her with a hug that everything would be alright. Even the young children displayed remarkable empathy, with a three-and-a-half-yearold comforting older kids with the same words: “It’s okay. Mom is waiting out on the yellow bench. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
Richa’s vision extends beyond traditional art instruction. She dreams of creating a space where people, not just children, can freely express themselves through art. “I want to make like one wall where children can just scribble and let their emotions out, not just children, evenadults, also,” she explains. “There’s so much trapped in us like that we hold on, but when you paint, no, and when you just scribble, you can actually feel you’re venting it out.”
Richa’s innate “hippie feeling” and desire to make the world more colorful extend beyond aesthetics. She passionately believes in adding an element of kindness to humanity. Sharing poignant stories of helping a distressed and hurt woman, she emphasizes the lack of empathy in today’s world and believes that greater kindness would automatically make the world a more vibrant place.
Success isn’t always about fame or wealth. For Richa, it’s about making a difference in her students’ lives and finding joy in the creative process. For her, success is going home and sleeping with a satisfied mind, knowing she has done a good job, regardless of the number of students.
Reflecting on her journey, Richa would advise her younger self, “Don’t stop painting”.
Richa cautions young entrepreneurs against the pressure to please others, especially in the age of social media. She believes that true growth and recognition come from pursuing your passion authentically, regardless of immediate external validation. “Do it because you want to do it, no matter what, whether somebody watching you or not, you will grow, and eventually people will see that X factor in you,” she advises.
Richa’s future vision centers on creating beautiful art spaces, perhaps starting here in Mysuru and extending to other cities. Crucially, she wants to maintain the personal connection and authentic teaching that define her. This approach safeguards the essence of her art education—grounded in natural materials and traditional methods—ensuring clients receive genuine knowledge and experience. For Richa, the authenticity of art forms is non-negotiable, whether it’s the use of natural dyes in Warli painting or real gold in Tanjore art, even if it presents a less commercially appealing path.
Richa dreams of one day having her own art gallery and exhibition space—a place where creativity is celebrated and nurtured. But no matter where her journey takes her, her core mission remains the same: to bring joy and connection through art.
Her story is a reminder that the most fulfilling careers aren’t just about financial success; they’re about passion, and the people whose lives you touch along the way. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for inspiration, Richa’s journey proves that when you paint with heart, the masterpiece takes care of itself.
Ready, Set, Rapid Fire!
Richa Ashpal’s Preferences, Quirks & Entrepreneurial Journey Unveiled.
• Tea or Coffee? – Neither – Just Water
• Early Bird or Night Owl? – Early Bird
• Online portfolio? – No
• Paint or digital? – Both
• Commissions? – Yes, painted for many resorts in Coorg
• Do you sell more online than in person? – No
• Is your art a primary income source? – Yes
• Do you often collaborate? – Yes
• Do you feel supported by your city’s art scene? – No
• Do you struggle to find local art supplies? – No
• Do you use social media daily to promote your work? – No
• Have you ever turned down a commission? – Yes