In conversation with Mississauga entrepreneur and artist Khaula Mazhar.

1. What exactly does your business do?
My business brings art to the community. Art has therapeutic benefits and I like to get people to pick up the paintbrush and get creative through paint sessions I organize and instruct. I also like to bring art to the community through murals that spark conversations and bring people together for causes. Besides this, I also do paintings on commission. I am currently offering affordable art for holiday gift shopping, so check out my Facebook page.

2. What inspired you to start your business?
I have always doodled and been creative, after I did my first paint session I was inspired by my participants to continue instructing paint sessions because the feedback they gave me was so amazing. People who have never painted before tell me they will continue to paint after the session because they enjoyed it so much and that it helped them reduce a lot of stress. They go home more relaxed and happy. That makes me happy and is a win-win!

3. How has your business adapted to the new world?
Since things have shut down I have moved my paint sessions online. I do live paint sessions on everything from Zoom to Facebook. I have also started making free art tutorials on YouTube. Getting out of my comfort zone got me to learn some tech stuff, which made me feel really great!

4. What are you most proud of from a business perspective?
I feel really happy and accomplished when people enjoy the murals I paint (you can find them around Mississauga!), understand the message behind them and start thinking about ways to make changes for the better. I love that people enjoy my paint sessions and I have regular clients who get really excited for them. It makes me proud that I have managed to come this far since I have had no business training but just believe in staying authentic and making sure people get an authentic experience.

5. What's been the largest obstacle to overcome and how did you do it?
My shyness. I was so nervous talking to people! Also the initial fear of doing something unknown, uncertainty can be scary. I really had to push myself, but I made it a point to just be myself and I found that people appreciate that.

6. What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
To keep trying. It’s hard, it is intimidating, you do feel like giving up. But the difference between those who succeed and those who don't is just keep at it. Also, I don't measure success by material wealth. If your passion project brings you joy and is benefitting others, then it is worth the effort. Don't quit your day job till you are financially stable though lol! Your business may be something you do on the side for a long time, but if it brings you joy then it is not really "work" is it?

7. What message do you have for the community as we continue to navigate the global pandemic?
My advice to the community would be to be kind to yourself, these are hard times, there is so much uncertainty and that causes a lot of stress. Take a break when you need to, get out for a walk, enjoy a creative activity-especially painting!! Please hang in there!

khaulamazhar.com