Swapna Namboodiri

 

SWAPNA NAMBOODIRI Glassy Dreamz

www.facebook.com/glassydreamz Instagram @glassydreamz

Swapna joined our community in September 2014 and at all markets she had participated at Katara we have noticed that she is really passionate about her art and that her beautiful glass paintings and decors were selling like a hotcakes. She was present at our last market on 23rd January and we used the opportunity to hear her story and what makes her successful.

When and why did you decide to start your own small business?

Some great person said "Coincidence is a sequence of events that although accidental, seem to have been planned or arranged ", and in my life Glassy Dreamz was purely a coincidence!! Painting was a hobby for me since childhood and I didn’t even dream it as a career option. Until my maternity leave, I was in a busy software world, with my days full of just computers and coding in my brain, but I somehow managed to pursue my hobby, with late night scribbling and weekend paintings!!

QatART handmade community

January 2015

Maternity leave was a payback time for me and I enjoyed it to the fullest by completely dedicating myself to paints and brushes.

After my leave, I happened to exhibit few of my works, that I had done during that period, in an exhibition conducted by AWAKE – INDIA (Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka), where my first sale happened. This was a real motivation and a realization. When the time came to step outside the world of computers and coding, I realized that my door towards Glassy Dreamz has been already opened. Soon after resigning my job, I restarted my hobby works. Those were the most beautiful days when I realized that painting is no longer my interest/hobby, but it’s my passion. One fine day in March 2012, I listed few of my paintings in Craftsvilla – India’s One of the largest online marketplace. After few days I received my first online order from abroad. This raised my confidence to next level. Next step was to create a Facebook page. I did that, but the name Glassy Dreamz didn’t come to my mind or maybe I was not dreaming that I will establish a name for my works someday. Anyways the page was created with the name Dreamz- My world of colorz and painting Xperimentz. I was stumped, for the responses I received since then. And on September 8th 2012 Glassy Dreamz was launched.

What sort of products do you market?

I always try to keep my product range updated. I make hand painted Glass Home décor products – which includes Original art works on Glass/plexiglass, Wall hangings, Wall clocks, personalized Nameplates, Candle votive, Vases, Champagne/wine glasses, recycled/ upcycled accessories from used plastic bottles, as a mission for a Greener tomorrow, and doing my part for a better planet and plexiglass/acrylic items – Bookmarks, Fridge magnets, Sun catchers, wind chimes, photo frames etc.

How does your work differ from others of its genre?

I am not a trained artist. And because of that, I don’t have any rules for my painting techniques. Everything was an experiment when I started doing this. And I consider each of my work as different, and I try to develop my own new techniques while doing the work which makes my works different from other glass paintings.

How do you stay inspired?

Simple things in my daily life and People with an “Artsy” hand inspires me. And I guess, that’s a mutual connection which helps both the people to keep motivated and inspired.

How does your creating process work?

Like most of you guys, I am also a big time multitasker. And I just love doing my works that way. But for each of my products there are a particular procedure that I have been following. And most of them starts with sketching the idea on to a paper, then addition/ subtraction /calculation of details, tracing out to the glass, filling with colors, and the final detailing.

What color combination are you most excited about right now?

Colors and textures play a big role in most of my works and I totally enjoy using bright and vibrant colors.

What's the best thing about setting up your own brand?

First and the foremost advantage is that you get to be your own boss. That gives us a flexibility in our work, which keeps us motivated and do our work with 100% dedication, and that helps to get a beautiful end result. Since you are doing something that you enjoy, you will never feel like working, instead you very well can enjoy each and every moment to the fullest. Your own brand is just like your own kid, or in other words, I like to explain Glassy Dreamz as my Dream child. And the whole journey will be an adventurous learning experience.

Who are your customers?

I always try to keep a range of products for all age group without any gender bias. My policy is that each person should find something interesting of their choice in Glassy Dreamz. I started doing Qatar skyline and landmarks and few other Qatar related themes, once I got here. I was stumped by the response I received. Mainly expats, and tourist are finding it quite unique and interesting and something that they won’t find in local stores. So I am still to add-on new ideas, and keep up that benchmark.

What blog(s) do you read?

I must admit that I am not a good reader. But I browse a lot, try to keep myself updated with the informations necessary for my field.

Why do you like being an artist in 10 words or less?

Being an artist helped me explore more of myself and gave me the confidence and molded me to whom I am today, which I am proud of.

If you weren’t an artist what would you be?

I don’t think I have any other option, because I already had tried choosing another option/route as a Software Engineer. But those years helped me to realize the truth about my real path in life. So now I cant even think of me as anyone else other than as an artist.

Name something you do in your spare time.

Just take a drive out with family would be perfect.

Where would you like to travel to next?

All roads to Paris!!

QatART handmade community

January 2015

 

What recent project have you enjoyed doing?

I started doing a series of abstract works on Qatar related themes. And I find it really interesting and I enjoy doing the research for that, indeed help me understand more about the place I stay.

What do you love about being a QatART Member?

When we decided to move to Qatar from India, first thing I searched about was for arts/crafts groups in Doha, before checking for accommodation and school for my kid :D . And the first name was QatART. And once I reached here, first thing I did was to be a member of this wonderful group. I luckily could participate in the first event of the season. Getting to know each member is like mingling with someone of your own wavelength. I would like to call it more of like a QatART family. And you guys gave life to Glassy Dreamz here in Qatar.!!

Tell us 5 words to describe yourself.

Confident, ambitious, enthusiastic, emotional,cheerful

Do you have a motto?

Follow your dreams whole heartedly and you will be successful. Not immediately but definitely.

What are your 5 favorite finds at the Katara QatART Handmade Market?

It was hard to choose only 5 favorites there are so many beautiful products made by QatArt members.

1. Handpainted cuddle pillow by Les Cherubins - www. facebook.com/LesCherubinsArt 2. Purple dress by Meztli Dresses - www.facebook.com/pages/Meztli-Dresses/224037920948507 3. Tutu by Tutu Corner in Qatar - www.facebook.com/pages/Tutu-Corner-in-qatar/258019367689558 4. Snow white wall decor by Ana’s Bows - http://instagram.com/anas.bows 5. Crochet baby shoes by Crochet Candy - http://instagram.com/crochetcandy

QatART handmade community

January 2015

QatART handmade community

January 2015

QatART handmade community

January 2015