Vaishnavi Murali can’t put into words how she feels about being on the Forbes 30 under 30 list this year. “But if I must, I’m elated and honoured to be a part of it,” beams the 29-year-old from Bengaluru who is the founder of Eikowa, an online art gallery that brings 21st century technology to the timeless world of art and art curation. Here, she talks to us about her journey – from being artistic to helping others own their artistic side!
From monopolising wins at painting competitions, to growing up to her first venture at 18 (designing and selling sarees that she painted), she believes that art has always been her calling. “I’ve always wanted to start something of my own and I had comprehensive exposure to luxury retail. The idea of Eikowa struck me when the hobbyist artist and art collector in me saw various customer and artist pain points waiting to be solved in the Indian context,” explains the MBA graduate from the prestigious Indian School of Business (ISB). Finally, it was the difficulty to buy a piece of art for her home that drove her into business. According to Vaishnavi, the numbers of young, well-to-do people who have a penchant for doing up their homes is constantly on the rise. But most often than not, art is sold behind closed doors and to a small group of people viewing them, with little information about the artist and work and pricing, which scares away the new buyers. “Indians need assistance in understanding what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay,” she says. That’s where her brainchild steps in. Her vision helps buyers make informed choices by understanding the artist’s expression, style and pedigree. It also curates work by serious/senior artists differentiating them from the noise of hobbyists.
Being an entrepreneur can be challenging. But Vaishnavi believes in never giving up, not looking for external sources for approval and that no job is too small. “Right from walking in the dingy streets of old Delhi to discover young artists, to carrying large framed paintings across cities to arrange viewing for clients at their residences, I have been a part of all areas of my business,” smiles the go-getter, a tinge of pride eminent. She is honest about having time for nothing else. “What I enjoy most besides my work is travelling. I always make time for it – explore new cultures and get a good perspective on international art as well,” she says, work never too far from play. While being on the elite list alongside some of the most inspiring names is her top proudest moment, she believes she’s just getting started. “On the online front, we are looking to change the way people buy art with an AR (Augmented Reality) app that will help people visualise the way the art will look in their home. We are also looking to expand in tier two cities while increasing the type of art – paintings, sculptures, installations, ceramics and mixed media art,” says a rooted Vaishnavi, her eyes though, firmly set on the future.
