Today’s shared story comes from Sonam Sapra, a textile designer based in Fiji, who shares the truth about doing what you love can sometimes be hard work (but never hard).
1. What does it mean to you to ‘do what you love’?
Doing what I love means everything in the world to me. I’ve lived a beautiful life and have always felt lucky, but there came a point when no matter how lucky I felt, it was becoming more and more obvious in my heart that something very important was missing in my life. That absence forced me to be creative so that I could release the pent-up emptiness I had buried so deep inside. And so I began drawing, and everything changed.
2. When did you realise this is what you wanted to do, and what prompted that realisation?
I drew for hours, days, and months non-stop. Literally non-stop. Eventually I realised that I spent more time drawing then eating, going outside, using the bathroom, showering, shopping etc. I forgot about everything when I was drawing because I felt full. For the first time in my life I felt full. Not with food, clothes, gadgets, or the people in my life but a simple “happy full”. Happy and full with myself. If drawing was enough to keep me sane and take away all the uneasiness I knew I had finally found my calling.
3. How did you go about making that a reality for yourself?
In February 2012, after drawing continuously for 5 years and listening to advice from my father about printing my drawings onto textiles in order to make usable art, I finally decided to pack up my bags and fly to my home country of Fiji. While in Fiji I visited various factories that manufacture uniforms for schools. I introduced the concept of printing textiles and through a series of trial and error we came up with a proper solution from printing one metre of fabric to hundreds of metres. Once we got the production aspect mastered I packed up my bags again, flew back to the U.S with a few samples and now I am showcasing them at tradeshows and visiting independent fashion houses.
4. What changes or sacrifices have you had to make along the way to get there?
This question actually made me choke. I’ve sacrificed a lot to be where I am now. I’ve stopped being spontaneous, overly extroverted, cut a lot of people out of my life, including people I loved, which was the most painful. When I think about it, it still stings a little in my heart. I’ve isolated my self completely (meaning if I’m not working with people I’m working alone). I spend a lot of time with myself. My business and all the sacrifices in my life I have helped mature me and prepared me better for the world. Rather then spending my free time partying or being my age I prefer to research and dream up the next creation.
5. With hindsight, what do you wish you had known back then?
I don’t wish I had known anything that I know now back then. My life is my journey and everything is happening the way it should be. What I knew then I was supposed to know. What I know now I am glad I have learnt.
6. What is your big dream now?
My big dream now is to first settle my business, understanding that it needs a proper amount of attention in order to succeed. Once I settle that then it’s figuring out a way to provide a stable and strong platform for others to discover their purpose in life. I know the main reason I am as confident and hard working as I am is because my parents never questioned what I wanted to pursue. All they knew was that they believed in me and are providing me a platform to pursue my dreams. My parents are my backbone. One day I would like to be a backbone for other emerging talent out there, because I know that it is scary doing it all on your own.
[All images courtesy of Sonam Sapra]
For more information visit the website or connect with Sonam on Facebook.
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