Dear reader, thank you for stopping by and spending a few moments of your day on my page. After researching for the perfect way to write a story, I realized that there is no perfect way. A story has to come from the heart, only then it is real. So here it is... Hello, my name is Swapna. It means Dream. This name was fondly given by my grandmother to me. My journey into this beautiful world of art and design began as a child who loved to draw on the walls in her bedroom. Growing up, my parents nurtured this quality in me which encouraged me to get a masters degree in graphic design. Working in the field of advertising for 25 years now wasn’t enough.My heart craved for “more”.

I felt lost for a couple of years trying to figure out what it was that was missing in my life until I had my “Ikigai” (purpose of life) moment! That’s when I realized that I craved more creativity, more happiness, more peace and more time for myself. Sometimes, all we need is a little time to ourselves to make our soul happy. This feeling is what led me to give birth to Kasturi - pronounced as Ka-stu-ree. At Kasturi, my goal is to make people feel special and encourage them to make time for themselves doing what brings them joy. You can’t pour from an empty cup. It is my humble desire to bring happiness and peace in the lives of others through the medium of art and mindfulness. Because in one way or the other, ultimately we are all seeking happiness and peace.

We look outside for happiness and explore various ways that can bring us happiness; mainly materialistic things. But in the end it is all temporary because we crave for "more" and the search for happiness continues. Our situation is very similar to the Kasturi deer; who looks everywhere... mountains, valleys, trees and grass wondering where the mesmerizing fragrance in the air is coming from. However, he doesn't realize that the source of the fragrance is within him. It is in his own navel, his own body. Similarly, we seek happiness out in the world, not realizing that it is within us. We are the source of happiness. We just need to be mindful and look deeper within us...because it is within us.

Kasturi offers a 2.5 hour enjoyable and rejuvenating experience of "art and mindfulness" to create a happy and peaceful mind. "Breathe, relax, create, enjoy!" Research has shown that creating art triggers a surge of dopamine, the happy chemical into the brain which results in a feeling of happiness. Creating any kind of art fosters the feeling of relaxation, creativity and inspiration. It can reduce the stress hormone cortisol and encourage good hormones within us.
The Kasturi experience takes place in a relaxed, social atmosphere; for example restaurants, coffee shops or yoga studios in the valley of the sun. Swapna (who is the host/artist) will guide you through a short mindfulness/self care session so you can feel relaxed and ready for the art project. She will then guide you through replicating the featured painting/art/garden step by step, all while you sip on your drink of choice. You don't have to be an artist to create the painting/art, all you need is a desire to create an art piece which will be uniquely yours! You get to take it home with you along with a special surprise gift! Kasturi teaches different kinds of art each month....like painting on canvas, making your own mini garden and more. Along with art, Kasturi studio focuses on mindfulness and breathing techniques before the start of the art event. This helps individuals feel calm, relaxed, stress free and happy and enjoy their art creating experience.

Come, share the Kasturi experience with me!