How a 25-year-old Delhi artist proves it’s never too late to choose courage over comfort—and why her journey speaks directly to women ready for their next chapter
Think about it, Y]you’re in your early twenties, armed with a commerce degree and societal expectations pushing you toward a “respectable” corporate career.
Sound familiar?
For Bahaar Anand, this was her reality just four years ago.
Today, she’s a thriving hyperrealistic portrait artist with over 10,000 Instagram followers. Also, she has international clients, and a studio filled with paintings that make you question whether you’re looking at art or photographs.
But what makes Bahaar’s story particularly powerful for women navigating their thirties is that she didn’t follow the dramatic “quit everything and chase your dreams” narrative we often see. Instead, she built her artistic empire methodically and strategically, proving that reinvention doesn’t require reckless abandon.
The Quiet Revolution of Self-Trust
“I was never that popular art child,” Bahaar Anand admits, reflecting on her school years. This isn’t a story about a prodigy finally getting recognition. This is about a woman who listened to her inner voice when the world told her to be practical.
When her 11th-grade counselor dismissed art as financially unviable, Bahaar chose commerce. She graduated, checked the boxes, and prepared for corporate life. But the artist’s yearning never left her. In 2018, a simple request from her father to paint a canvas for their drawing room became the first step toward her transformation.
For women in their thirties wrestling with similar crossroads, Bahaar’s approach offers a masterclass in strategic risk-taking. She didn’t abandon everything overnight. She built her presence first and then sold her first piece for ₹9,000 in 2021. Slowly, she grew her confidence alongside her client base.
The Business of Being Creative
Here’s where Bahaar’s story becomes particularly relevant for women ready to monetize their passions: she approached art with the discipline of an entrepreneur. Her commerce background, initially seen as a detour from her artistic path, became her secret weapon.
“I love the packaging process,” she explains, describing how she personally wraps each painting in custom wooden boxes, adds branded stickers, thank-you cards, and certificates of authenticity. Bahaar creates an entire experience that commands premium pricing.
Dr. Adil Succena VJ, one of her loyal collectors, describes the impact: “Her paintings don’t just decorate spaces; they spark conversations and bring joy. The entire experience, from blank canvas to unboxing, is unforgettable.”
For women wondering how to transform their skills into sustainable income, Bahaar demonstrates that success lies in the details. She maintains clear pricing structures, provides constant client communication, and uses social media strategically. In short, she treates her art like the business it is.
The Power of Building Your Tribe
Bahaar’s growth strategy offers another crucial lesson: the importance of mentorship and community. She reached out to 20 international artists for advice and found mentors who guided her through lean periods. “You have to get in touch with other artists. You have to keep working on your page,” she advises.
This approach resonates deeply for women in their thirties who often feel isolated in their ambitions. Bahaar proves that building your network is about finding people who understand your journey and can offer guidance when doubt creeps in.
Redefining Success on Your Terms
What’s particularly inspiring about Bahaar’s philosophy is her definition of happiness: “I’m naturally a very jolly and positive person… it’s me being calm and content with my family and friends while having a good day at work.”
She’s not chasing fame or external validation. She’s building a life that aligns with her values while creating financial independence through her craft. Her greatest achievement is “getting overwhelming feedback from clients… nothing compares to that feeling.”
The Courage to Start Imperfectly
Bahaar openly admits to overthinking and making wrong decisions sometimes. She describes herself as wanting to be “less lazy and a lot more active” because “procrastination is not a superpower I want to keep.” This vulnerability makes her journey accessible rather than intimidating.
That should be the mantra for everyone who want to do something in their life. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start. You don’t need to be perfect to be profitable. You just need to begin and keep showing up consistently.
The Vision That Drives Her Forward
Today, Bahaar dreams big: transforming her personal brand into a household name with paintings adorning luxury hotels, celebrity homes, and corporate spaces. She’s currently working on collaborations with polo organizations, luxury brands like The Oberoi Hotels, and art supply companies like Winsor & Newton.
But perhaps most importantly, she’s maintained her authenticity throughout her growth. When asked about books that influenced her life, she laughingly admits: “I’m more into living life than reading about it… I can offer you plenty of wisdom from YouTube documentaries and life experiences.”
Why Her Story Matters Now
Bahaar Anand represents something powerful for women ready to rewrite their stories: the possibility of creating meaningful work that pays well, building community around shared passions, and proving that it’s never too late to choose authenticity over approval.
Her journey from GMAT prep to art studio is all about the courage to trust herself when everyone else questioned her choices. It’s about building something that’s entirely hers in a world that often tells women to play it safe.
“You are the storyteller of your own life,” Bahaar reflects. “Life will have its ups and downs, but it’s up to me how I handle them and what story I create.”
For women in their thirties wondering if it’s too late to pivot, too risky to pursue that nagging passion, or too impractical to monetize their creativity, Bahaar’s story offers a different narrative: You don’t need the perfect time or the perfect plan. You just need to trust your instincts and building strategically.
Follow Bahaar’s journey on Instagram @bahaartistry and witness how she continues painting her path, one hyperrealistic portrait at a time.
Contact Bahaar Anand:
- Email: bahaartistry22@gmail.com
- Phone: +91 9667713668
- Instagram: @bahaartistry
What story are you ready to write? Share your journey with us at #WorkWellWomani