Meet Sonia Pal | Artist | Educator | Surface Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonia Pal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonia, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
This is a wonderful question to dive deep into. To understand this, you will need to first imagine something: A woman sitting at her desk, surrounded by spreadsheets, emails, and half-finished to-do lists. Her phone pings constantly—another meeting invite. She sighs, takes a sip of her now-cold coffee, and wonders when was the last time she did something just for her.

She’s brilliant, successful, and juggling everything flawlessly—but somewhere along the way, she’s lost touch with the simple joy of creating, of playing, of savoring a moment of beauty without rushing to the next task.

She’s exactly who I serve.

ASquareWatermelon exists for her – the woman who gives so much to her career, her family, her community, but rarely gives herself permission to rest, to play, to create just because….

I built this brand to be a beautiful, immersive escape, a space where art becomes more than just ink on paper or color on a canvas. Here, creativity is a form of self-care, a meditation, a luxury in itself.

The end goal for me isn’t just about professional milestones – it’s about impact, transformation, and creating a lasting legacy of beauty, rest, and connection through art.

By the end of my career, I want to have touched at least a million lives, helping people rediscover the luxury of slowing down, the joy of creativity, and the deep human connections that art fosters. I envision a world where creativity isn’t seen as an indulgence but as an essential, enriching part of daily life – a way to pause, reflect, and reconnect with oneself and the world.

I see ASquareWatermelon evolving into a global creative brand—offering immersive art retreats, luxury design collaborations, and thoughtfully crafted collections that inspire people to bring beauty into their homes, hearts, and hands. I want to build a community of like-minded creatives who embrace art as a form of self-care, mindfulness, and storytelling.

Ultimately, success for me is not just selling art – it’s about transforming lives through it. If I can help people find rest, joy, and personal growth through creative expression, then I will have achieved my purpose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art, for me, is more than just something to be admired, it’s an experience, a story, a connection across time and space. My work is deeply rooted in the idea that creativity is both a luxury and a necessity—a way to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and find beauty in the everyday.

What sets ASquareWatermelon apart is its fusion of history and modern creativity, storytelling and mindfulness, artistry and intention. Every piece I create—whether it’s a calligraphy workshop, a storytelling-infused fabric design, or an art print—is meant to reach the depths of emotion, spark inspiration, and help people carve out moments of rest and joy in their lives.

How I Got Here & The Challenges Along the Way
Getting to this point wasn’t easy, nor was it part of any traditional plan. I left behind a high-powered corporate career with no formal art background, simply following an instinctive pull toward creativity. What started as a single online calligraphy class quickly became an all-consuming passion that led me to explore watercolor, ink sketching, surface design, and beyond.

The biggest challenge? Allowing myself to embrace creativity without expectation. We live in a world that glorifies productivity, where hobbies often have to justify themselves as “side hustles.” I had to unlearn the idea that art had to be practical, perfect, or profitable—and instead, embrace it as something that simply needed to exist.

Lessons Learned
– Creativity is a form of rest. It’s not about doing more; it’s about being present in the process.
– There’s no such thing as too late. Reinvention is always possible, at any stage of life.
– Beauty is powerful. Surrounding yourself with art—whether through a creative practice or meaningful objects—shifts how you experience the world.

What I Want the World to Know
ASquareWatermelon isn’t just about art—it’s about creating a world where people give themselves permission to play, to rest, to indulge in beauty without guilt. Whether through my designs, my workshops, or simply the stories I share, my hope is that my work helps others slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace creativity as an essential part of life.

Because at the end of the day, art isn’t just about what we make—it’s about how it makes us feel, connect, and experience the world in new ways.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Raleigh for a week, I’d craft an itinerary that blends art, history, nature, and slow, intentional experiences—the things that make life feel rich and inspired. Raleigh, and North Carolina as a whole, has this incredible way of balancing bustling creativity with quiet, restorative beauty, and I’d want them to experience both.

My itinerary would look something like this:

Day 1: Immersing in Art & Culture

We’d start at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA), where we’d explore the galleries, wander through the outdoor sculpture park, and, of course, make a stop at the museum store—where some of my own art is carried! Seeing local artists represented in such a beautiful space is always a full-circle moment.

For lunch, we’d head to a farm-to-table restaurant, like Glass Half Full or just eat at the museum cafe, where the focus is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. After that, we’d visit Pullen Park for a gentle walk or maybe even a nostalgic ride on the historic carousel—because who says adults can’t have a little whimsy in their day?

Day 2: High Tea & Hidden Treasures

No rushed coffee today—this is a day for high tea at the Washington Duke Inn. Sipping on beautifully steeped tea, indulging in delicate pastries, and enjoying an atmosphere that feels like a step back in time—it’s the kind of luxurious pause we all need.

Afterwards, we’d visit Duke Gardens, one of my favorite places to soak in the beauty of nature, the interplay of color, texture, and light—all things that inspire my own art. A slow, mindful walk here feels like meditation, and I’d make sure we took our time.

Day 3: Library, Letters & a Little Nostalgia

We’d start the morning at the NC State University Library—because there’s something about being surrounded by books, ideas, and quiet ambition that sparks creativity. I’d bring along my calligraphy supplies, and we’d find a cozy corner to write handwritten letters to loved ones—because in a world of texts and emails, there’s nothing quite like receiving a beautifully written note.

Later, we’d explore the Warehouse District, a hub for art galleries, local shops, and creativity in every form. Dinner would be somewhere lively but intimate—maybe Bida Manda, where Laotian flavors feel like an adventure in every bite. Or we may decide to try Bhavana Brewery.

Day 4: A Day Trip to Asheville—Nature & Inspiration

We’d hit the road early for a day trip to Asheville, stopping at local bakeries for warm pastries on the way. Asheville is a blend of mountains, history, and artistic soul, and we’d explore:
• The Biltmore Estate, with its grandeur and old-world charm.
• The River Arts District, where we could meet local makers and watch them create.
• A scenic Blue Ridge Parkway drive, where every turn feels like a postcard.

We’d end the day at a cozy tea shop, watching the mountains fade into twilight before heading back.

Day 5: Wilmington or a Historic Coastal Town

And if my friend is up for it, another getaway. This time to Wilmington or one of North Carolina’s charming historic coastal towns.
We’d walk along the riverfront, explore antique shops, and maybe even dip our toes in the ocean. The salty air, the sound of waves—it’s the perfect creative reset.

Day 6: Rest, Reflect, and Create

By now, we’ve done a lot of exploring, so we’d take the morning slow. Maybe a journaling session over tea, a quiet walk in nature, and an afternoon of art-making—no rules, no pressure, just playing with ink, color, and ideas.
Dinner would be somewhere intimate, like Herons at the Umstead, where every plate is a work of art, and the atmosphere is pure calm.

Day 7: Soaking It All In

For the last day, I’d let my friend choose—maybe we’d revisit a favorite spot, take one last long walk, or find a cozy café like Fount Coffee + Kitchen to reflect on the week.

Because in the end, the best part of any trip isn’t just where you go—it’s how you experience it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! No journey is ever a solo act, and ASquareWatermelon wouldn’t exist without the people, communities, and inspirations that have shaped me along the way.

First and foremost, a heartfelt shoutout to my family, my husband and two kids—for embracing my creative detours, cheering me on through every bold idea, they even call me a “limited edition”. Their unwavering belief in me has been the foundation upon which this brand stands. My parents, who have supported every crazy decision of mine ever since I was a little kid and reminding me that reinvention is always possible.

To my early creative communities—especially the incredible calligraphy and surface design worlds that welcomed me with open arms. KalliCampLive was the spark that ignited my love for calligraphy, and Bonnie Christine’s Immersion program expanded my creative vision in ways I never imagined. These spaces introduced me to a world where creativity wasn’t just a pastime, it was a way of living, connecting, and sharing stories.

To the makers, artists, and lifelong learners who inspire me daily – their willingness to experiment, to embrace beauty in the everyday, and to prioritize creativity in a world that moves too fast fuels my own passion for what I do.

And of course, every single person who has picked up a brush, written a handwritten note, or taken a moment to create something just for the joy of it – they are the reason ASquareWatermelon exists.
Creativity is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, and I’m grateful to be part of a movement that helps people rediscover that.

This journey has been a mosaic created with countless hands, and I carry a little bit of each of these influences in everything I create. So, to all of you—thank you!

Website: https://www.asquarewatermelon.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asquarewatermelon/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsoniajpal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090185775721

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ASquareWatermelon

Other: Fabric and Wallpaper: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/soniapal_creates/collections
Instagram Portfolio Link: https://www.instagram.com/soniapal_creates/
Free Online Course on Historical Letter Folding: https://asquarewatermelon.kit.com/0c051ef0ca