Meet Krupa Kanaiya: Multi-hyphenate: Watercolor Artist, Animator, & Social media consultant

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

Hi Krupa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Building your own business sounds so much more intimidating until you realize you are already putting the work in. I realized that I needed to be an advocate for my work and there was no one to better represent me than me. Especially selling creative services such as my paintings or content for social going through a third party would have left me with such a small profit margin so it only made sense to make the jump myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Every time someone buys one of my watercolors you get to embrace a little piece of my history and personality. You can always see my desire for perfection in the way I lay down my linework or even the nostalgia I feel by whether I choose to paint bubbles vs florals used typically in South Asian ceremonies. It all comes down to the dual identity that I and other first-gen Americans live through. Anyone who buys my art becomes a part of that experience. I mostly sell originals because of this. By spending money on an original, you not only become the sole owner of my piece you also take home a unique memory or emotion.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many options for things to do and eat in Atlanta but this is my list for a good chill day in town.

-I love to start off with a croissant from Proof bakeshop! They have the absolute best croissants in town and who doesn’t love the smell of fresh bread in the morning.

-Taking a walk down the beltline to PCM is a must. Not only is it a popular spot for locals and tourists but it is the perfect place to see a wide variety of Atlanta’s cutest pups.

-If you’re here in the spring you have to attend the Atlanta Film Festival. You don’t know how much you love indie films until you get dressed up and go to opening night at the Plaza Theatre, preferably in person but there’s always the covid friendly at home option.

– For my drinkers! If you like to drink boba you need to try tea leaf and creamery in Decatur for the freshest fruit teas. If you prefer alcohol go to Barcelona wine bar for cocktails and wine. For coffee, the best cafe con leche can be found at Buena Gente.

-With sunny weather on the way, check out a local market. There is always one on the weekends somewhere around town. I have gotten the best food and art from locals when I go.

There is so much to explore and enjoy in Atlanta for every vibe, you just have to take a chance to explore it. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my support system! My dad always said, “Never say you can’t do something, tell them you can, and then figure out how to make it happen.” I have run with that advice ever since. I don’t think I would have this level of confidence if it wasn’t for his advice. On the days I have self-doubt the women in my life have never failed to remind me what I can do. Whether it was fellow women in the workforce giving advice or words of encouragement, my mom taking the time to make meals and snacks so I could continue working long and late hours, my partner pushing me to level up to new projects, or my sister being my longest-standing and greatest cheerleader, they have always made gestures to allow me to continue on this path.

Additional shoutout my team at IAF media. I am so fortunate to be able to work on new podcasts and content with them. I have never been surrounded by such an ambitious and supportive workforce.

Instagram: @krupakanaiya

Other: Find me on Tik Tok via @krupakanaiya.

Image Credits
All image credits belong to Krupa Kanaiya