Meet Sanaa Venkateswar

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

Hi Sanaa, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Coming to the States as an International Scholarship student has ups and downs. My work life was completely different from what it was back home to what it has become now. Back home I felt I had more freedom with my decision-making and actions. Nowadays a lot of my schedule has changed regarding my work habits. Since I am still enrolled in college I do have my classes but at the same time, I constantly research information that I use as building blocks for my brand and projects. Back home I felt we were semi dependent on our parents to a particular limit, but moving to a new country alone makes that responsibility of taking care of all your businesses on you.

Yes, it was initially quite the task, but 7-8 months in I began getting the hang of It and have never looked back since. The balance is still lacking at times, I put too much time and effort into my classes/projects that I do leave out taking care of myself whether it be emotionally/mentally or socially. However, I feel I have come a long way from what I was in freshman year and acknowledge I still have quite a bit of a way to go before I finally reach that optimum level of balance for myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am still a student in the process of building my career as a creative and aspiring designer. Though I have not reached anywhere notably professional yet I am actively working to make my mark in the world of fashion.

Fashion was not on my list of careers till I finished junior high, it was almost like the obsession materialized – but I’m glad it did. I have always been greatly inspired by my surroundings, they have played a vital role in pushing me to where I am today. Due to jumping countries, schools, and friends throughout my life because of my father’s jobs, I have learned a lot of lessons both good and bad. The biggest lesson I have learned so far is to welcome change. Saying it is easier than achieving it as we are people of comfort. Constantly moving around does deter our thoughts. I’m glad I picked up on going with the flow and adaptability in every stratum early as I feel that is/was/will be my greatest challenge.

I am proud of my intercultural upbringing and I feel that helps me a lot in the way I look at things and the work I present. Living in different countries, and being exposed to various cultures changed my outlook and understanding in more ways than I can count.

I want to build my brand to be a reflection of places, moments, and people dear to me. I describe it as a sort of experience more than a visual art form. Most of my inspiration comes from the ocean and the areas, and elements surrounding the sea. Living by the beach has taught me to understand the vastness of nature, how at times it can look breathtaking but at the same can wipe out our entire existence. My love for the sea grew as I spent more time in and around it and hence led to the brainchild – Bioform. My senior thesis project focuses on the concept of Biophilia and combines it with my love for the ocean.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As far as Atlanta is concerned I’m exploring it myself till date. Whenever I do get time I love going out with friends. My favorite place is Piedmont Park as it’s the closest I can be to nature in the city and reminds me of home. Though I do not go out a lot in Atlanta because of Art School I do have favorite restaurants to eat at – The Iberian Pig, Kkura Revolving Sushi, North Side Italia, Sweet Hut and Cafe Intermezzo. I love thrifting so a trip to Little Five Points is a must. Other than sourcing fabric and eating – I enjoy a slow day at The High Museum of Art or the Botanical Gardens.

If it were back home in Muscat – I’d have a whole itinerary planned. We live by the beach so kayaking, snorkeling and paddle boarding would be a must. Relaxing in the club, going on crazy treks to Wadi Shab or the lost Village in Jebel Akdhar, watching turtles in Ras Al Hadd, swimming in Bimmah Sinkhole ; Oman is never short of adventures !!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents have been the largest support in my endeavors. Letting me waltz off across the globe to pursue my passion requires a lot from my parents so I’m glad they were all in when I told them my plans back in high school.

Other than this I did go through a lot of serious health issues both mental and physical in the past four years but they always stood by me – unwavering and resilient, helped me recuperate, and then pushed me right back into the field because they knew I’d feel guilty in the future if I gave up on something I truly loved.

It was stressful for them at times as I do tend to be quite impulsive but they had my back regardless. Always encouraged me, gave me reality checks from time to time, gently pointed out my wrongdoings, and were the biggest cheerleaders.

Whatever I do achieve in the now and future is because of them.

Instagram: @sanaabalaji @sanugla

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanaa-venkateswar-66197a261/ – Sanaa Venkateswar

Facebook: Sanaa Venkateswar

Image Credits
Green and Beige Photoshoot:- Photographer: Celine Agege Brown and Grey Photoshoot- Photographer: Disha Gupta