“Becoming an entrepreneur was never part of my plan, but life has its own way of guiding us towards our calling. Looking back, I am grateful for the unexpected twists and turns that led me to where I am today. You know, it’s funny how life works sometimes. Even as a little kid, I was always drawn to art. Whether it was doodling in my notebooks or painting on old scraps of paper, I just couldn’t get enough.
And fast forward a few years – I found myself at a crossroads. I had to choose a career path, and while part of me had a love for structure and design, my parents wanted me to pursue medicine as it was a stable and safe choice. But destiny had other plans for me. Graduating from college with a degree in architecture, I took a year to explore my passion. Little did I know that a simple experiment would lead me down a path of creativity and entrepreneurship.
In the initial days of transition from architecture to creating customised wallpapers, I experimented with different styles and techniques. I incorporated digital illustrations and hand painted art into designing wallpapers that adorn walls of every space. And just like that, ‘House of Ikari’ was born out of my love for patterns, prints and drawings. It’s funny how life comes full circle sometimes, isn’t it?
The process was not without its challenges, I would say. Throughout my initial years in life, I had always been an introverted kid, preferring to stay in the background rather than take centre stage. Despite my initial hesitation and self-doubt, I couldn’t ignore the voice inside me that urged me to follow my passion.
But the best part? Knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s helping my clients create their dream home or giving their office a much-needed makeover, I love knowing that I’m bringing a little bit of joy and creativity into their world.
As I honed my craft and gained confidence in my abilities, opportunities began to present themselves. Today, I am not only a successful entrepreneur but also a TedX speaker. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding.
Keerthi Jeethuri, Entrepreneur