Conversations with Neha Agarwal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Neha Agarwal.

Hi Neha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in India. From a very young age, I found myself drawn to the simple joy of putting pencil to paper and watching my imagination come to life.

But like many of us, life took over. Between school, work, and the demands of everyday responsibilities, I slowly drifted away from creating art. My creative world became a quiet part of me—always there, but tucked away.

Everything changed when I moved to the United States about ten years ago. In the midst of adjusting to a new country and culture, I found myself with a little more time and space. And in that pause, I picked up my brushes again. What started as a personal reconnection turned into a deeper journey back to myself.

A few years ago, I opened my Etsy shop and began sharing my art with others. It was a mix of excitement and vulnerability—putting pieces of myself out into the world. While the shop has been quiet for a while, I’ve recently started painting more, exploring new subjects, and experimenting with fresh ideas. It feels like a new chapter—both a return and a beginning.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many artists stepping into the world of online selling, I quickly realized that creating the art is just one part of the process. There’s a whole other side to it—photographing pieces, writing listings, learning about SEO, packaging orders, promoting on social media, and understanding what resonates with buyers. It was a steep learning curve, and at times, it felt overwhelming.

There were moments of self-doubt, periods when the shop was quiet. But each challenge taught me something new—not just about running a small business, but about myself and my relationship with art. I’ve come to see this path as part of the creative journey too—imperfect, unpredictable, but full of growth.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an artist who creates original, hand-painted artworks that reflect both personal stories and broader inspirations from everyday life, nature, and culture. While I’ve explored various styles over the years, my work often leans toward expressive, colorful compositions that capture emotion, movement, and mood.

I’m most proud of finding my way back to art—of returning to something that’s always been a part of me, even after years of putting it on hold. Life got busy, priorities shifted, and for a long time, I stepped away from painting. But I never let that part of me disappear completely. Reigniting that passion, opening my Etsy shop, and creating space for my creativity again—all of it took courage, especially in a new country and a new phase of life. I’m proud that I kept that spark alive, and that I continue to grow, experiment, and share my work, even when the path isn’t perfect. To me, that quiet persistence is worth celebrating.

What sets me apart is the deeply personal nature of my art—it’s not just about technique or style, but about storytelling and reconnection. My work is shaped by a blend of cultural richness from my upbringing in India and the perspective I’ve gained living in the U.S.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was lively, talkative, and full of imagination. I loved being around people—always up for a game, an outing with friends, or just chatting away. I wasn’t particularly fond of studying, but I had a strong creative streak. I was always making something—whether it was drawing, painting, or crafting little things with whatever materials I could find. I also enjoyed reading a lot, mostly fiction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Palettestory.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/palettestory
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/apalettestory