Anushya Rajagopalan Mamtora, our NJ Mompreneur of the Week, has always had a passion for creativity, which she brought from India to the States. The former journalist had just had her first daughter and was looking for something to fuel her creative streak. When a friend introduced her to Zentangle, the art of using simple patterns like dots, lines, and curves to create beautiful works of art, she instantly got hooked. Soon after, she attended a certification course and came back to launch TangleTime with Anushya, an eco-friendly creative business offering workshops with the premise that you don’t have to be an artist to Zentangle—everyone can do it. We caught up with this Jersey City mama of daughters, Urvi, 11, and Virika, 7, to find out what other art forms she added to her offerings as her business grew, her proudest moment, and another way (and place) she taps into her creativity.
Please share a bit about your family and background. I’m from Hyderabad, which is in southern India. I went on to get my postgraduate degree in India, and I was a journalist by profession there, working for leading newspapers. When my husband and I moved to the United States 13 years ago, we were looking for a location to live that would be convenient to Manhattan and had a lot of people around. We also wanted a town with a good school system, so we’d be happy raising our family there. Jersey City checked all those boxes and much more–it’s such a vibrant place to live! I love that we can walk to everything. There’s a grocery store and other shops nearby, a train and a ferry going to Manhattan, and so much to do on the waterfront.
Please share your career background and how it led you to launch TangleTime with Anushya. When I came to the US, I was on an H-4 visa (for family members of other visa holders), so I was not yet qualified to obtain my employment ID and work here. I really wanted to have proper employment, but then motherhood came along, and I had other responsibilities. When a friend introduced me to Zentangle, I got hooked on it. After I’d put my daughter down to sleep, it helped me to destress and let go; it gave me the creative outlet I’d been missing. Soon after, I attended a teaching program for Zentangle that was held in Rhode Island. Being away from family wasn’t easy, but it was a short certification course, and there were 100 women from all over the world, including Australia, Germany, and India. It was wonderful to see and be a part of so much creativity. With this art form, I love that you don’t have to be an artist—everyone can do dots, lines, and circles and turn them into a masterpiece. After getting certified, I started by doing some workshops here and there, but after my second child went to school when she was 2 ½, I started doing a weekly seminar with seniors at Grace Church. Many had or were experiencing health issues—some had even had strokes—and they were so happy and proud that they could create these beautiful works of art. Rather than have it just be art on paper, we introduced more durable things they could work on, like canvas bags and coasters, so that they could gift them to others. They took such pride in the things they created—definitely my proudest moment since starting this process. This made me realize I could approach other organizations, too, and turn it into an actual business.
Have you always been an artist? It’s funny. As a child, I always preferred writing and wasn’t much of an artist. But this past summer, when we were in India visiting family, my kids were rummaging through some things, and they happened upon my old diaries from childhood. There were drawings of necklaces and other things in it, and I drew them using patterns similar to what we do in Zentangle. It’s funny, but I guess I had it in me when I was much younger, but I never realized it. This art form is great for everyone, even those who don’t consider themselves artists. 
During the pandemic, Anushya Rajagopalan Mamtora kept the community engaged with her online workshops, including this one for Mandala.
Please share the biggest challenge you’ve encountered since launching and how you handled it. I officially launched during the pandemic, so my business was built around online workshops. When people were ready to be together again, and the whole Zoom thing faded away, I had to pivot to keep my brand going. I added a lot more in-person workshops where I interact face to face, teaching art forms at schools and organizations, and custom and small events, too.
It was also a game changer when I realized I didn’t need to stick solely to Zentangle and included Mandala and Warli in my workshop offerings. They were both well received, especially Mandala, which has universal appeal. Soon, I also started making things like coasters, trays, and cheese boards that include different Indian art forms, and people have been snapping them up for themselves or as gifts.
Does your family ever get involved? I get so much support from my family, especially during festival season, when I really need it. Their positivity, encouragement, and appreciation are so motivating. They’ll also help me pick design ideas, organize and set up popups, and, when needed, my husband even helps me deliver large orders. Family back home in India often shares their appreciation and encouragement, too.
Please share some favorite local spots. Shenaaz Dance Academy is a definite favorite. I’m a dance instructor there—it’s another way I tap into my creativity—and both of my kids learned to dance there. Also, when we travel, we always visit state parks, and I feel so fortunate that we have Liberty State Park just a short walk from home. The kids go bike riding there, and we picnic and spend a lot of evenings soaking in the views.
What’s your best practical advice for a mompreneur just starting? Just go for it! “Mom Guilt” is very real, and it’s all too easy for us to delay or hesitate to launch a business because of time constraints. Still, once you prioritize your business, you can create time by using your support system and giving your business your all when you’re working.
For more information on Anushya Rajagopalan Mamtora and TangleTime with Anushya, please see their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
