How Art Helped Chelsy Bothra Overcome Difficulties And Become An Entrepreneur

Some stories are so hope-giving that they do not just inspire you to dream but also give you the courage to chase after those dreams. Chelsy Bothra's is one such story. There was a time when Chelsy could not have imagined her life without medications and hardships, and today, she is an artist, an entrepreneur and a dreamer for life. She turned challenges into opportunities and found her ground.

In conversation with SheThePeople, Chelsy Bothra shares her challenging journey, how she mustered the courage to fight the odds, why art worked as a saviour for her, her entrepreneurial stint and what keeps her going.

Chelsy Bothra Journey

“When everyone said, ‘tum se na hopeyaga,’ I proved myself! Anxiety and panic attacks became regular things. I was diagnosed with anxiety during my graduation. My life without pills seemed impossible. But, as it goes, ‘when you have a dream, you have got to grab it and never let it go!’

It all started when I changed my mind and made it clear to give life one more chance! At that moment, I picked up my notebook and my first Mandala happened! A creation that made me calm. The more I drew; the more I felt calm.

Once my mother said, ‘aurat ka independent hona bhot zaroori hai beta!’ And these words kept whirling in my mind throughout my teenage life. I had dreamt of being independent ever since. Unfortunately, I suffered a kidney infection as soon as I entered college, and misdiagnosis made things even harder. I went through multiple surgeries, and that consumed me mentally. That day, I realized, ‘life sach mein bhot unpredictable hai boss!’

My eyes could only pray for life, and all other dreams just vanished, as if nothing mattered. I could see my friends praying the whole day in the hospital.

Towards the last week of college, I would run home as soon as college ended because I did not want to be asked anything or remarked at. I was looked down upon and tainted with malicious comments from some of the professors; I felt torn apart. I could not hold on to my confidence when negative thoughts became recurrent.

Well, keeping this backdrop, let me state with pride that the best day of my life was when the very students of my college asked me to be a judge in their ‘Design fest.’ It was on that day that my entire circle felt complete.

I started my digital marketing agency during the 1st lockdown and named it ‘Murraad creatives and co’! At 23, I got my own car and enjoyed my long drives like never before. Fortunately, this gave me a reason to live in the moment and I realised ‘life indeed is worth living!’

Had I not held my notebook and started Mandala that day, I don't think I would have been alive today. ‘There’s a hope that’s waiting for you in the dark.’ And that HOPE led me towards living a dream life, and I do not regret any part of it!"

Narrted by Chelsy Bothra. Written and edited by Misha, Team SheThePeople

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