Real-life Stories of Career Transitions: Women Who Reinvented Themselves- Part 3

From IT Executive to Acclaimed Artist: Aprajita Lal’s Inspiring Journey of Career Transition

I am always amazed by women’s ability to embrace change. Give them a challenging situation and see how they rise to the occasion with aplomb. Continuing with our series on women and their career transitions, this time, we bring forth the story of Aprajita Lal, a woman on a mission, a woman with guts and unbelievable drive. Aprajita’s story is one of transformation, perseverance, and the courage to follow one’s heart.

Today, she is a sought-after artist making waves in the art world in the United States. But her journey to success was neither conventional nor easy. It was shaped by a love for colours, an unwavering connection with nature, and the resilience to carve a new path amid life’s unpredictability.

Early Beginnings: A Love for Colours and Nature

Aprajita’s connection with art began early, nurtured by her mother’s encouragement and a love for nature. One of her earliest memories is of her mother encouraging her to enter the well-known Camel Painting Competition when she was in third grade.  It wasn’t a great surprise for anyone but for her when she was awarded the first prize. This slight nudge unlocked a world of creativity and sparked a passion for art that stayed with her through school and college, where she participated in numerous competitions.

Also Read: Real-Life Stories of Career Transitions: Women Who Reinvented Themselves – Part 1

However, like most people, Aprajita grew up believing that art was a hobby and could not be a viable career. She, therefore, focused on her academics and pursued a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering. Thereafter, she built a successful 17-year career in the IT industry, rising to the position of Vice President at J.P. Morgan Chase. Life was secure, predictable, and happy—until the COVID-19 pandemic turned everything upside down.

Finding a New Purpose During a Global Crisis

The pandemic disrupted lives worldwide, and for Aprajita, it created an unexpected opportunity to reconnect with her artistic roots. With the world at a standstill, she decided to use the opportunity and began to paint and like how. What started as an outlet for self-expression quickly became an unstoppable creative surge. Within two months, she had completed an astonishing 45 paintings, much to the surprise and amazement of her friends and family.

This creative burst wasn’t just therapeutic; it was transformational. Encouraged by her husband and buoyed by her love for painting, Aprajita made the bold decision to turn her passion into a profession.  She bade farewell to her corporate life and plunged headlong into the world of art. She launched her website, Aprajita.art, in 2020 and began her journey as a full-time artist.

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change

The transition was far from seamless. The steady paycheck from her IT job was gone, replaced by uncertainty and self-doubt. Would she be able to exhibit her work in galleries? Would her art be recognised or featured in magazines? These questions loomed large, but Aprajita chose to confront them head-on.

“It wasn’t easy,” she recalls. “I had to work on myself—not just before taking the plunge, but even after I had started.”

Rejections were frequent, but Aprajita found solace and motivation in her craft. Painting gave her a sense of pride and fulfilment that her corporate career could not replicate. Her husband’s unwavering support was another pillar of strength. He encouraged her to persevere and reminded her of her unique talent during the most challenging moments. And so she carried on and continues to do so.

Painting Nature and Exploring Creativity

Inspired by her deep connection with nature, Aprajita’s art captures the beauty and vibrancy of the natural world. She thrives on experimenting with textures, colours, mediums, and surfaces, constantly pushing the boundaries of her creativity. Each piece she creates reflects her journey, infused with emotions and her signature style.

Also Read: Real-life Stories of Career Transitions: Women Who Reinvented Themselves- Part 2

Aprajita’s dedication to her craft and willingness to embrace change has led to significant milestones. Her work has gained recognition, and she has become a sought-after artist in the U.S., with her pieces finding homes in galleries and private collections. She knows she has a long way to go, but it is her choice to go that way, and that is what she is doing.

Lessons from Aprajita’s Journey

Aprajita’s story is a powerful reminder that career transitions while challenging, can lead to incredible growth and fulfilment. She exemplifies the importance of self-belief, resilience, and staying true to one’s passions. Her journey shows that it’s never too late to pursue a dream, and sometimes, life’s most significant transformations come when we least expect them.

Today, Aprajita continues to inspire others with her art and her story—a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the courage to follow one’s heart.