Ansora Muminova is a young and talented entrepreneur, founder and owner of the Ansora Gallery creative workshop for children and adults. Despite her specialty as a world economy teacher, Ansora has found her way into the world of art and creativity.
She successfully combines business management with caring for her family, and continues to inspire others with her example and creative approach to life. In an interview with J Novosti, I learned about her path to success, the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, and what inspires her every day.
- Ansora, tell us how you came up with the idea to create a creative workshop Ansora Gallery?
A. M.: While on maternity leave, I spent a lot of time with my child. I liked to draw with pencils, sculpt, make crafts with my own hands. So I thought: why not share your creative work with other mothers and children? At first, I made products at home, when everyone fell asleep at night — then I got a second wind. Then I created a new space, which became a wonderful place where people can not only create, but also communicate with each other.
- What does your workshop do and what services does it offer for adults and children?
A. M.: In the Ansora Gallery creative workshop, we offer training in new skills, developing creative abilities and having an exciting time. Our workshop provides master classes in the following areas: drawing in the technique of “Resin art "( paintings and clocks made of resin), making decorative items from plaster, interior scented candles. For the youngest children, we provide training in drawing with watercolors and oils, modeling from plasticine and clay, and much more.
- What experiences or events prompted you to create a workshop?
A. M.: No matter where your experience comes from, it's important that you're passionate about creativity and ready to learn new things. Events that prompted me to open a creative workshop: the desire to create, the search for self-expression, the desire to learn, the desire to share my creativity, the desire to have my own business. A creative workshop can become your personal space where you can freely express yourself and your ideas.
- Can you share your most significant achievements?
A. M.: The export of handmade watches to St. Petersburg was a real triumph for us! Other orders from other parts of Russia followed.
- How do you combine working in a government agency and running a business? And also, how do you manage to balance your personal life and work?
A. M.: I believe that a well-formed strategy and a clear plan for the day help you work in all your favorite areas. In business, it is always important to delegate some of your authority, train and develop your employees. From morning to night I am a mentor and leader, and in the evening I am a caring wife and mother of a beautiful daughter. I spend cozy family evenings with my loved ones.
- What is the most difficult part of running your own business?
A. M.: I think that business is always fraught with risks. The business owner is fully responsible for all aspects of their business. This means that it must be prepared to deal with any problems that may arise. In today's world, competition is very high, so the business owner needs to constantly look for new ways to stand out from the competition.
- Are there any conflicts with clients? If so, how do you handle the situation?
A. M.: When running a business, sooner or later there comes a time when you have to deal with customer dissatisfaction and their requirements. In the event of a conflict, I always follow certain actions: first, I listen carefully to the client to understand the essence of the problem; second, I find a solution, offer solutions to the problem, taking into account the interests of both parties; third, I show empathy for the client's situation. Even after a successful resolution of the conflict, it is important to analyze what happened in order to learn lessons for the future. It is necessary to identify the root causes of the conflict, assess how effective the actions taken were, and draw conclusions on how to improve customer service. Such an analysis will help prevent the recurrence of such situations and increase the overall customer orientation of the Ansora Gallery creative workshop.
- Who or what inspires you?
A. M.: We are all looking for sources of inspiration that help us grow, develop and reach new heights. Whether at work, in our personal lives, or in our creative work, these inspirational factors give us the strength and motivation to move forward. One of my sources of inspiration is nature. The beauty and grandeur of nature is truly fascinating. The sea is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for me. Watching the sunset can fill us with peace of mind and give us clarity of thought. It is not surprising that most of my works are dedicated to the sea, which has become a muse for poets, artists and musicians over the centuries. Nature is a place where we can find harmony with ourselves and draw strength for new achievements. The love and support of your loved ones is an invaluable source of inspiration. Their faith in us gives us confidence, and their joint achievements fill our hearts with pride and motivate us to move on.
- Do you have a team that helps you with your business, or do you manage everything yourself?
A. M.: Teamwork is an important factor in the success of any business. Of course, my employees are my second family. If you manage a group of people, you need to learn how to motivate others. If you focus on understanding what motivates other people and how to meet their needs, you'll be well on your way to a positive and enlightening experience.
When a person's basic needs are met, they start working for self-satisfaction. For example, if a person is hungry, they will not be able to concentrate on a critical task in which they need to think and create. In this case, you should make sure that the person has had lunch before giving them the project.
- What personal interests and hobbies do you have besides work and business?
A. M.: I love to read interesting articles about nutrition — the science of nutrition and proper use of vitamins. Like any Uzbek hostess, I love to cook our national dishes.
- How do you attract new customers and maintain interest in your workshop?
A. M.: To expand your customer base and maintain interest in the workshop, it is important to use a variety of marketing strategies and constantly interact with customers. I actively use social platforms, websites, networking sites, and international exhibitions to share my work and publish interesting and useful content. I establish contacts with clients not only from all over Uzbekistan, but also from other countries.
- How do you assess the role of creativity in the lives of adults and children?
A. M.: It has long been proven that drawing raises the mood, restores mental balance and helps people open up. A huge variety of different types of creativity makes it possible for everyone to find something to do. Over the past few years, epoxy resin continues to gain popularity: it makes you fall in love at first sight! Resin artists continue to invent new drawing techniques that will impress both beginners and experienced artists alike. Want to try it, but don't know where to start? Or do you already have experience, but want to learn new techniques? Every Saturday in the creative workshop of Ansora Gallery we hold demonstration master classes. We invite you to our creative paradise, the dream studio, where you will cheer yourself up, learn new drawing techniques and meet interesting people. And most importantly, you will be distracted from all your worries, because, as you know, creativity is a real art therapy!
- Can you tell us about the most memorable project or event that you organized in the Ansora Gallery?
A. M.: For me, every project, master class, communication with new people remain in my heart as memorable as new worlds and acquaintances. One of the most exciting moments was when our workshop was visited by the famous singer Raihon with her children.
- What role do your family and friends play in your business? Do they support you?
A. M.: Everything in our life comes and goes: money, work, things. Only close people stay with us. Moreover, only those people to whom we are dear, and who are dear to us. And often it is friends who are much closer to their relatives and in some ways even loved ones. I always feel their care and support, they always come to support us when we participate in various exhibitions. It's nice when friends call and ask for advice on where you can take your children to master classes.
- Why did you choose the specialty of a teacher of world economy?
A. M.: I think my genes played a role in my choice to become a teacher. I worked for an insurance company for seven years. After finishing my master's degree, I went on maternity leave, and it was my creativity that revealed such talents in me: the ability to speak in front of an audience, to express my thoughts correctly. I had a strong fear and discomfort from open performances in front of the public. Art gives you the opportunity to work out all the important points and helps you discover your hidden talents.
- What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who are just starting out?
A. M.: Do your favorite thing. Be able to clearly set goals and purposefully go to them. Never be afraid to take risks, try, stumble, climb, and move on. Never give up. Study, improve your knowledge, and work on yourself comprehensively.
- If you had the opportunity to spend one day in the past or future, what moment in your life or history would you choose and why?
A. M.: I always tell my students that if I were 18 years old now or earlier, I would have started my business much earlier than I do now.
- What is your favorite piece of art and why do you like it so much?
A. M.: I really like "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh. This is one of the most mysterious pictures I've ever seen in real life. Another piece that I like is the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa. The painting belongs to the French government and is on display in the Louvre. The smile with which a woman looks from the portrait at the viewer is called "mysterious". If the canvas was sold, it would become the most expensive in the entire history of art, or even in the entire history of mankind.
- If you could invite any artist, from the present or from the past, to a master class, who would you choose and why?
A. M.: Art has always been a source of inspiration and creative growth. Studying the works of great artists can open up new horizons and provide unique creative ideas. One of the greatest artists of Uzbekistan, whom I would like to invite to the master class, is the "ART TRIO" group.
I chose these artists because their work has always inspired me and made me look at the world differently. Their creative approach and unique vision open up new horizons for our country.
And from the past, I would choose Pablo Picasso, whose influence on the visual arts is difficult to overestimate. This Spanish painter, sculptor, graphic artist and ceramist was the founder of Cubism and had a huge influence on the development of modern art. I am attracted to the philosophy of this artist, his view of art and life. I believe that his reasoning and creative approaches will help me better understand the meaning of creativity and find my own path in art.
- What unusual materials or techniques do you use in your creative projects?
A. M.: Anyone can come to the classes, even without drawing experience. You don't have to have a natural talent, just a desire. The technique of drawing Resin Art (drawing with epoxy resin) is very similar to the technique of Fluid Art (drawing with liquid acrylic). These techniques can be mastered by absolutely anyone! There are various resin painting techniques that allow you to create things that are unique in their beauty — decorative coasters and cup holders, plates and countertops, paintings and interior items. The main components for creativity are epoxy resin and hardener. They can be drawn on an empty canvas or applied to ready-made bases. Depending on this, the depth and unusual nature of the drawing will vary. Among the most popular and interesting filling techniques such as: Petri dish, cut stone (geode), ocean beach, 3D garnet, galactic pattern, flowers with alcohol ink. The variety of epoxy painting techniques shows how beautiful things are created with your own hands, even in the absence of artistic skills and talent. And if you want to do something together with us, you can visit our creative workshop Ansora Gallery. These accessories will be a great gift for all lovers of hand made and cozy decor.
- Do you have any creative rituals or habits that help you with your work?
A. M.: The music you choose to play in the background during your creative process can have a significant impact on the creation process. It can create a certain emotional environment or serve as a background that helps you isolate yourself from various thoughts. My creative process is a unique interaction of personality, experience and internal mechanisms during the creation of works. Creative rituals play an important role in this process, as they can help me get in the right mood, creating a favorable environment for the flow of inspiration. All these rituals are likely to carry elements of practicality and comfort, providing creative individuals with everything they need to bring their creative ideas to life.
- What book would you recommend to read for anyone who wants to develop their creativity?
A. M.: I would recommend the book "Give an idea. How to make others fall in love with what you've come up with" Natalia Rodionova. This book will teach you how to present your ideas in a way that engages other people. In addition to this book, there are many others that will help you develop your creativity. It is important to find those that are interesting to you and suitable for your level of training.
- Thank you for the interview.
A. M.: Thank you!
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