Today we’d like to introduce you to Archana Varma.
Hi Archana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Archana Varma, and Shashi Inspirations is a creative venture founded in memory of my mother, Shashi.
I came to the United States as a scientist, joining the National Institutes of Health after completing my PhD in Microbiology in India. A decade later, I followed a new calling, transitioning into medicine and returning to medical school in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Throughout these journeys, my mother’s influence remained a constant source of inspiration.
She was an exceptionally talented woman with a remarkable eye for beauty, a gift for transforming simple things into something meaningful, and a deep commitment to helping others. Her dream was to share her talents widely, empowering people with creative skills that could bring both joy and opportunity. Although life’s challenges prevented her from fully realizing that vision, her spirit lives on through Shashi Inspirations.
At the heart of Shashi Inspirations are two guiding values: creativity and imagination. Inspired by nature and fueled by passion, each piece is carefully handcrafted. My primary medium is paper quilling, an art form that I learned from my mother and continue to explore as a tribute to her legacy.
The world around me provides endless inspiration—the grace of horses running through open fields, the songs of birds greeting the morning, and the warmth of family and friends gathered in celebration of love, joy, and togetherness. These moments become the stories and themes that find expression in my art.
Every creation is made with care, gratitude, and a desire to bring beauty into everyday life.
From my heart to your home.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My own journey has not always been easy. Balancing demanding careers in science and medicine often left little time to pursue creative passions. Yet, creating Shashi Inspirations as a tribute to my mother’s legacy has become a source of healing and renewal. The process of designing and crafting each piece serves as a meaningful stress reliever, allowing me to reconnect with creativity, find balance, and honor the values she instilled in me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a practicing physician and the founder of Shashi Inspirations, a creative venture dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of paper quilling in honor of my mother, Shashi. While medicine is my profession, art is my passion and a meaningful part of who I am. Through both healing and creating, I strive to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
As a physician, I specialize in Family Medicine, caring for patients across all stages of life and building long-term relationships within my community. As an artist, I specialize in handcrafted paper quilling art inspired by nature, human connection, and the beauty found in everyday moments. My work combines intricate craftsmanship with storytelling, transforming simple strips of paper into expressive and meaningful works of art.
I am known for my dedication to serving others with compassion—both in medicine and through my art. My artwork is recognized for its attention to detail, vibrant use of color, and themes inspired by nature, family, love, hope, and joy. Many people are drawn to the personal story behind Shashi Inspirations and the tribute it represents to my mother’s creativity, generosity, and enduring influence.
I am most proud of the lives I have been privileged to touch as a physician and of continuing my mother’s legacy through art. My journey from scientist to physician and artist has taught me that success is not measured by titles or achievements, but by the positive difference we make in the lives of others. Knowing that my work—whether through patient care or artistic creation—can bring comfort, healing, inspiration, or happiness to someone is my greatest accomplishment.
What sets me apart is the unique connection between my work as a physician and my work as an artist. Both are rooted in compassion, service, and an appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
Creating art is not separate from my medical practice; it strengthens it. Art helps me slow down, reflect, and see beauty and possibility in every individual. It inspires me to continue serving my patients with empathy, patience, and kindness. Likewise, my experiences as a physician deepen my appreciation for human stories, relationships, and the precious moments that inspire my artwork.
Shashi Inspirations is more than an artistic endeavor—it is a continuation of my mother’s legacy and a reflection of the values she instilled in me: creativity, generosity, resilience, and service. Through every piece I create, I hope to celebrate the goodness that exists in people and the world around us, while inspiring others to find beauty, hope, and connection in their own lives.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I like that people are very kind, and respectful. I love the culture of art here and love going to art fairs, artisan markets etc.
Pricing:
- $15 -25
- $ 100-299
- $300-599
- $ 600 – 999
- $1000 and above
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shashiinspirations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shashi_inspirations?igsh=MXdjaG4zcmFhczFvNg==
- Facebook: ShashiInspirations
