We had the good fortune of connecting with Smita Yamala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Smita, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am currently staying in Redmond, Washington. I am from a city called Visakhapatnam from India. My mother practiced as an advocate. My father was a law professor and a former vice chancellor for a law university in India. He was a veteran too. The best part of my childhood is having my parents who were never judgmental about anything I wanted to try my hands on, be it, art, writing, music, dance etc. They always taught me only 2 important rules of life not just by words but also through their deeds 1. Be happy, be kind and helpful to the people around you no matter who they are, friends, family or anyone in need.
2. Do whatever you want to, but do it with honesty and integrity. Your discipline and your honesty only defines your character, not your fame or money.

I think these things have a huge influence on my personality and in everything I do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an engineering graduate and work as a IT professional(Software QA Manager), here in Seattle. Creative art, designing and writing have always been a part of my soul from childhood. In 2021, I have started my art studio ‘Jaitras Studio’, with a tag line, ‘ Thoughtfully Designed and Heartfully Crafted’, in Redmond, USA. I create art using various mediums(watercolor, acrylic, mixedmedia, texture art etc) and also make a variery of handmade personalized decors and gifts like Name signs, hair bows, home decor and many more. For me art is my passion, rather than a business, aiming at creating affordable handmades which can bring happiness for the soul. Personally I enjoy creating custom pieces, unique and personalized to an individual as that brings immense happiness to them which is very precious. I love to write quotes and short stories. I blog for Momspresso and also have my own page on Instagram where I post my writings.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love spending time with my daughter and people close to heart, friends. Anywhere with the people you love always feels special. My best place would be any cozy coffee shop as I love coffee. To mention a few of the famous and my favorite spots in Seattle, Space needle, Glass museum, Tulip Gardens, Mount Rainier. Some of these are seasonal spots but they are absolutely amazing. Washington state has some breathtaking views, rightly called as the Evergreen state.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been writing and painting since my childhood. I love volunteering and community related activities a lot. Today, if I am able to pursue my passion for art, craft, writing and community service, its only because of my family, parents who always let me dream and my husband Rajesh, who always supported me. My 7 year old daughter Geetanvitha, who also loves art and craft, has been my greatest support as well. She attended all of my art exhibits and artist receptions with me While I explored my creative path, I have met some amazing people, who have always supported my work and some of them have become great friends too. To mention a few, Joann and Andrea(Owners of the local coffee shop where I had my first art exhibition and sale), have became great friends supporting my art journey in many ways. Carol who has been a loyal client for my paintings and always very appreciative of my work, which makes it very encouraging for me to create more. There are many more friends(Kajal, Rama, Shaista, Priya etc) who gave me a chance to show my creative side by ordering handmades from me in my initial days and I have my immense gratitude towards each and every person who loved and bought my paintings and handmades. They are all an integral part of my journey and success.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaitrasstudio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smitayamala/

Facebook: Jaitrasstudio

Youtube: MomandGeetu @momandgeetu6514

Other: https://www.instagram.com/jaitrasstudio/ – My art studio https://www.instagram.com/momandgeetu/ – For my daughter and myself https://instagram.com/thoughtsandtickles/ – For my writeups. I also blog for other sites, recently started my own page.

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