Kalpana Mahanti, an accomplished artist and art instructor, is the visionary founder of Cord & Brushes. Although she began her professional journey in software engineering after earning her B.Tech degree, her deep-seated passion for art has been a lifelong companion. The demands of education and a burgeoning career in IT required her to set aside her artistic endeavors, but the unexpected circumstances of the global pandemic became a turning point in her life.
During the lockdown, with restricted access to art supplies, Kalpana turned to basic DIY projects. This period of creative experimentation rekindled her love for art, inspiring her to explore new possibilities. By September 2022, she made a bold decision to leave her IT career behind and fully commit to her passion. Thus, Cord & Brushes was born, a virtual art education venture established in partnership with her brother, Abhishek Mahanti, who co-founded the initiative.
The response to Cord & Brushes has been nothing short of phenomenal. Leveraging the power of social media, the platform offers workshops on a diverse range of art forms, all at affordable prices. This accessibility has been a key factor in the venture’s success, aligning perfectly with their mission: to provide quality art education to everyone, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder anyone’s artistic aspirations.
Kalpana attributes her achievements to the unwavering support of her brother and co-founder, Abhishek Mahanti, as well as her husband, Sanjib Mahapatra, her parents, friends, and extended family. Their encouragement and belief in her vision have been instrumental in transforming her dream into reality.
Cord & Brushes stands as a testament to Kalpana’s dedication and the power of pursuing one’s passion. Her journey from software engineering to becoming a beacon of accessible art education is an inspiration to many, proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and make a lasting impact on the world.
