Launched my paid sessions as a Maybe. Ended as a ‘More Please’

Imposter syndrome doesn’t stand a chance against what lights you up.

Hey there!

If you're here, that means you either liked what you read, accidentally clicked a link, or (my personal favorite) you're looking for creative sanity in a world that’s not helping. I’m Urmila, writer, artist, educator, accidental IT professional, certified yogi, and full-time believer that creativity is for everyone.

☕ Teacups and Tiny Victories ✌

This Substack is my love letter to slow growth, messy beginnings, and the magic that happens when we show up as ourselves, even when we’re still figuring things out. If this piece gave you even a tiny spark of joy or clarity, I’d love it if you bought me a coffee.

Thank you for being here - for reading, reflecting, and showing up with such beautiful humanity. You make this all worth it. 💛

Now, let’s dive in…

Launched my paid sessions as a Maybe. Ended as a ‘More Please’

I still think being a teacher is the most uncool profession.

Not because it’s not meaningful or impactful but because it often asks you to dim yourself. To cover your tattoos. To mute your personality. To play small so others feel comfortable.

And if there’s one thing I’ve never been good at, it’s playing small.

So yeah, I still don’t think teaching is “cool” — but apparently, I’m damn good at it anyway:)
Here’s what all my students right from P2- undergrads have to say.

But I always taught English, never ART!

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💡 Why I Never Taught Art

I used to avoid teaching anything creative like the plague.

Not because I didn’t know how to guide people but because I was terrified of being that teacher . The one who accidentally kills someone’s creativity forever.

I believe everyone is creative. It’s not a talent it’s a muscle. But somewhere along the way, most of us had our creativity punished out of us. If you are Asian, this is part of your generational conditioning.

By teachers. Parents. Institutions.

And I didn’t want to be part of that cycle.

me as an English teacher:)

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🎨 What Changed My Mind

Every time I’ve gone through something hard grief, career pivots, isolation creativity has been my anchor.

• Comics helped me survive my childhood

• Urban sketching got me through moving to Hong Kong, where I experienced racism which I had only read about until then

• Mixed media art pulled me through the pandemic

• Creative journaling grounded me during career chaos

• Illustrated journaling showed me the way forward when I didn’t know what was next

Creativity isn’t just an escape.
It’s a life skill.

One that helps you slow down. Reflect. Document your journey. Find beauty even in hard times.

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🧠 But What About Imposter Syndrome?

Of course, it showed up.

Loudly.

As it always does:

• When I was featured in the South China Morning Post for my Art Fundraiser for Covid relief in India

• When I applied for a teaching job through the Education Bureau of Hong Kong, I thought was only for white applicants and got it in the first go!

• When I walked into a director’s office cold to ask for a university teaching gig (and got it!)

• When I hosted my first creative journaling session and had a sold out session!

Every time, I chose curiosity over fear. And now, I help others do the same.

This was how the first session went!

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🖍️ Now….What Happened Last Friday

I hosted my first paid illustrated journaling session.

I didn’t wear a blazer. I didn’t cover my tattoos. I didn’t mute my voice.

I showed up imposter syndrome and all.

And 7 people signed up.

Most of them paid for the all 3 sessions coming up!

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💬 What They Said Afterward

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🌟 Why This Matters

Hearing that I could simplify something they thought was “not for them” that’s what makes me sleep peacefully at night.

Knowing that I gave them permission to try again, to see the world differently, to reconnect with their creativity?

That silences the imposter if only for a little while.

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🤝 Join Me For the Next Session

If you’ve ever felt creatively stuck…
If you’ve ever wanted to try something new but didn’t know where to start…
If you miss the joy of creating without judgment…

Then I’d love to invite you session of illustrated journaling!!

No pressure. No perfection. Just presence.

Bring your pens, your doubts, your inner child and let’s make some magic together.

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📩 Want Early Access?

👉 Join here!! for the next illustrated round of 4 sessions

✅ First session free
✅ First dibs on early bird pricing
✅ A free illustrated visual bank to build your own