Selection Stories
I discovered Rakshanda Meshram on Instagram through her beautifully creative work in journaling, and I was immediately intrigued. As I explored more, I found out that she is a software engineer who also passionately promotes her art on Instagram. This blend of two completely different worlds—logic and creativity—caught my attention.
At Abhirah, we love conversations with people who seamlessly balance multiple passions. When someone excels in one field while wholeheartedly pursuing another, it makes for an inspiring story. Rakshanda was a perfect candidate for such a conversation.
Her journey into art journaling began as a way to express emotions beyond words. She felt a deep connection with the idea of translating feelings through colors, textures, and mixed media instead of just writing. Over time, this form of creative expression evolved from a personal practice into a full-fledged passion, leading her to experiment with different techniques and share her work with the world.
This fusion of technical expertise and artistic creativity made her an ideal guest for an Abhirah conversation. So, let’s dive into her journey!
Q1) How does your typical day look as a software engineer?
Rakshanda: I live in a PG with four other girls, and my day starts around 7 AM. After freshening up, I go for a 30-minute walk in the linear garden near my place. Then, I cook lunch while attending my 9:30 AM online meeting (multitasking at its best! 😅). By 10:30 AM, I reach the office, grab a black coffee, and start work while catching up with my colleagues.
At 1:30 PM, I take a lunch break and go for a short 15-minute walk around the campus before getting back to work. At 4 PM, it’s snack time with coffee and some fun conversations with my colleagues, which gives me an energy boost for the rest of the day. I usually wrap up work around 6 or 6:30 PM.
Once I’m back at my PG, I unwind by scrolling Instagram, going for another walk, or cooking dinner. Later, I either finish any pending work, read a book, or do some art journaling. I usually call it a day around midnight.
Q2) For someone around 30 years old, currently working in a different industry, and looking to transition into IT, what steps should they take? What are the best options available for making that career switch?
Rakshanda: Switching to IT at 30 might feel tricky, but it’s totally doable if you go step by step. First, figure out what interests you—software development, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or something else. Once you know where you want to go, start learning. There are tons of free and paid resources like YouTube, Udemy, and Coursera, or even boot camps if you want a structured approach. Certifications like AWS, Google IT Support, or CompTIA Security+ can also give you an edge.
The best way to get comfortable is by actually doing stuff—build small projects, contribute to open-source, or even take on some freelance work. It helps a lot when you can show what you’ve worked on. Also, networking is a game-changer. Connect with IT folks on LinkedIn, join meetups, or find a mentor who has made a similar transition.
When you start applying for jobs, look for junior roles or even IT-related positions within your current industry.
Q3) How much water do you drink in a day?
Rakshanda: 3 to 4 liters.
Q4) Before discovering art journaling, how did you usually process your emotions?
Rakshanda: Before discovering art journaling, I processed my emotions through meditation and yoga, and I used to doodle on paper, letting my mind wander freely. Writing in a diary was another way I tried to express myself, but I often felt that words alone weren’t enough. One thing that truly helped me was embracing every emotion fully—I never suppressed what I was feeling. If I needed to cry, I let myself cry without guilt. If I felt like laughing, I laughed wholeheartedly. Instead of judging my emotions, I acknowledged them, allowing myself to experience and understand them deeply. This mindset helped me become more self-aware and ultimately led me to find a more visual and creative way to express myself through art journaling.
Q5) What advice would you give to someone who wants to start art journaling but feels they’re “not creative enough”?
Rakshanda: Just follow your heart. Art journaling isn’t about being ‘good’ at art—it’s about expressing yourself. Start by collecting images, quotes, lyrics, or stories that resonate with you or reflect your emotions. Don’t overthink it; simply paste, doodle, or paint whatever feels right. The best part is that there are no rules in art journaling—your journal is your safe space. Over time, you’ll find your own style and creative voice. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and let it be a reflection of you.
Q6) What kind of reactions or messages do you receive from people who see your work?
Rakshanda: I get a mix of reactions when people see my work. In the beginning, my friends would often ask if I was okay because some of my pages reflected deep emotions, and they worried about me. On the other hand, many people appreciate my color combinations and the way I use paper and stickers to create cohesive, expressive collages. Strangers who come across my page often ask if I can create similar pages for them or where I buy my stickers. It’s always interesting to see how different people interpret my work—some connect with the emotions, while others are drawn to the aesthetics.
Q7) What is your worst habit?
Rakshanda: I have many habits that I wouldn’t call great, but one that I recently discovered about myself is that I struggle with keeping secrets. It’s not that I intentionally reveal things, but sometimes, without realizing it, I say something I shouldn’t. Unfortunately, this has led to misunderstandings and, at times, strained relationships. I’m actively working on being more mindful of what I share, but it’s definitely a work in progress!
Q8) How many hours do you usually sleep?
Rakshanda: I barely get 4 to 5 hours of sleep 😅 Definitely need to fix that!
Q9) Do you feel that your creative side affects your sleep patterns?
Rakshanda: No, it’s not my creativity—it’s my overthinking and anxiety that messes with my sleep. Art journaling actually helps me calm my mind and deal with anxiety.
Q10) How do you cope with failure?
Rakshanda: When I face failure, I focus on what I can do next to move forward rather than dwelling too much on what went wrong. I do take time to analyze my mistakes and learn from them, but I never let failure define me. I remind myself that I’m human and that failure is just a part of growth. Instead of seeing it as a setback, I take it as a lesson that brings me one step closer to success.
Q11) What is your biggest realization so far?
Rakshanda: My biggest realization is that we never know how much time we have. It might sound cliché, but after losing a friend recently, it really hit me. I want to live every moment fully, express love to the people who matter—including myself—and create art that brings healing, both to me and to others.
Q12) What’s more important in a relationship—compatibility or effort? And why?
Rakshanda: I think both matter, but if I had to choose, I’d say effort. Compatibility makes things easier, but even the most compatible people will face challenges if one of them isn’t putting in the right amount of effort. Without effort, even the best relationships can fall apart. Effort means choosing each other every day, communicating, understanding, and growing together. Relationships aren’t perfect—they need work, and that’s what truly keeps them strong.
Q13) What’s the healthiest way to heal after a breakup?
Rakshanda: Healing after a breakup is different for everyone, but the healthiest way is to allow yourself to feel everything without judgment —cry if you need to, reflect, and let the emotions flow. Avoid suppressing your feelings because that only delays healing.
Focus on yourself—reconnect with hobbies, try new things, journal (or art journal!), exercise, and surround yourself with people who uplift you. Cutting off unnecessary contact with your ex also helps create space for healing. Which btw I realised after so long…
Most importantly, be patient. Healing isn’t linear, and some days will be harder than others. But with time, self-care, and self-love, you’ll come out stronger and more in tune with yourself.
Q14) As a software engineer and artist, how well do you manage your finances? Are you good at saving, or do art supplies take most of the budget?
Rakshanda: Earlier, buying art supplies was a struggle, so I got creative—I used to collect stickers from newspapers and save different papers that came with online shopping parcels (I still have some of them! 😅). Now that I earn well, I do buy interesting journaling supplies, but I’m mindful about it. I usually get things that are either necessary or something I absolutely love.
It took me 2.5 years to finally learn how to save money! I used to spend a lot on food and clothes, but I’ve cut back and started saving more. At the same time, I’ve realized that creativity isn’t about having the fanciest supplies—it’s about making the most of what you have. That mindset has stuck with me, and I think it’s helped me grow both as an artist and financially.
That said, I’ve never really overspent on art supplies… but let’s be real, no amount of art supplies ever feels like enough!
Q15) If you had to rate your financial management skills on a scale of 1 to 10, where would you place yourself and why?
Rakshanda: I’d probably rate myself around a 6 or 7. I’ve come a long way—I used to spend a lot on food and clothes without thinking much about savings. But over time, I’ve learned to manage my expenses better and prioritize saving. I still indulge in buying art supplies, but I’m mindful about it and only get what’s necessary or truly excites me. I wouldn’t call myself an expert at financial management yet, but I’ve definitely improved, and I’m still learning!
Q16) What little things make your day-to-day life happier?
Rakshanda: The little things that make my day happier are a strong cup of black coffee, a refreshing morning walk, and cooking tasty yet healthy food. I also love having lighthearted chats with my loved ones and, of course, a good laugh—it instantly lifts my mood!
Q17) What is life according to you?
Rakshanda: Very interesting question!! According to me, life is an experience—a collection of moments, emotions, and lessons. It’s also about growth and connection. We’re here to explore, make mistakes, learn, love, create, and just be. Every feeling, whether good or bad, adds depth to our journey.
At the end of the day, life isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about embracing the experience.
Q18) What do you think about death?
Rakshanda: To be honest, I’m scared of death because right now, I don’t feel ready. It’s not just the fear of dying but the thought of leaving things unfinished—not living enough, not loving enough, not creating enough. But at the same time, this fear reminds me to truly live, to express love, chase my dreams, and find joy in the little things. Maybe we’re never really ready for death, but if we live fully, we might not fear it as much when the time comes.
———–Thank You———
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