Summary
Jayashree Sanzgiri, an artist from Goa known as Yaya, has transformed her life by moving from a career in science to the world of art. After facing health challenges and a diagnosis of ADHD and autism, she founded Studio Yakisoba to share her creative vision. Her work blends traditional painting with modern products, focusing on themes like mental health and local culture. This transition highlights how creativity can offer a fresh start and a meaningful way to connect with others.
Main Impact
The most significant impact of Yaya’s work is how it bridges the gap between high art and everyday items. By creating everything from large oil paintings to small stickers and bookmarks, she makes art something that anyone can own and enjoy. Her journey also brings attention to neurodiversity in the creative industry. She shows that working at one's own pace and embracing a unique way of thinking can lead to a successful and fulfilling business.
Key Details
What Happened
Yaya’s path to becoming a professional artist was not planned. She was living in the United Kingdom, working toward a master’s degree in molecular medicine. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, her life changed. She returned to her home in Margao, Goa, but found it difficult to continue her academic path due to health issues. After being diagnosed with ADHD and autism, she turned back to drawing and painting as a way to handle the stress of her situation.
She soon realized that art could be more than just a hobby. She partnered with her friend, Shane Wylmer Vaz, who took over the business and strategy side of the venture. Together, they launched Studio Yakisoba. The studio focuses on creating art that is playful, lighthearted, and a bit unusual. They wanted to add more joy to the world during a time that felt very heavy for many people.
Important Numbers and Facts
Yaya is 28 years old and runs her studio out of her home in Margao. The business, originally called Atorie Yakisoba, offers a huge variety of products. These include traditional oil and acrylic paintings, digital art, and murals. They also sell smaller items like ceramic jewelry, tote bags, postcards, pins, and coasters. The list of items continues to grow as she experiments with new materials.
A major milestone for the business happened in 2025. Studio Yakisoba set up its first physical stall at the Serendipity Arts Festival. Even though they had no experience with such a large event, the response from the public was very strong. This success proved that there was a real market for Yaya’s specific style of art and gave the team the confidence to keep growing.
Background and Context
In many parts of the world, there is a lot of pressure on young people to follow careers in science, technology, or medicine. Yaya was on that path before she decided to change her focus. Her story is part of a larger trend where people are rethinking their work-life balance after the pandemic. For many, the global health crisis was a moment to stop and consider what truly makes them happy.
For Yaya, the local culture in Goa played a big role in her success. She follows a local philosophy of living a relaxed and peaceful life. This way of living is very helpful for her as someone with ADHD and autism. It allows her to work in a comfortable environment without the noise and stress of a traditional office. Her art often features local motifs, such as Goan scenery, alongside her favorite subjects like cats, fish, and pop culture references.
Public or Industry Reaction
The public has reacted very well to the honesty in Yaya’s work. She does not shy away from difficult topics. Her art often explores feelings of mental struggle and inner conflict, which many people find relatable. By combining these deep emotions with colorful and playful designs, she creates something that feels both real and hopeful. This mix of "whimsy" and reality is what draws people to her brand.
Industry observers and fellow artists have also noticed her versatility. It is rare for one artist to work across so many different media, including stained glass, crochet, and linocut printing. This variety has helped Studio Yakisoba stand out in a crowded market. While the business still faces challenges with marketing and reaching a wider audience online, the local support in Goa has been a strong foundation for their future plans.
What This Means Going Forward
Looking ahead, Studio Yakisoba is moving toward a more digital presence. While they currently sell through social media and messaging apps, a dedicated online store is being developed. This will help them reach customers outside of their local area. Yaya also plans to include even more Goan culture in her future collections, as she feels a deep connection to her roots.
The goal is not just to sell products but to build a lasting name in the art world. Yaya wants her art to have a real impact on how people feel and how they view mental health. As the business grows, she and Vaz hope to find better ways to market their work without losing the personal, handmade feel that makes the studio special. They want to keep the business organic and true to their original vision.
Final Take
Studio Yakisoba is more than just an art shop; it is a reflection of a person finding their true calling. Jayashree Sanzgiri has shown that a change in direction can lead to something beautiful. By mixing playful designs with honest emotion, she has created a brand that speaks to the heart. Her story is a reminder that our greatest challenges can sometimes lead us to our greatest creative achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of art does Studio Yakisoba create?
The studio creates a wide range of items, including oil paintings, digital art, ceramic jewelry, stickers, and home decor like coasters and calendars.
Why did the artist switch from science to art?
After facing health issues and being diagnosed with ADHD and autism during the pandemic, Yaya found that art was a better fit for her lifestyle and mental health than a career in medicine.
Where is Studio Yakisoba based?
The studio is located in Margao, Goa. Much of the work is inspired by the local culture and the relaxed way of life found in the region.
