Ash Sundaram’s journey is one marked by passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to community. As she puts it, “I’d call myself a juggler—balancing different roles, ideas, and passions with an unshakable commitment to keep learning.” For someone who has built a successful culinary platform, ventured into artistic entrepreneurship, and spearheaded community workshops, the metaphor of juggling couldn’t be more apt.
Her culinary endeavour, Sowpernica’s Kitchen, began in 2011 and has since become a hub for Indian cuisine enthusiasts. Sundaram has shared over 350 recipes and produced 125+ YouTube videos, a testament to her dedication to spreading her love for food. “Balancing a growing platform with being a full-time working mother and new immigrant to Australia wasn’t always easy,” she reflects. Yet, organisation and support from her family helped her build something meaningful. “What I loved most was that my kitchen became a bridge between my Indian roots and my new life in Australia,” she shares, with recipes that beautifully integrate her cultural heritage.
Her work has been featured in several Tamil and English publications in both India and Australia, further illustrating her ability to blend the best of both worlds. “My cooking is an extension of who I am. There’s always that mix of tradition and experimentation,” she says, elaborating on how she combines Indian flavours with Australian culinary trends.
Sundaram also launched cooking workshops for various communities, including children, elderly groups, and women’s organisations. “Workshops were a natural progression,” she explains. “I wanted to create spaces where people could learn something new while bonding over food.” This love for community involvement is what drove her to establish these sessions, where she teaches not just recipes, but also the joy of cooking and sharing meals together.
On the publishing front, Ash faced the logistical challenges of working across continents. Writing her book, En Samayalarayil…, from Australia while coordinating with Vikatan Publications in India was no small task. “It required juggling time zones and responsibilities, but it grounded me. That project connected me with my roots and gave me a platform to reach a broader audience,” she recalls.
While food has always been a central theme in her life, Ash turned to art as a means of healing. Coping with the pain of plantar fasciitis led her to discover dot mandala art, a practice that quickly evolved from a hobby into a successful business with Krivi Creations. “Art became my therapy,” she says. “Each dot is like a meditation, and through this, I found both relief and purpose.” This personal artistic journey blossomed into a thriving business, expanding internationally. “Growing Krivi Creations was a challenge. As a solopreneur, you learn to do everything yourself—there’s no manual for it.”
Ash’s connection to her art goes beyond commerce. She believes that sharing her mandala creations is about more than aesthetics—it’s about healing. “Art is a way to reconnect with yourself. When I create, I’m in the moment, and that brings me peace. I hope it does the same for others who view my work.”
Ash has also been actively involved in leading workshops for women, particularly focusing on overcoming the so-called “Superwoman Syndrome.” These sessions, aimed at promoting self-care and balance, have resonated with many. “We, as women, often feel the pressure to do it all, and sometimes it’s just too much,” she notes. “These workshops are my way of reminding participants that it’s okay to take a step back and prioritise themselves.”
As a certified Soul Purpose Coach, Ash integrates this coaching with her culinary and artistic ventures. “It’s all connected—cooking, art, coaching—they’re all ways to help people reconnect with their true selves.” She views her role as empowering women to pursue their passions while maintaining a healthy balance. “My goal is to support women in finding their purpose and reminding them that self-care is essential, not a luxury.”
Having lived in Australia for 14 years, Ash credits her cultural background with shaping her approach to both life and business. “Growing up in Chennai taught me the value of tradition, but Australia gave me the freedom to experiment. It’s the blending of these two influences that has defined my journey as an artist, entrepreneur, and community leader,” she says.
Her advice for others who want to make a meaningful impact? “Stay authentic and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The awards and recognition are nice, but the true reward is knowing that you’ve made a difference.”
So how does Ash juggle her roles as a blogger, artist, coach, and volunteer? “There’s no magic trick,” she smiles. “It’s about setting priorities and staying organised. And most importantly, it’s about knowing when to take a break. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Ash Sundaram’s story is one of blending creativity with purpose, proving that life’s many ingredients, when balanced just right, make for a truly fulfilling journey.
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