Jaya Aiyar, the Founder & CEO of Creatif, stands as the visionary force behind a revolutionary concept that has redefined the art studio experience for families across the nation. With a background in engineering and project management, Jaya has seamlessly integrated technology with art, creating an immersive and family-friendly space that has garnered unique recognition in the family entertainment segment. As the driving force behind Creatif, Jaya’s entrepreneurial journey began with a deep-seated passion for art in all its forms. Drawing inspiration from her own hands-on experiences and the belief that everyone harbors an inner artist seeking expression, she set out to create a positive impact through her work. The result is Creatif, an experiential art studio that transcends traditional boundaries, providing a platform for artists of all ages to explore and express their creativity.
In her current role, Jaya wears multiple hats, providing strategic advisory and leading innovation, planning, operational excellence, training, and process improvements for all Creatif corporate-owned and franchise locations. Her relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in the bold move to continue the brand’s expansion plans despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, resulting in multiple franchisee locations now operational. Jaya strongly believes in the unique contributions women leaders bring to the business landscape. With an emphasis on diverse perspectives, empathetic leadership, long-term vision, resilience, and supportive mentorship, she envisions women playing a pivotal role in influencing and shaping the future of business.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral aspects of Creatif’s growth strategy. Positioned for national and international expansion, the brand thrives on embracing diversity to drive innovation and ensure long-term success. Jaya’s leadership principles, centered around fostering collaboration, adaptability, continuous learning, and leading by example, have guided the team through challenges, creating a culture of growth and success. Creatif’s transformative impact on the art studio space is marked by the integration of art with technology, catering to the high-demand markets of family entertainment, children’s activities, and STEAM learning. Offering more than eight different revenue streams, both in-studio and virtually, the brand has disrupted the industry by providing franchisees with earning potential throughout the year.
For Jaya, respect and teamwork are not just values but the very foundation of Creatif’s success. By promoting collaboration through example, she has cultivated a strong, diverse team that thrives on the principles of respect and mutual support. As the journey continues, Jaya Aiyar remains at the forefront of driving innovation and growth in the evolving landscape of family-friendly art experiences.
Jaya Aiyar’s commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation is evident in her strategic use of technology to elevate Creatif’s customer experience and operational efficiency. From the customer-facing ArtPad app to the StudioManager operations software, Creatif stands as a trailblazer in leveraging technology within the art studio landscape. The pandemic, an unexpected challenge, tested Jaya’s resilience and adaptability. In response, she led Creatif to pivot its business model, ensuring its adaptability to the changing times. This ability to navigate adversity and turn challenges into opportunities showcases Jaya’s leadership in action.
Mentorship and sponsorship, while not initially part of Jaya’s entrepreneurial journey, have become integral in her commitment to supporting other aspiring entrepreneurs. Recognizing the gender disparities that persist in certain industries, Jaya aims to be a mentor for her franchisees, providing valuable insights and guidance as they navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Balancing risk-taking and innovation with stability is a delicate act that Jaya manages skillfully. Through strategic assessments of industry dynamics and internal strengths, she ensures a harmonious blend of growth and stability in Creatif’s business strategies.
For women aspiring to leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries, Jaya advocates embracing unique strengths, seeking assistance, and maintaining confidence, resilience, and grit. By demonstrating these qualities, women can overcome challenges and thrive in any industry. As a mother of two, Jaya prioritizes work-life integration by setting boundaries, efficient task delegation, and self-care. Within her team, she fosters open communication and offers flexibility, creating an environment that prioritizes the well-being and balance of all team members. In talent acquisition and retention, Jaya ensures diversity and inclusivity through fair hiring practices, professional development opportunities, and equitable treatment for all employees. This commitment reflects her dedication to building a diverse and inclusive organizational culture.
The most pressing challenges for women in business today, according to Jaya, include gender bias and the struggle to balance work-life commitments. However, she sees these challenges as opportunities for change. By setting an example of resilience, confidence, and strong leadership, women can break through existing barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive future in business. Jaya Aiyar continues to lead with vision and purpose, shaping the landscape of family-friendly art experiences while inspiring others to overcome challenges in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Jaya Aiyar, as the Founder & CEO of Creatif, not only shapes the future of family-friendly art experiences but also advocates for equity and inclusion in the business world. Recognizing the importance of mentorship, training, and transparency, Jaya believes these initiatives are crucial to fostering an inclusive environment for women. Simultaneously, she emphasizes the significance of women demonstrating that they don’t seek special treatment based on gender, contributing to building respect and equality in the business landscape.
In measuring the impact of her leadership, Jaya looks at various metrics that reflect the success and vibrancy of Creatif. Brand recognition, revenue growth, customer feedback, and employee satisfaction are key indicators that showcase the positive outcomes of her leadership. The integration of innovation and fun into the company’s core values underscores the dynamic and forward-thinking approach that defines Creatif’s success.
As Jaya envisions the future of women’s leadership, she sees an increasingly vital role in driving business evolution, innovation, and overall success. To realize this vision, she emphasizes the importance of advocating for gender equality in leadership roles, implementing policies supporting work-life balance, and creating opportunities for career advancement for women. Mentorship and sponsorship programs play a pivotal role in nurturing future female leaders, providing them with the guidance and support needed to excel in their careers.
Empowering women to lead authentically and leveraging their diverse perspectives and talents, according to Jaya, is the key to unlocking new opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainable business success. Her commitment to these principles extends beyond the confines of Creatif, shaping a future where women’s leadership is not only recognized but celebrated for its positive impact on the broader business landscape. As Jaya Aiyar continues to lead with vision and purpose, she inspires a generation of women to embrace leadership roles, driving positive change and shaping the future of business evolution.
