In 2023, outside my life at Amazon, I was a contemporary dancer and movement artist. Around this time I attended a Q&A session of Deepti Varma, Vice President, HR/People Experience Technology, Amazon India. Throughout the conversation, she drew parallels to dance, eventually revealing her passion as a dancer. For me, it was an instant connection.
I immediately drafted an email sharing my artistic journey. What happened next changed everything: a response within 24 hours—from a Vice President. That single reply ignited a spark that would become Artazon, Amazon's artist community supporting performing arts, visual arts, wellness practices, and literary expression across the entire Amazon family.
From solo vision to global community
What started as "Amazon Art Adda" in 2024 evolved into Artazon—a portmanteau of "Art" and "Amazon" inspired by India's principle of unity in diversity. The journey was fun, yet it came with its own challenges. I worked like an entrepreneur with conviction! In the initial phase of setting up Artazon, I managed everything single-handedly: planning, designing promotional materials, coordinating approvals, and hosting events.
The results speak volumes:
- 15+ events across Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
- Over 1,500 participants.
- 60+ in-house talents showcased.
- Events at fulfilment centres engaging FC associates.
- A Pride Month collaboration with Glamazon.
- International expansion to 9 countries with 30+ artists.
And most remarkably—the support to adopt Artazon across teams was amazing!
None of this would have been possible without the culture that Amazon fosters—one that genuinely encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work.
The Amazon difference
What makes my story uniquely Amazon? Access without barriers. As a Data Analyst, I connected directly with top executives who provided constructive feedback. When seeking support, I encountered enthusiastic cooperation across teams.
Amazon functions as a vast ocean of resources where information flows freely without gatekeepers. The culture promotes open communication, we're encouraged to speak up, collaborate, and persistently pursue our passions until they materialise.
Beyond work-life balance
I don't talk about work-life balance—I talk about work-life harmony. With over 60 stage productions, working with Padmashree awardee Majamma Jogathi, work on the feature film Mirzya, and now certification as a Pranic healer, I'm proof that maintaining multiple passions doesn't diminish professional performance, it enhances it.
Artistic practitioners consistently demonstrate composure and mindfulness, which cultivate mental resilience. This balance has made me sharper, more creative, and more resilient at work — proof that nurturing your passions only makes you better at everything you do.
What's next
Artazon is working towards expanding across cities in India and also internationally. The vision? A global artist community operating at Amazon-level scale, where creative expression flourishes without barriers.
True professional fulfilment comes not just from personal advancement, but from contributing something meaningful and innovative that adds lasting value. What are we giving back in return for what our organisation has provided us?
My message to fellow Amazonians is clear: If you have a dream or a passion, Amazon provides you the time, space and encouragement to pursue it. Your present level—whether in career, education, or life—should never become a barrier to achieving what you truly want. Amazon provides the ocean of resources. You just need to dive deep.
