Exclusive: Neetu Jakhar on Leaving Corporate After 17 Years to Become Full-Time DIY Creator

Taking risks rewards the brave, and that's what happened with Neetu Jakhar. A DIY post on social media changed everything for her after working 17 years in the corporate world. What started as an accident turned into a full-fledged career, and today, Neetu is a popular DIY creator, actor, and entrepreneur with a loyal community that swears by her viral décor hacks.

As a mother juggling creativity, acting, and entrepreneurship, she's living proof that passion can transform your life at any stage. Read on for some honest, inspiring answers.

From 17 years in the corporate world to being a full-time DIY artist, what gave you the courage to make that leap?

I've always been a creative person at heart, and home décor was my passion even while I worked in the corporate world. One day, I casually shared one of my DIY ideas on social media, and to my surprise, it really resonated with people. The positive response encouraged me to create and share more content on Instagram and YouTube. Gradually, what began as a hobby started growing into something much bigger. With the constant motivation and support from my family, I found the courage to take that leap and turn my passion into my full-time profession.

Photo Credit: Instagram

When you look back, what moment made you realize that creativity wasn't just a hobby, but your true calling?

The real turning point came when brands started trusting and appreciating my creativity, and I began getting campaigns purely based on my ideas. But what truly made me realize the potential of my work was when some well-known production houses from the entertainment world reached out, and I even got the opportunity to co-host a web series on Zee Zest. That's when I knew people genuinely loved my work, it wasn't just a hobby anymore. It was something I needed to take seriously and nurture as my true calling.

You're a creator, entrepreneur, mother, and now even an actor, what's your secret to staying grounded amid so many roles?

My family truly keeps me grounded. For them, I'm still the same creative person who loves surprising them with a quick room makeover or spending nights perfecting a school project. No matter how much things have changed, that version of me hasn't.

I genuinely enjoy every phase of this new journey, being a creator, entrepreneur, and now exploring acting. During my corporate IT days, I often felt the guilt of not spending enough quality time with my family. Today, I feel I'm in a much better place where I can balance both worlds. I take a break when my family needs me, and when it's time to focus on my career, I return to social media with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

How do you manage the business side of content creation while keeping your creative spark alive? 

Very early on, I realized that delegating work was essential if I wanted to stay focused on the creative side. Initially, I tried to handle everything on my own, from content to collaborations but soon I started feeling burnt out. Today, I have a wonderful team, and my talent management agency, which helps me with planning and brand partnerships. My finances, meanwhile, are managed by my husband, which gives me the freedom to focus entirely on creating.

Photo Credit: Instagram

When I started, I didn't know anyone in this industry, so most of what I've learned has come from my own experiences, analysing the market, learning from my mistakes, and constantly improving. I've always taken this profession seriously and invest a lot of time in self-learning because I know people trust and follow my content. That responsibility motivates me to stay authentic and ensure that whatever I share adds real value.

What message would you share with women who feel it's “too late” to start something new? 

It's never too late to start something new. Everyone has a talent, and everyone can shine in their own way. For me, this is literally my second career, and acting would be my third. The key is to spend time with yourself, figure out what truly makes you happy, and pursue it.

It took me 17 years in the corporate world to realize this, but the world is constantly expanding, and people genuinely welcome fresh ideas and skill sets. If you have something to offer, don't hold back. Often, the only person judging you is yourself. Just take that first step, you'll be surprised at how far your dreams can take you.

One thing you wish someone told you before becoming a creator?

If I could tell my younger self one thing before becoming a creator, it would be that consistency is key. Not every day will be the same, and not every piece of content will go viral. Patience is essential, if you keep going, you'll eventually reach where you're meant to be.

When I started, some of my early videos went viral, and I thought social media was a cakewalk. But soon I realized that even when you put in your best effort, content doesn't always resonate. It's easy to feel disheartened and withdraw, but the key is to keep creating.

My mantra, which I developed after many challenging days, is that whenever one person visits my page, they should want to stay and explore other content. That's why I ensure every piece of content is top-notch, high-quality, and reflects my best work. Be deliberate about how you shape your profile, this is your image, your face to the world, so let it truly represent the best version of you.

Is it late to be a creator now?

It's absolutely not too late to be a creator. Content is always evolving, and while the approach, methodology, and tools may change, the core idea, your creativity — remains timeless. To stay relevant, it's important to keep learning, whether it's AI or other new technologies, and see how they can enhance your work. But don't become a slave to tools, your content should always reflect your original ideas. Today, there are so many tools and technologies that can help you create faster and smarter, making it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.

What's the future of DIY artists? Do you see the industry opening up? 

The DIY space is growing and evolving rapidly, and there's room for all kinds of creators. Some people focus on small-scale projects like paintings or frames, while others dive into more elaborate work, like furniture or wall makeovers. There are so many people, like me, who love creating and take pride in their work.

For instance, my recent door makeover may not have been perfectly smooth or evenly varnished, but I could proudly say it was made in India by me. Every time I see it, it motivates me, and the response from people, asking genuine questions like which wood or varnish I used — shows that there's real interest in learning and creating. DIY artistry is gaining recognition, and because of it, I've been able to explore opportunities like acting, brand collaborations, and interviews. The future is bright, with endless possibilities for creativity, learning, and sharing.