We have often heard the say which goes like “Small things matter the most.” Maya Kumar shares her story with our Roots and Leisure Team about her love affair with arranging small things perfectly – in the most surprising nooks and corners.
Here’s a quick chat about Maya’s love interest called Knick Knacks
![Rootsandleisure_knickknack](https://rootsandleisure.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_2003.jpeg)
Photo : Maya with her kids
“I’m a mom of two boys, twelve and eight, married to a globetrotting Robotic Engineer. I have always been interested in design, having my Master’s Degree in Communication and having worked as a Copywriter with a couple of leading advertising agencies, before quitting just before my older son was born, enjoying the joys of both motherhood and travel. I still freelance when possible.
We’ve travelled and lived around the world – Taiwan for a short spell, then Bangalore; Singapore was home for about five years and now Michigan is our base.”
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Tell us about “Knick Knacks” and how have your roots and upbringing inspired this hobby of yours?
It’s just a happy little hobby that I indulge in whenever I get the time or am inspired to do so. “Knick Knacks” is an outlet to showcase my moods and my fascination for small things and miniatures; at times they take you down a memory lane or into a happy world in my imaginations – which I then try to recreate through these small arrangements. Taking time out to enjoy the little things in life is what makes it worthwhile.
“Books have always been my first love. So I can attribute my love for this hobby to my childhood spent in the greenery and quietness of Nilgiris – and my love for books, which ignited my imagination to no end. These two together has given me so many happy memories, that I try to recreate through Knick-Knack, where I decorate corners, walls etc using tiny things, that reminds of happiness. My constant travels around the world makes sure I refuel my imaginations”
I hail from the beautiful Nilgiris. A small town girl growing up amidst the beautiful blue hills and tea estates that this little paradise had to offer. I’ve grown up reading a lot of books. My parents were avid readers and writers – and my father is a published writer having published three books, one co-authored with my mother. Having married a boy with similar upbringing has ensured that our views of life, in general, are almost always in sync, and our heart is always rooted in the tiny town of Coonoor.
“The world is my canvas and I create my reality”
![RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack](https://rootsandleisure.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack.png)
Photo @miasknickknacks
“I’ll walk in the rain by your side; I’ll cling to the warmth of your tiny hand; I’ll do anything to keep you satisfied; I’ll love you more than anybody can…” ~ ‘For Baby’ by John Denver
![RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack6](https://rootsandleisure.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack6-1.png)
Photo @miasknickknacks
“Snippets from home. These little instruments are such instant ‘perk-me-ups’; all I have to do is look at them and memories unfold..” ~ Maya
![RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack1](https://rootsandleisure.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack2.png)
Photo @miasknickknacks
“By the window this morning, sending out a little prayer of thanks for this beautiful sight of showering snow… also to those who need the warmth this season, those out there in the cold – human and furry beings alike. It’s beautiful when you are warm and brutal when you aren’t; so can you make a tiny difference to those who need it? An angel can come in any form” ~ Maya
![RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack1](https://rootsandleisure.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack3.png)
Photo @miasknickknacks
“Mother Nature is still a bit undecided whether to give us some spring .. Yesterday was nice and warm and today it’s all snowflakes! That’s not preventing me from bringing out the yellows 🙂 There’s snow outside and sunshine inside” ~ Maya
![RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack1](https://rootsandleisure.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack1.png)
Photo @miasknickknacks
“There’s wonder in the world, so spread your wings and soar!” ~ Maya. Follow Maya’s Happy Hobby “Knick Knacks” on Instagram for your daily dose of Nostalgia and Happiness.
![RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack1](https://rootsandleisure.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RootsandLeisure_KnickKnack5.png)
Photo @miasknickknacks