In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I sat down with a Malaysian entrepreneur Melor Mokhtar. She is a New York-based artist coach with a passion for empowering Asian women artists.
With a career rooted in the global art market and a life shaped by diverse cultural experiences as a child of a diplomat growing up in various parts of the world, Melor’s journey has been a journey of self-discovery which in turn has now become a journey of helping other women discover themselves.
As a coach, Melor combines business strategy, creative exploration and personal growth to help artists succeed. When women artists work with her, they believe that they need more art business opportunities.
However, she doesn’t just address the business side of art; she also facilitates emotional and mindset transformations, helping her clients let go of societal and cultural expectations to embrace their creative selves fully.

A Bittersweet Journey
Transformation often involves grieving past choices but Melor helps her clients find strength in their journeys, turning pain into power through creativity.
Some key highlights:
- The Power of Choosing Yourself
Melor emphasizes the importance of putting yourself first, not as a rejection of community or family, but as a way to enhance your ability to give back. She encourages artists to embrace their creative intuition and shed societal labels that hold them back. - Breaking Through Comfort Zones
From challenging artists to break free from their usual styles to navigating the discomfort of imperfection, Melor shares how these exercises lead to growth and confidence. - The Role of Culture and Identity
Melor addresses the tension between cultural expectations and artistic freedom, helping her clients balance their heritage with their truths. - Creating Opportunities Instead of Waiting for Them
In a world where the Internet levels the playing field, Melor advocates for artists to take agency over their careers, leveraging online platforms to showcase their work and connect globally.
Helpful Advice for Artists
- Creativity, Consistency, and Commitment: These are the three pillars Melor believes are foundational for any artist’s success.
- Prioritize Process Over Results: By focusing on the process rather than immediate outcomes, artists can build a more authentic and sustainable practice.
- Make Smarter Decisions: Melor’s goal is to empower her clients to make smart, independent decisions, creating more opportunities for themselves.
Melor’s Journey As An Artist Coach
Melor says, “Personally, a significant accomplishment for me was moving to New York, even when the path ahead wasn’t clear. I left behind a comfortable life to pursue my master’s degree and lived in a small room. Although my path after graduation was uncertain, I’m proud that I took that leap.”
She adds, “Professionally, I’m incredibly proud of the work I do. From my early days as a trainer 20 years ago to my current role as a coach, nothing compares to witnessing my students and clients have breakthroughs. It’s especially rewarding to see them break through societal norms and take ownership of their creative spirit and lives.”
When she is not coaching women artists, she indulges in drum circling, jigsaw puzzles and dancing.
Melor recommends two books that “changed the way I perceived communication – Non Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg and The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.”
Her favourite cuisine is the food of her kampong which is “makanan organg nogori. It would be anything masak lemak (tumeric curry), alot of petai (stinky beans) and sambal belacan (spicy shrimp paste chili sauce).”
Melor says she is inspired by the Silver Community ladies in her mother’s park who are an incredible group of senior women. “They’re dedicated to making the park more beautiful and go all out, organizing huge holiday gatherings—all self-funded! They’ve hosted fundraisers, art exhibitions, and even hold art classes for each other. Plus, they regularly engage in fundraising activities to support their initiatives. They’re always encouraging everyone, especially people their age, to get out there and exercise. They really make the community feel alive!”
She also adds, ”Everything in life is about action, not just status. The moment you start thinking of accomplishments as status, you’re missing the point. Life demands action—whether it’s love, relationships, living, being, work, or finding your purpose. It’s all about actively engaging and doing. When you treat things like being married, having a fancy car, or holding a prestigious title as just statuses, you’ve already lost the essence. You’re chasing the status, but forgetting that the real value is in the process, in the journey itself. – Mantra by me and what I live by and what I always share with everyone.”
From a comfortable life in Malaysia to building a new life in New York on her own, Melor’s journey reflects the transformative power of believing in yourself.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creativity, personal growth and the intersection of culture and art. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or someone navigating their own transformation, Melor’s insights might inspire you to take that leap of faith.
Listen to the full episode today with Melor Mokhtar!