Today we’d like to introduce you to Anika Gandhi.
Hi Anika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into DIY and woodworking actually started with zero experience.
Over a decade ago, I was simply a mom looking for a fun, budget-friendly table and chair set for my daughter. I couldn’t find anything that fit our style or our budget. The online space took me down the rabbit hole and I realized that maybe I could just build it myself!
I had never held a power drill before then. I didn’t grow up around tools, and as a South Asian woman, woodworking wasn’t something I ever imagined stepping into. But once I made that first cut and realized, “Hey… I can actually do this,” everything changed.
I started sharing my projects online in 2016, mostly as a way to document what I was learning. Over time, that little hobby grew into Anika’s DIY Life – a brand and community built around inspiring and empowering beginners to confidently use power tools and create homes they love.
Today, my website reaches millions, I’ve taught thousands of students through my online content and and I’ve been featured by companies like Google for Publishers, MSN, NBC, Family Handyman, and Popular Woodworking.
But what I’m most proud of is hearing from people, especially women and beginners, who tell me they built their first project because my tutorials made it feel possible.
I started as a complete beginner, and that’s still the heart of everything I do: breaking down the overwhelm, simplifying the process, and showing that you don’t need a fancy shop or years of experience to build something you love.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all! It’s definitely not been a smooth road, and honestly, I don’t think it’s supposed to be.
Learning anything new, especially in woodworking, always comes with setbacks. Every project I’ve ever built to this day has had at least one moment where something went wrong. But those moments are where the real learning happens.
Early on, I didn’t know the “right” way to do anything, so I made every mistake you can imagine. And even now, with years of experience, things still don’t always go according to plan. But that’s part of the process. You fix it, you adjust, you move forward, and you get better every single time.
Those struggles have shaped the way I teach today. I want people to know that setbacks aren’t a sign you’re not good at DIY… they’re proof that you are learning and growing with every cut and every project.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a DIY and woodworking creator, educator, and the founder of Anika’s DIY Life.
I teach beginners, especially those who feel intimidated by power tools, how to build confident, beautiful projects through simple, approachable instructions.
Before I ever picked up a drill, I was actually a scientist/engineer with a Master’s and PhD in Physics. That analytical background shapes everything I create today: I break down complex steps, explain the “why,” and make woodworking feel logical, doable, and even fun.
I’m known for helping true beginners take their first step – often from “I’m scared of power tools” to “I can’t believe I built this!”
My tutorials, videos, and courses like The Fearless Woodworker are all designed to remove overwhelm and make building accessible to anyone.
What I’m most proud of isn’t the projects. It’s the messages from people who built something for the very first time because they felt supported, understood, and capable.
And what sets me apart is my perspective: I’m a self-taught woodworker, a South Asian woman in a space where you don’t see many who look like me, and I still remember exactly what it feels like to be a beginner.
My mission is to demystify DIY and empower everyday people to create homes and projects they’re truly proud of.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Absolutely! None of this has happened in a vacuum. My biggest supporter has always been my husband. He’s the one who constantly pushes me to step outside my comfort zone, reminds me what I’m capable of when I doubt myself, and cheers the loudest for every small win. He’s been there since the very first wobbly project, and he’s still the first person I run to when something exciting happens.
I also owe so much to the woodworking and DIY community. It’s an incredibly generous, welcoming space where creators genuinely support each other. Over the years, I’ve made lifelong friends. Their encouragement, collaboration, and shared enthusiasm have played a huge role in shaping my journey and helping my business grow.
Pricing:
- Power Tool School $67
- Pocket Hole Ninja $67
- The Fearless Woodworker $297
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anikasdiylife.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anikasdiylife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anikasdiylife
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anikasdiylife
