Arushi Kapoor of The Agency Art House: Five Things I Learned As A Twenty-Something Founder

Authority Magazine Editorial Staff
Authority Magazine
Published in
9 min readDec 10, 2024

Building trust and credibility as a leader without an extensive track record posed challenges. Navigating hard decisions, managing diverse teams, and handling difficult situations required continuous growth and the development of maturity over time.

As a part of our series called “My Life as a Twenty Something Founder”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Arushi Kapoor of The Agency Art House.

Arushi brings over a decade of diverse experience to The Agency Art House, spanning art collection, private advisement, philanthropy, curation, and entrepreneurial ventures. She is known for creating immersive art environments in residential, hospitality, and institutional settings, bringing her boundary-pushing, visionary perspective to every project. The core of Arushi’s mission is simple: to change the art world for the better. This driving purpose includes an intentional focus on nurturing diversity in the industry and empowering emerging artists. As one of the youngest and most influential female art dealers, Arushi’s innovative approach to curation and promotion has earned the trust of collectors and artists alike. She specializes in acquiring high-value blue-chip artworks in both primary and secondary markets, solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the art world. She is actively involved in organizations such as the UNICEF Next Gen Board, the Young Collectors Board at the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, LACMA’s Future Arts Collective, and Tate Modern’s South Asian Acquisitions Committee. She is also the author of Talking Art, which has been featured in prestigious museums, including Tate Modern in London.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! What is your “backstory”?

I am a Private Art Advisor, Philanthropist, Curator, Art Collector, and Entrepreneur with over a decade of experience. My passion lies in crafting immersive art environments that push boundaries and transform spaces in residential, hospitality, and institutional settings. Originally from India, having spent time in London, and now living between Los Angeles and Miami, I bring a global perspective that bridges cultures and ideas.

As the founder of The Agency Art House and previously the driving force behind ARTSop Consulting and my own Art Advisory, I’ve dedicated my career to redefining art advisory services for family offices, individuals, and institutions. My journey began with invaluable experience at Sotheby’s and The Indian Express Newspaper, and today, I’m proud to be part of a new generation of art advisors working to make the art world more inclusive, innovative, and empowering. I’m deeply committed to promoting diversity within the arts, which is why I actively contribute to organizations like the UNICEF Next Gen Board, the Young Collectors Board at the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, LACMA’s Future Arts Collective, and Tate Modern’s South Asian Acquisitions Committee. My book, Talking Art By Arushi Kapoor, has been featured in iconic museums, including Tate Modern in London. Supporting emerging artists is one of my greatest passions. Through exclusive private art events, I create opportunities for talented creators to connect with collectors, industry leaders, and art enthusiasts. These exhibitions not only celebrate creativity but also help amplify new voices in the art world. As one of the youngest and most influential female art dealers, I take pride in earning the trust of both collectors and artists with my innovative curatorial approach and expertise in acquiring high-value blue-chip artworks across primary and secondary markets. My vision is to shape the future of the art world by combining entrepreneurial spirit with a commitment to inclusivity and innovation.

Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that happened to you since you started your company? What lessons or takeaways did you take out of that story?

When I first ventured into the art world, I was quite young and eager, but I quickly realized that this industry has significant barriers to entry. I was fortunate to find myself in an environment that nurtured my growth, where I developed a collector’s mindset and had access to resources that fueled my learning. Early on, I had to master the art of receiving criticism and proving myself repeatedly — something that became second nature over time. As my career progressed and credibility was no longer a concern, I noticed that this drive to continually prove myself transformed into a commitment to excellence.

Interestingly, this habit has become a strength, allowing me to focus on delivering nothing but the best for my clients. When Mauricio Umansky and I began discussing the vision for The Agency Art House, we both emphasized one key principle: exceptional service. At the core of what we do is a dedication to advocating for the finest artworks within our client’s aesthetics and budgets, ensuring our clients receive premier access to the top of the art world, and delivering a level of service that truly sets us apart. Our philosophy is not just the heart of our business — it’s a personal commitment, by us and all advisors that work with us, to elevate the experience of art collecting for every client we work with.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

The Agency Art House stands out in the art advisory landscape through its commitment to transparency, exceptional access to premier artworks, and its unique synergy with The Agency’s real estate expertise. We emphasize the importance of clarity and openness in the often-opaque art world, ensuring that clients feel informed, educated and empowered at every step of their collecting journey. What sets The Agency Art House apart is its ability to offer unparalleled access to sought-after artworks, leveraging deep connections within the global art community.

Additionally, our affiliation with The Agency, a renowned real estate brand, allows for a seamless integration of art and luxury living, enabling clients to curate their spaces with bespoke pieces that enhance their personal environments and are alternative assets. Through The Agency’s extensive network of homebuyers and luxury properties, The Agency Art House has access to a clientele uniquely positioned to appreciate and invest in fine art. This synergy creates opportunities to connect collectors with artworks that not only enhance their living environments but also align with their aesthetic and financial aspirations. Our affiliation with The Agency redefines the notion that art collecting is reserved only for the ultra-wealthy, breaking down traditional barriers and opening up the world of fine art to a broader audience. By leveraging our connections within the luxury real estate sector, The Agency Art House is able to offer a more accessible and personalized approach to art acquisition, catering to collectors of all levels, from emerging to established. By combining unmatched access, a client-first approach, and a fresh perspective on how art intersects with lifestyle, I believe, The Agency Art House redefines what it means to provide an exceptional Art Advisory experience.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

Absolutely. I firmly believe that businesses are built on relationships, not just individual efforts. Both in my personal and professional life, I am surrounded by incredible people who have always been there to support and uplift me. My husband, Doug, has been my steadfast pillar of strength. He constantly encourages me to strive toward being the best version of myself, guiding me to clear the clutter in my mind and refocus on what truly matters. Whenever I need advice or reassurance, he is the first person I turn to, the one I call for any moment of reflection or decision-making.

Equally important is my close-knit circle of friends, whose unwavering positivity and love keep me grounded, reminding me that I am never alone on any journey. We often spend Sundays in our home, it rejuvenates us mentally. Mental clarity is important to And there’s Mauricio, my business partner and mentor. He is not just a collaborator but a true teacher — one of the most insightful advisors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. I reached out to him out of the blue, a cold call, with nothing but a vision and ideas to share, and he immediately understood the ambition behind them. A visionary in his own right, Mauricio has the rare ability to see potential in others and, with unwavering belief, pushes them to build something meaningful. His support has been invaluable, and together, we’ve been able to launch something truly special.

Are you working on any exciting projects now?

We officially launched The Agency Art House on November 16th. Our services are now available nationally. We have plans for a significant step in the summer.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

Giving back has always been a cornerstone of my life. From a young age, I was deeply moved by the injustices that women and girls face, particularly in India, where I grew up hearing haunting stories of practices like sati and female feticide — reminders of the systemic oppression that continues to plague many parts of the world. These stories sparked a sense of responsibility within me, one that would shape my life’s purpose.

Early on, I began working with orphaned girls in India, dedicating my time and resources to not only provide for their immediate needs but to instill in them the power of education and the importance of their independence. I believed that empowering these young girls through learning was key to breaking the cycles of poverty and gender inequality that have persisted for generations. Giving back isn’t just an act for me; it’s a way of life, deeply embedded in my values and the work I do every day.

Do you have a favorite book that made a deep impact on your life? Can you share a story?

I often find myself jumping between different books, as I enjoy exploring a variety of subjects. I’m particularly drawn to works on human psychology, biographies of inspiring success stories, and books that delve into the intersection of art and business. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be The Fountainhead. I always go back to Howard Roarks unwavering commitment to his work and the extend he will go to uphold his integrity.

Can you share 5 of the most difficult and most rewarding parts of being a “TwentySomething founder”.

1. Starting my career at a young age required demonstrating that, despite my age, I could deliver unparalleled value as an art advisor and earn the trust of my clients.

2. Being younger often worked in my favor as successful professionals were more open to helping me, seeing potential rather than competition. That changes as you get success in your field.

3. In the earlier stages of my career, I was more willing to take bold risks, unbothered by the overly cautious mindset that often develops with experience. This fearlessness allowed me to seize opportunities and learn quickly.

4. Building trust and credibility as a leader without an extensive track record posed challenges. Navigating hard decisions, managing diverse teams, and handling difficult situations required continuous growth and the development of maturity over time.

5. With experience, I learned to balance quick decision-making with thoughtful consideration, refining my ability to respond effectively to challenges while maintaining composure.

What are the main takeaways that you would advise a twenty year old who is looking to found a business?

Learn to trust yourself. Learn to not depend on anybody. Learn to delegate effectively. Allow yourself grace when you make mistakes. Learn to recover as possible as possible from the mistakes you make. Life is long, nothing defines you except your future goals and ambitions.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. :-)

I am fascinated by Richard Branson’s approach to founding, branding, and growing the Virgin empire. Kim Kardashian’s innovative branding, relentless work ethic, and business expansion are inspiring and intriguing. I would also be keen to hear Warren Buffett’s perspective on the financial dynamics of the art market.

What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?

@arushikapoor1 or @theagencyarthouse on Instagram. Email me at arushi@theagencyarthouse.com

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

--

--

Authority Magazine
Authority Magazine

Published in Authority Magazine

In-depth Interviews with Authorities in Business, Pop Culture, Wellness, Social Impact, and Tech. We use interviews to draw out stories that are both empowering and actionable.

No responses yet