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Meet the Founder
Pawan Mishra: Founder & CEO, Lune Spark Center for Creativity
Born in the small town of Aligarh, India, in 1975, I discovered my love for storytelling amid a childhood filled with family tales and endless curiosity. As one of seven siblings, with a father who was a dedicated high school teacher—whose name inspired the very essence of "Lune Spark" (a nod to "Moon Light" in Hindi)—I grew up believing creativity was an innate gift, not something that could be nurtured through guidance. But without mentors to shape my early passion for writing, I carried that spark quietly into adulthood.
I pursued a rigorous education at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, earning dual degrees in Mathematics and Computing. This foundation launched a 20-year corporate career in fintech and technology, where I played multiple leadership roles. I built innovative products, managed complex teams, and even co-founded Ideant Consulting & Myrtle Nexgen. Yet, the storyteller in me yearned for more.
In 2013, the sudden loss of my father at age 69 became a profound turning point. It prompted deep reflection on legacy and purpose: What if I could create the supportive creative haven I—and so many kids—had lacked? Drawing from my own unguided journey, I began soft-launching Lune Spark in 2015 as a part-time initiative to mentor young authors. By 2020, I left corporate life behind to fully commit, officially opening the first center in Apex, North Carolina, in August 2022 (delayed from January by COVID challenges). Today, Lune Spark thrives across Apex, Chapel Hill, and Holly Springs, serving over 1,000 participants with 50+ courses in visual arts, dance, music production, acting, filmmaking, animation, creative writing, and more. Lune Spark has earned the Maggy Award for Best New Business, Best Art Camps, Best Business Award 2025 from the Town of Apex and empowered students to produce remarkable works—like the award-winning short film The Order of the Spoon and 200+ student-led films.
I bootstrapped the venture amid skeptics who urged a "STEM-only" focus, proving instead that creativity fuels essential skills like problem-solving, self-expression, and innovation—vital in an AI-driven world.
Beyond Lune Spark, I channel my finance acumen as Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Myrtle Nexgen Capital, a private equity firm targeting emerging markets. My debut novel, Coinman: An Untold Conspiracy (2015), a satirical take on corporate absurdities, has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide and was hailed by HuffPost as one of 2016's best independently published fiction books. As a filmmaker, I conceptualized, produced, and directed the animation series My Teacher Hilda (available on Amazon Prime). I live in Apex with my wife, Ritu, and our two daughters, Mitali and Myra—my daily muses.
When not igniting young imaginations or scouting investment opportunities, you'll find me sketching story ideas or exploring North Carolina's trails with family.
At Lune Spark, my mission endures: to unlock every child's inner light, turning fleeting sparks into lifelong flames of creativity.
Why Lune Spark?
I started Lune Spark Center for Creativity because, growing up in a small town in India, I loved writing stories but never had access to professional guidance or mentorship—I thought artistic talent was just something you were born with, not something that could be taught and nurtured.
After studying at IIT Kanpur and building a career in FinTech, the loss of my father in 2013 at age 69 was a turning point that made me reflect deeply on my purpose. His name meant "Moon Light" in Hindi, which inspired the name "Lune Spark"—a place to ignite that inner light in others.
I resolved to create the platform I wished I'd had: one that teaches aspiring artists essential skills, fosters innovation, and connects them with working mentors to help them thrive.
In a society that often prioritizes STEM over the arts, I saw a real need to develop kids' creative sides—skills like problem-solving, self-expression, and collaboration that are crucial in today's world.
I soft-launched Lune Spark in 2015 as a part-time effort to support young authors while still in my corporate job, but after leaving that world in 2020, I fully committed. Despite challenges like COVID delays pushing our original January 2022 opening to August, skepticism from others ("Who needs art? Open a STEM center instead"), and bootstrapping everything from the website to hiring a team of passionate artists, we built a space where creativity truly flourishes.
Our vision has come to life: a hub offering classes, camps, and studios in traditional arts, digital arts, acting, moviemaking, music, dance, and personal development.
We've helped students produce 200+ short films, record albums, build portfolios, and even sell their work at massive showcases—proving that with the right support, anyone can turn their spark into something extraordinary.
Ultimately, Lune Spark exists to inspire, encourage, and nurture creativity in students of all ages, giving them the tools and opportunities to express themselves and succeed in whatever path they choose.