Mohamad Fardous: Building Detroit's Purpose-Driven Creative Ecosystem

The Intersection of Numbers, Paint & Purpose

Most executives who collaborated with Mohamad Fardous during his decade in corporate finance had no idea he spent his evenings with paint-stained hands. Conversely, art collectors acquiring his bold, textured canvases rarely guessed that the artist behind the work was a former Director of Banking at Rocket Mortgage overseeing multi-million-dollar financial operations.

That rare duality—the analytical rigor of a corporate finance strategist combined with the emotive freedom of a fine artist—defines the entire ecosystem Fardous has constructed in Metro Detroit. Today, as founder and Creative Director of House of Karma, founder of Karma by Design, founder of Studio Escrow, and licensed mortgage advisor with West Capital Lending, Fardous has pioneered a multi-disciplinary model where business strategy and artistic purpose reinforce one another.

On the Unintentional Beginnings

"Karma by Design started pretty unintentionally. I was just creating art for fun—painting and making pieces for friends and family, never thinking it would turn into a business. I'd tell people, 'If you really want to support me, donate to a charity instead.' That mindset of giving before gaining kind of shaped everything that came after."

— Mohamad Fardous (Voyage Michigan Interview)

Academic Roots & Financial Mastery: University of Michigan to Rocket Mortgage

Fardous's trajectory began at the University of Michigan, where he earned his degree in Business and Marketing. The rigorous academic environment instilled a deep understanding of market positioning, consumer psychology, brand strategy, and organizational economics.

Stepping into the fast-paced world of financial services, Fardous spent over ten years mastering client acquisition, trust building, and sales psychology. Rising to Director of Banking at Rocket Mortgage, he trained and coached high-performing banking teams, analyzing how consumers make high-stakes financial decisions. This ten-year crucible proved that people buy trust before they buy products or services—a foundational principle that now guides every client campaign at House of Karma.

The Crucible: Walking Away from Corporate Security & Overcoming Double Hand Surgery

Transitioning from a comfortable six-figure executive salary to full-time entrepreneurship is never frictionless. Fardous traded a corporate title and team for late-night solo shifts—handling everything from canvas preparation and painting to digital marketing, packaging, and logistics.

Then came an existential crisis for an artist: a diagnosis of severe carpal tunnel in both hands, requiring surgery on both wrists. Forced into complete physical stillness for four months, Fardous was unable to hold a paintbrush.

Far from breaking his resolve, those four months of stillness reshaped his vision. Realizing that relying solely on his two hands limited his ability to make an impact, Fardous conceptualized a broader ecosystem. He resolved to build a platform that could empower other emerging artists, provide scalable agency infrastructure for businesses, and integrate automated growth systems.

On Leaving Corporate Life for Creative Freedom

"A lot of people—even some of my closest friends and family—were shocked to find out I do art. For most of my life, I was known as the business and finance guy. No one ever pictured me covered in paint instead of wearing a suit."

— Mohamad Fardous

National Footprint: SLS Hotels, W Resorts & Purpose-Driven Hospitality Art

Karma by Design rapidly expanded beyond individual art collectors into luxury commercial and hospitality spaces nationwide. Fardous's original works and curated collections have been acquired and installed across prestigious national venues, including:

• SLS Hotels & Residences: Custom large-scale abstract installations designed to complement high-end boutique hospitality interiors.
• W Resorts: Vibrant, narrative-driven art pieces integrated into luxury public lounges and VIP suites.
• West End House of Brunch (Downtown Detroit): A permanent ongoing exhibition featuring curated original works where a portion of every sale funds local community programs.
• Sexy Fish Miami & High-End Dining: Collaborative design and visual installations elevating guest experiences in world-class culinary venues.

To date, Karma by Design has generated over $60,000 in charitable contributions, directly supporting food security, public art, and youth creative mentorship in Metro Detroit.

The Four Pillars of the Fardous Ecosystem

Academic Mentorship: Lecturing at Parsons, SAIC, U-M Ross & Syracuse

Believing that professional education should be a continuous commitment, Fardous actively mentors the next generation of creative entrepreneurs. He has served as a guest speaker, industry judge, and student mentor across top national institutions:

• Parsons School of Design (NYC): Served as an industry judge for graduating senior presentations, evaluating brand strategy, creative direction, and business viability.
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC): Mentored fine art students on transitioning from studio creation to building sustainable creative businesses.
• University of Michigan — Ross School of Business: Guest lectured on customer psychology, ethical sales leadership, and entrepreneurial positioning.
• Syracuse University — Newhouse School of Public Communications: Conducted workshops on personal branding, digital communications, and agency growth.

The Face Behind the Brand

Fardous approaches his own personal brand with the same intention he brings to client campaigns—part of why House of Karma's visual identity feels distinctly his own, from studio branding sessions to the mixed-media canvases he still creates by hand.

Mohamad Fardous, founder of House of Karma, in a branded studio portrait.

A mixed-media "Dream" piece from the Karma by Design collection.