Alicia - Roadmap to Art Studio Owner
Updated: Aug 12, 2020
What do you do for a living? Art Teacher/Art Studio Owner
What path did you take to get here? There was a girl in my elementary school who could draw anything that became my inspiration to excel in art-->Bachelors in Art --> Master's degree in art --> I had a teacher who was very loving and made an impression on me about how powerful teaching is, so I wanted to pay it forward --> sold my house and bought my art studio --> gained and lost students and got to a point where I wasn't able to make a living --> interviewed to go back to school to change career paths --> prayed for guidance --> one after another, students started to come and now I am able to make a living and more from my work
What does a day at your job look like? I teach art classes several days a week, but every class is different because each individual student sets the tone for what they need that day. I'm teaching them life skills using the medium of art, so while they're in class I encourage them to be themselves and let out their frustrations. No two classes are the same.
What are the Challenges of your job?
Dealing with parents: getting them to understand where their child is in their skill set without losing the parent's commitment to the program. Art takes time to develop like anything else, but many don't see the value. Hence, art is not a priority...just a hobby for most.
What are the blessings of your job?
1. Seeing evolution and growth in my students as they become more confident.
2. Seeing student make the right life choice for themselves.
I love what I do, I don't believe in working just to pay the bills.
What 3 characteristics do you have to possess or develop to do your job well?
1. Be able to embrace every child without any bias and give them unconditional love.
2. A love of teaching - you have to love what you do and love the students equally. It's not a half-hearted thing.
3. A forgiving heart
What 3 steps would you recommend someone if they’d like to do what you do someday?
1. Do the self-work required to be able to put your needs aside so you can love students where they're at.
2. Travel the world to experience and observe other cultures.
3. Have a strong faith.
