We were lucky to catch up with Alena Jones-Craven recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alena, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Growing up I faced several personal adversities that pushed me to talk less and create more, which led me to bury myself into art whether it was painting, drawing or designing. Art is how I expressed myself emotionally and it fueled me to want to help others in that same manner. I always knew my purpose was to support others but It wasn’t until I became aware of the pattern that my creativity was being brought upon, creating in environments that I didn’t feel safe to be vulnerable in. That’s when I became familiar with art therapy. Art therapy is a therapeutic process that involves using creativity to heal the unspoken wounds of an individual. It emphasizes on mental health and also supports those triggered by PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc. After doing immense research, I realized I had been practicing art therapy for years as my solace. From there, I was able to thrive in my field. I now attend Morgan State University as a double major in Art and Psychology. Currently with the aspirations to heal communities and acknowledge the importance of mental health through the world of art. I’ve created an art therapy coloring book titled “Mind Splatter” as well as branched out to interior art therapy. As for right now, I am creating an art therapy card game called “Heal Your He(art)” which is built on self reflection and creativity. My purpose was always instilled in me but hardship and self discovery allowed me to prevail. The best part about it all is that I’m only 22 and I have so many more footprints of impact to leave behind.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
One thing I can say about myself is that my passion fuels my drive. Art has always been my main focus. In high school, I started a custom art business. I was painting full blown portraits on t-shirts. I was riding around on public transportation to meet people to sell these hand-crafted shirts for only $5. My dedication to art was more important than any value of a dollar. I live off of that affirmation all while knowing my gift was given to me to make others feel something–Whether that be confidence or empathy. Sometimes I still find myself just giving away paintings for free and writing hand written notes on the back of the canvases just to show my appreciation. All around, I’m a 22 year old artist. I paint. I create murals. I do tattoos. I teach art. I educate individuals on art therapy while creating outlets for them to effectively release their emotions. Right now, I’m based in the DMV area and I’m in the process of releasing an art therapy card game called “Heal Your He(art)”. (@healyourheartcards on instagram) I’ve been hosting game nights play testing this deep, ice breaker game based on self reflection. It will be released by the end of this year. The goal is to have it utilized as a tool in therapy where patients can have it billed to their insurance. People shouldn’t have to pay for therapy. Mental health is so important and if I have to go community to community to enlighten the public on what art therapy is then so be it. Alongside the game, I’m working on becoming a licensed art therapist and graduating in 2024.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My best advice to anyone is get to know yourself thoroughly if you are planning on being a creative or stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. You have to know what you’re passionate about in order to keep going. Being money driven helps gets you out of bed in the morning but being passionate wakes you out of your sleep and tells you to hustle more. To do that, you have to spend time understanding who you are as a person–your skill sets, your temperament, your capabilities. To be anything in life, you must be confident. There’s so many people doing the same thing that you’re doing. However, being confident in yourself sets you aside from any competitors and leads you into round table rooms and places you’ve never even dreamed of.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was believe in me. My mom was my biggest supporter. Anytime I created a piece, she was the first one begging to see it. Anytime I was granted an opportunity, she was front row cheering me on. She never overstepped or pushed me beyond my means. She was truly fascinated on watching me flourish on my own without direction and I like to think I made her proud on that front. My first painting I ever made when I was 5 years old was being sold in an art show and she bought it. She went home and hung it up and it was in our home for 17 years even if we moved. She used to tell me I had the drive to do anything but she was always going to provide the fuel in order for me to take my talent the extra mile. Just her believing in me has gotten me to this point of serving over 5,000 clients and being everything she hoped I would be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopruthless.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gxxnie/
