Meet Victoria Bayagich

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victoria Bayagich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Discovering one’s purpose isn’t about a mere search; it’s a realization that it has always been there, inherently within us. The societal notion that we must actively seek it can undermine the intrinsic worth of our pure existence. We’re inherently valuable just by being. Society emphasizes the need to serve for validation, but true value comes from our interconnectedness, community, and relationships. Recognizing our inherent worth allows us to find purpose within, rather than seeking external validation. Purpose is malleable and we can shape and reshape it as we desire, as our world, big or small, awaits our unique roles.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an independent artist based in Detroit, MI, with a profound passion for creating meaningful connections through my art. My journey in the world of art began when I graduated from the College for Creative Studies in 2015. Shortly after, motherhood became an integral part of my life, which added new layers of inspiration to my artistic journey.

What truly excites me about my work is its ability to transcend mere visuals. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about forging connections, capturing emotions, and preserving precious moments. I’ve established “Watercolor Connections,” a unique platform that offers personalized live portraiture experiences. This venture blends the timeless art of watercolor with modern interactivity, allowing me to engage with my subjects and immerse them in the creative process.

Through “Watercolor Connections,” I aim to capture the essence of individuals, creating lasting connections and treasured mementos. It’s not just about the final artwork; it’s about the journey, the emotions, and the connections formed during the process. I invite clients to join me on this artistic journey, where special moments are transformed into beautiful watercolor portraits.

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?
Looking back on my journey, I believe that three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge had the most significant impact:

1. Self-criticism and Positive Self-Reflection: The ability to self-reflect in ways that are positive and constructive has been crucial. It’s essential to evaluate your work and progress objectively while maintaining a positive outlook. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace self-criticism as a tool for growth and self-improvement, rather than self-doubt. Constructive self-reflection can lead to continuous improvement.
2. Customer Service and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to connect with people, how I like to call it — the ability “to people” — has played a vital role in my journey. My advice for newcomers is to prioritize developing strong interpersonal skills and building authentic connections can be as important as technical skills in many fields.
3. Knowing Your Capacity and Limits: Understanding your capacity and limits is essential. You must balance ambition with a realistic assessment of what you can handle. Early in your journey, it’s easy to overexert yourself. My advice is to set realistic goals, acknowledge your limits, and seek support when needed. This self-awareness will help you manage your workload and maintain your well-being.

Overall, my journey has taught me that personal growth, effective communication, and self-awareness are key. Embrace self-reflection, cultivate strong interpersonal skills, and know your boundaries to navigate your journey successfully.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am actively seeking collaborations with corporate event planners. If you are a corporate event planner interested in adding a unique and engaging element to your events, such as live portrait painting, I would love to connect with you. You can reach out to me via email to info@watercolorconnections.com. I believe that our collaboration can create memorable and captivating experiences for your corporate clients and their attendees. Let’s work together to make your events truly special and unforgettable!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Aurora Abolio

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