We were lucky to catch up with Renee Reid recently and have shared our conversation below.
Renee, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience is rooted in my experience as a 1.5-generation immigrant. While this term might not be as widely recognized as first or second-generation, it defines individuals who arrived in the US as children. I was born in Jamaica but grew up in South Florida.
My grandmother, the trailblazer of our family’s immigration, often shared her story of arriving in America with nothing but the clothes on her back. She tirelessly paved the way for a better life for her daughter and her grandchildren, myself included, in a land she found filled with opportunities.
With her story etched in my core, resiliency is a part of me. When faced with challenges, I draw inspiration from my grandmother and reflect on her ability to achieve so much with so little. Admittedly, there are days, months, and even years where progress feels elusive. Yet, the knowledge of my potential remains a constant, a crucial component of my resilience.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a colored pencil artist. I must admit, these words still do not roll off my tongue easily. This is not because I lack passion for my craft but simply because it’s such a new journey that excites and challenges me.
My path to art has been far from linear. After studying finance at the University of Florida, I ventured into the corporate world, starting in insurance as a claim representative. Climbing up the ladder to management and shifting gears into process improvement, my days were filled with workflows and meetings, leaving little room for artistic expression.
In 2019, I left behind the corporate grind when my husband and I decided to try our hand at the food business by opening a smoothie and food franchise. We launched a few months before Covid hit, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of long hours and stress. Also, during this time, my older brother passed away, which reinforced that our years on earth are not guaranteed. Eventually, we sold the franchise. Reflecting on those previous years, I felt a desire and urgency to pursue a life fueled by passion and purpose.
And so, here I am today. My art journey was sparked by a single class in 2018, culminating in the launch of my own collection, which is incredibly exciting and fulfilling. The subjects of my art range from portraits to figurative paintings to landscapes. For my debut collection, I’ve decided to transport folks to the beauty of Mallorca, Spain, the first place I visited after leaving the restaurant business and navigating through the chaos of COVID-19.
Through my art, I want to whisk people away to a place of peace and relaxation, whether in an office cubicle, home office, or lounging at home. It’s all about creating connections—I want the viewer to connect to my art on their terms, stirring up emotions and sparking serenity and contemplation. That’s my aspiration for those who encounter my work. So please check out my website, www.reneereidcreations.com, to join the VIP list for all the launch details.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First, having a written plan is essential. Given my background, I naturally gravitate towards planning and creating a roadmap. But it doesn’t have to be overly complex. If you’re unsure where to begin, a quick Google search for “one-page business plan” can be a game-changer. Once you have it filled in, I recommend returning to it frequently. It’ll help you stay focused, avoid scope creep, and stick to the path you’ve carefully laid out.
Next, finding a community is vital. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals—whether they’re in the same boat, aspiring towards similar goals, or already excelling in the field—can provide invaluable support and understanding. Even if you’re initially reserved in these groups, being around people who “get it” can be incredibly motivating and reassuring.
Lastly, I’m a big advocate for batch learning. While most folks talk about batch working, I’ve found my stride in targeted and focused learning with a clear outcome in mind. Take, for instance, wanting to master Photoshop. I’d set aside dedicated time and fully immerse myself in training videos or classes over consecutive days, pausing and following along with the training to ensure I achieved a specific goal. For instance, after my focused learning session, I will have learned a new skill and completed an item on my to-do list, such as scanning my artwork and completing edits. And now it’s ready to go to the printer. It’s all about efficiency and making the most out of your learning time.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
One of the biggest challenges I’m grappling with is learning to trust myself as I navigate this new phase of my life. Being self-taught and discovering my passion for art later in life, a nagging doubt creeps in. It’s like stepping into uncharted territory where every step feels uncertain.
But I’ve learned to cut myself some slack. I liken it to an athlete picking up a sport later in life. Sure, there might be a natural talent, but it can feel like trying to swim upstream without proper nurturing and practice. Recognizing this, I’ve consciously tried to be kind to myself, understanding that growth takes time and patience.
That’s where the local and online arts communities come in. Just like athletes rely on their teammates, coaches, and trainers, I’ve realized the importance of having a tribe. Surrounding myself with diverse individuals—some ahead on the path, others fellow travelers, and some just starting—has been invaluable. Through this network, I find support, encouragement, and invaluable insights as I navigate my artistic journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.reneereidcreations.com
- Instagram: @reneereidcreations
- Facebook: @reneereidcreations
