We recently connected with Mary Clay Holtkamp and have shared our conversation below.
Mary Clay, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
In the world of social media, there are endless opportunities to fall victim to comparison.
It took me years to finally step out and pursue painting as a full time career. I was too concerned with creating something perfect rather than just starting.
Instead of trying to imitate what others are doing it’s important to stay true to what YOU love and pre-decide to disregard others opinions of you.
What I have learned and what I love to share with others pursuing a creative profession is that there is room at the table for everyone! Just because someone else is doing you love doesn’t mean that you can’t do it too.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an artist, with my main focus being acrylic painting. I am inspired by so much of the world around me — nature, people, travel experiences and unique color combinations. It is important for me to continuously explore new subjects and techniques to keep myself from getting in creative ruts. My overall desire is to depict a variety of compositions while maintaining a sense of realism & loose abstraction.
I studied art and business and Auburn University, and I initially worked in the Interior Design world for 5 years before painting became my full time profession. My husband and I and our two kids recently moved to Chattanooga, TN, which is a brand new place to both of us. It has been so exciting to connect with the amazing community of artists and entrepreneurs in Chattanooga. I plan to grow my business here in Tennessee, and as Chattanooga becomes our new home, open a studio space of my own in the coming years.
I will release a larger collection of works in the Spring and Fall, with a few surprises in between! My work will be showcased at a new shop opening in Riverview fall of 2024.
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?
Building self confidence, finding seasoned mentors, and putting in the time it takes to be successful.
I found out early on, that you won’t make it very far if you can’t maintain confidence and a positive attitude through the highs and lows of business. Believing that you CAN and WILL succeed is the first step accomplishing your dreams. Finding people in the same field a few years ahead is game changing! We all need advice and inspiration from others’ stories and encouragement to keeping going along the way. Putting in the hours it takes to master any skill is so vital to reaching success. It seems like common sense, but ask the greats of any industry – success does not happen overnight. Keep working. Do the work when no one’s watching. Show up and put in the hours even when it’s hard. It’s hard not to be successful if you choose to never give up!
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I believe we can all grow and improve in areas that are not our strong suit. Especially if you’re just beginning to start a business, you’re naturally going to have to do the tasks you don’t want to do. But, I think there is tremendous value in teamwork. We all have different strengths, and building a team of people to work together is the most efficient and fulfilling way to achieve business goals!
I have learned that there are so many people out there who genuinely love accounting, organizing and administrative work. All things that are not my strengths. Outsourcing those types of tasks create more time for you do best!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maryclayholtkamp.com
- Instagram: maryclay_art
Image Credits
Photography: Lillie Redpath Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
