Meet Kelly Bouthillet

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelly Bouthillet. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelly below.

Hi Kelly, 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?

I had always believed my purpose was to be a healthcare provider, but I discovered a new sense of purpose in art through a journey that intertwined my long career in healthcare with a deep need for healing and self-expression. After working through the challenges of the pandemic as a nurse practitioner, I reached a point where I needed to step back, recover, and reflect. During this time, I found a surprising source of solace and transformation through painting.

I began painting during the second year of the pandemic, with no expectations, except simple curiosity and a need for respite. Painting became my sanctuary—a quiet, meditative space where I could connect with my inner creativity with the natural beauty of the coastal landscape that surrounds me.

The experience of painting gave me something I hadn’t realized I needed: a way to reflect, heal, and explore my emotions through color and texture. It allowed me to capture not just the beauty of the world around me, but also the inner landscape of my own thoughts and feelings. In this way, painting became more than just an aesthetic pursuit and career path; it has become a way of processing my own experiences and emotions, offering moments of rest in the midst of life’s unpredictability. Each painting I create is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reflection of the beauty around me, which I have the opportunity to share with others .

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’m the owner and creator behind Coastal Bay Art, a woman-owned business that I founded just two years ago, combining my love of art with my deep connection to the coast and nature. At Coastal Bay Art, I create original designs that reflect the beauty of the coastal environment where I live—works inspired by the ocean, landscapes, and the calming presence of nature. I use a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylic, wood, and other materials, to bring my visions to life. Each piece is infused with the intention to capture the serenity and vitality of nature.

One of the aspects I’m most passionate about is ensuring that my creative work aligns with mindful and sustainable practices. From the materials I use to the way I approach production, I strive to minimize my environmental impact while still offering unique, beautiful art. This commitment to sustainability is something I take great pride in, as it connects my art with a deeper purpose—honoring the natural world that so deeply inspires me.

While art has become a major focus of my life, I am still involved in healthcare, though in a non-traditional capacity. I work in a role that allows me to make a positive impact on healthcare access through advocacy and practice, but with the flexibility to choose when and how I engage. Since the pandemic, I’ve found more balance, focusing more on my creative work than on my work as a nurse practitioner. This shift has allowed me to explore my artistic side in a way I never imagined and has been incredibly fulfilling.

In addition to launching Coastal Bay Art, I’ve recently expanded my reach by creating a website (which is still a work in progress), opening an Etsy shop and showing pieces in our local art gallery. One of the highlights has been the launch of my line of watercolor notecards, which has been very well received by customers. This year, I’ve also had the privilege of selling several original paintings and am excited to be participating in my first Art Market this November. These milestones represent both the growth of my business and the deepening of my connection to the art community.

At the heart of my brand is the desire to share the healing power of art with others, and I hope that my work resonates with people who appreciate the beauty of nature and the intention behind creating with purpose. I look forward to expanding my offerings and continuing to grow Coastal Bay Art, with new projects, art collections, and events on the horizon.

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 would say the three qualities that have been most impactful for me are perseverance, patience, and grace. These qualities have helped me navigate both my creative path and the challenges of building a business from scratch.

As someone who tends to lean toward perfectionism, I’ve had to learn how to balance my natural drive for excellence with the need to be kind to myself. Watercolor, in particular, is an unforgiving medium—its fluidity and unpredictability can be both beautiful and frustrating. In the beginning, I struggled with the desire to create “perfect” pieces, and this often led to frustration rather than the peace and respite I was seeking. Over time, I’ve learned that being patient with myself and allowing room for mistakes has been essential for both emotional growth and artistic development. The process of creating is just as important as the final result and embracing imperfection has actually led to some of my most meaningful work.

Setting realistic and meaningful goals can be challenging, especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, but these qualities have helped me navigate that process with intention and balance. These qualities have not only been vital to my personal growth and artistic practice, but they’ve also played a central role in how I set goals for myself and my business.

My advice to anyone just starting out on a creative journey, or any new venture, is to be gentle with yourself, especially when things don’t always go as planned. Mistakes aren’t setbacks—they’re opportunities for learning. My personal challenge is extending grace to myself. It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism, but it’s much more productive (and fulfilling) to approach work with a sense of acceptance and curiosity. Take a pause, focus on your purpose and practice your craft.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning to prioritize and make time for painting in my life. I’ve worked hard to carve out dedicated space in my schedule for creative practice, making it an essential part of my daily and weekly routine. This shift has been impactful- painting is no longer something I do only when I have time, but rather something that I intentionally make time for. It has become a priority in my life, and that commitment has allowed me to grow both as an artist and as a person.

Another significant area of growth has been learning to embrace new techniques and styles without fear. In the past, I may have held back from trying unfamiliar approaches out of a desire for perfection or fear of failure. But over the last year, I’ve pushed myself to explore different styles, experiment with new materials, and step outside my comfort zone. It’s been a liberating experience—one that has allowed me to discover new creative outlets and refine my artistic voice.

One of the most empowering changes has been learning to truly call myself an artist. For a long time, I hesitated to claim that title, but this past year, I’ve fully embraced it. Recognizing myself as an artist has been a huge shift in how I approach my work and my business. It’s opened up new possibilities and encouraged me to take more risks with my art. This mindset shift has been fundamental to my confidence and growth, both in my creative journey and as a business owner.

It’s been a year of stepping into my identity as an artist and allowing that to guide me as I continue to develop my skills, explore new directions, and share my work.

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Kelly Bouthillet

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