We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ylenia Mino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ylenia below.
Ylenia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from my immigration story, which has played a significant role in shaping my journey as a fine artist and entrepreneur. As an immigrant woman, I faced the daunting task of starting fresh in a foreign land, but I embraced it as an opportunity to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.
Upon arriving in my new country, I carried with me a profound passion for art and a burning desire to share my creative vision with others. However, establishing myself as an artist and entrepreneur proved to be no easy feat. I encountered language barriers, cultural differences, and a fiercely competitive market that posed challenges to my success.
Driven by my unwavering determination, I founded my business, Paint for a Purpose, firmly believing that art has the power to unlock creativity and purpose in people’s lives. Through my company, I engage in team-building events in corporate settings, live painting at weddings, art lessons, teaching in schools, and more.
Armed with nothing more than a paintbrush and an unyielding passion, I embarked on the journey of building my business from scratch. Leveraging the power of social media platforms, I showcased my work and gradually expanded my client base. With time, my talent as an artist gained recognition, further fueling my entrepreneurial drive.
My immigration story has become the driving force behind my pursuit of entrepreneurship. It has instilled within me an unrelenting determination to surmount any obstacles that come my way and a resilient work ethic to construct something of profound significance. The challenges I faced as an immigrant woman have taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of seizing new opportunities.
In essence, my immigration story and entrepreneurial journey have become deeply intertwined, shaping me into the tenacious and driven individual I am today. My business, Paint for a Purpose, is not just a mere venture, but a testament to my immigrant roots and my unwavering commitment to transform my passion into a flourishing career.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Ylenia Mino, an international Fine Artist, and Art Advisor. I am also a guest speaker at various US and European radio stations and local TVs.
I was born in the charming town of Ivrea, nestled at the foot of the Italian Alps. Since I was a child, art has been my passion, and I spent every spare moment drawing and painting. I had the privilege of attending classes with a remarkable Egyptian painter who specialized in oil painting during my childhood. As I grew older, I pursued classical studies in Ancient Greek, Latin, Philosophy, and History of Arts, and obtained a classical diploma. I also developed a deep love for dance, acting, and singing.
In March 2011, I made my solo artist debut at the International Artexpo in New York. Since then, I have exhibited my artwork worldwide, including Austria, London, Italy, Los Angeles, the Canary Islands, New York, Ohio, Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, Miami, Bulgaria, and many more locations. I collaborate with art galleries, provide advisory services for art fairs, schools, universities, and have the honor of being associated with the renowned Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. I have been interviewed for several radio and TV shows, and my paintings have been featured in newspapers and magazines such as i-Italy, Descubra New York, the New York Optimist Magazine, Southern Sass Magazine, Aesthetica, and City to Country Magazine. Some of my paintings have also won competitions. It brings me great joy to travel worldwide, showcasing my creations.
In each of my paintings, there is a story. Many evoke wonder, joy, and an optimistic outlook on life. As an artist, my desire is to provide pieces of sky and nature that people can take home, allowing them to continue enjoying the tranquility emanating from the artwork. I have been painting for over 24 years, and my dream is to exhibit in every country around the world.
Driven by my belief in helping, encouraging, and supporting others, I actively contribute to various charities, fundraisers, and causes. I hope that through my support, we can improve living conditions, provide people with opportunities to realize their full potential, and help them fulfill their destinies within society. Furthermore, I aspire to unleash the creativity within each individual, and I enjoy teaching and sharing my knowledge.
Currently based in Los Angeles, California, I continue to pursue my artistic journey with enthusiasm, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to bringing beauty and inspiration into the world.
I am very thrilled to share my story and shed light on my passions and professional pursuits. As an artist and entrepreneur, I have dedicated myself to two distinct ventures: Paint for a Purpose and Furry Friend Portraits. Allow me to provide some insights into these endeavors and what makes them extraordinary.
Paint for a Purpose is a business that I established with the firm belief that art has the power to unlock creativity and purpose in people’s lives. Through this venture, I engage in team-building events in corporate settings, live painting at weddings, and provide art lessons and workshops in schools. The most exciting aspect of Paint for a Purpose is witnessing the transformative impact that art can have on individuals and teams. Seeing people come together, express their creativity, and form deeper connections through the medium of art is truly fulfilling. The ability to create customized experiences that leave a lasting positive impact is what sets Paint for a Purpose apart.
On the other hand, Furry Friend Portraits allows me to combine my love for animals and artistic skills. Through this business, I create personalized pet portraits that capture the unique essence and personality of each furry companion. What makes Furry Friend Portraits special is the deep connection that people have with their pets. It is a privilege to be able to immortalize the bond between pets and their owners in a tangible and artistic way. Each portrait is carefully crafted to ensure that every detail reflects the spirit and individuality of the beloved furry friend.
Additionally, I specialize in live painting at weddings, where I have the opportunity to capture the essence and atmosphere of the special day in real-time through art. This unique service adds an element of creativity and spontaneity to weddings, allowing couples and their guests to witness the creation of a personalized artwork that commemorates their celebration.
In terms of new developments, I am excited to announce upcoming events and product launches. I will be participating in a local art exhibition where I will showcase my latest works, including both Furry Friend Portraits and other pieces from my artistic repertoire. Additionally, I am expanding my live painting services to include other special events, such as anniversaries and milestone celebrations, allowing individuals to have a personalized and live art experience to commemorate their cherished moments.
Overall, whether it is through Paint for a Purpose, Furry Friend Portraits, or my live painting at weddings, my primary focus is to create meaningful and transformative experiences through art. I am dedicated to bringing joy, connection, and lasting memories to individuals, couples, teams, and communities through my artistic endeavors.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I believe there were three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that had the most significant impact on my path. First and foremost, resilience played a crucial role. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and persist in the face of adversity was essential in overcoming the obstacles I encountered. My advice to those starting their journey is to cultivate resilience by embracing failures as opportunities for growth, seeking support from a strong network of mentors and peers, and maintaining a positive mindset.
Secondly, continuous learning and improvement were key factors in my progress. Being open to new ideas, honing my artistic skills, and staying updated with industry trends allowed me to refine my craft and stay relevant in a competitive landscape. I encourage early journeyers to invest time in expanding their knowledge, attending workshops and conferences, seeking feedback from experts, and embracing a growth mindset that fosters continuous improvement.
Lastly, building and nurturing relationships was instrumental in my journey. Collaborating with other artists, forming partnerships with galleries, and connecting with my audience through social media helped me expand my reach and opportunities. I advise newcomers to network actively, engage with communities of like-minded individuals, and invest in building genuine relationships. Supportive connections can provide guidance, mentorship, and potential collaborations that propel one’s career forward.
In addition to the qualities, skills, and knowledge I mentioned earlier, my faith in God has been a profound source of strength and guidance. Trusting in a higher power and relying on my faith provided me with solace during challenging times and a sense of purpose in pursuing my passions. My advice to those beginning their journey is to nurture their faith, whatever it may be, and seek spiritual grounding. This can be done through prayer, meditation, reflection, or engaging in practices that align with one’s beliefs. Connecting with a higher power can offer comfort, clarity, and a sense of direction as individuals navigate the ups and downs of their journey. It can also provide a source of inspiration and the reassurance that they are not alone in their pursuit of their dreams.
To sum up, resilience, continuous learning, and relationship-building were the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey. My advice to early journeyers is to cultivate resilience, embrace learning and improvement, and foster meaningful connections. By developing these aspects, individuals can navigate their journey with greater confidence, adaptability, and a strong foundation for long-term success.
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?
One of the most impactful things my parents did for me was enrolling me in art classes with Mohsen, an exceptional Egyptian master artist. From an early age, they recognized my passion for art and wanted to nurture and develop my artistic skills. It was through these classes that I not only learned the technical aspects of art but also gained invaluable guidance and mentorship.
Mohsen’s teachings have been transformative for me. His expertise, patience, and ability to instill a love for art have had a profound impact on my journey as an artist. Under his guidance, I have learned various techniques, explored different mediums, and honed my artistic abilities. Even to this day, Mohsen continues to teach me and support my growth as an artist.
The opportunity to learn from such a talented and experienced artist has shaped my artistic style, pushed me to continually improve, and instilled a deep appreciation for the art form. The knowledge and skills I gained through these art classes have become the foundation upon which I have built my artistic career.
I am forever grateful to my parents for recognizing and nurturing my artistic talent by providing me with this invaluable opportunity. Their support and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my artistic journey. Thanks to their decision to enroll me in art classes with Mohsen, I have been able to pursue my passion and develop my skills in ways that I never thought possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paintforapurpose.com/ and https://www.furryfriendportraits.com/ and http://www.yleniamino.com/
- Instagram: @yleniamino @paint.for.a.purpose @furry.friend.portraits
