We’re looking forward to introducing you to Vickie Valladares. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Vickie, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I am learning how to crochet. And I absolutely love it, so far. I only know one stitch and have only made blankets or scarves. But it’s something mindless that my hands can do while I watch TV.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Vickie Valladares. My business is Artful Hands Artistry. I started by doing custom art work on canvas. It has led me down a path of writing and illustrating children’s books. I have painted murals, and even teach art classes in the summer for kids to learn new techniques.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I simply believed I couldn’t as a child. I couldn’t be brave. I couldn’t be smart. I couldn’t speak up for myself. I couldn’t shine. I couldn’t sparkle. I just, couldn’t. It’s different now that I am an adult and I lived so much of my life in this box of the things I couldn’t do. But once I hit that stage of being closer to 40 than I am 30, I realized even if I couldn’t…even I couldn’t get that job, or even I couldn’t get the promotion, even if I couldn’t pass the class. The couldn’t would not surpass the fact that I tried. I’m in my season of trying all of the things and telling myself…you can and you will.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I have always struggled academically. College was unattainable. I didn’t have the smarts, the drive. For at least the last 8 years I have tossed the idea around of trying college again. I failed miserably the first time. And because I failed, I refused to subject myself to that humiliation again.
That is, until now.
I’ve decided to try. I accepted that college just wasn’t for me and I was set in that decision. However working within the school system, and working with kids in the summer lit a spark in me for education. More specifically the arts. I am going to try to pursue a career as an art teacher. And if I fail? I can sleep at night knowing that I at least tried.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief that I am committed to is more of a quote and that’s, “Grow up to be the person that the child version of you would have been safe with.”
I was not protected as a child. And it is my goal to make every child that comes my way feel safe and secure in who they are.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop lowering myself so that others could rise.
I would stop seeing the world as a small place.
I would stop making excuses for myself.
I would stop rushing my children to be more independent.
I would stop comparing myself to others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artfulhandscanvas
- Facebook: www facebook.com/artfulhandscanvas
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