Meet Cire B.

We were lucky to catch up with Cire B. recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cire, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

“As a visual artist, navigating mental health challenges has been integral to my journey of growth and persistence. I’ve found strength through a combination of supportive relationships, therapy, mindfulness practices, gratitude, journaling, and utilizing art as a powerful emotional outlet.

Having a strong support system of friends, family, and fellow artists has provided crucial encouragement and understanding during difficult times. Therapy has equipped me with valuable strategies to manage emotions effectively, fostering resilience in both my personal and creative life.

Mindfulness and gratitude practices have been transformative in staying present and cultivating a positive mindset. Regular journaling has allowed me to process emotions and gain clarity, further enhancing my ability to overcome challenges.

Additionally, using art as an emotional outlet has been profound. It not only serves as a means of expression but also as a therapeutic tool for self-discovery and healing.

For those facing challenges, I recommend three practical tips rooted in positive psychology:

1 Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and understand you. Their encouragement can provide invaluable strength during tough times.

2 Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude: Incorporate daily mindfulness exercises and gratitude reflections into your routine. These practices can shift focus from challenges to moments of positivity and appreciation.

3 Use Creative Expression: Whether through art, writing, or music, find a creative outlet that allows you to express your emotions freely. Engaging in creative activities can be deeply cathartic and empowering.

By embracing these practices, I’ve not only persevered through challenges but also continued to thrive creatively. They’ve become essential tools in maintaining my well-being and artistic inspiration.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Eric Barnett, also known as “Cire B”. I proudly serve as a talent acquisition specialist for the US Army while advocating passionately for mental health. Alongside my military career, I am the founder of Cire B Studios, a venture that blossomed during the pandemic.

With the world in lockdown, I faced a challenge: how to connect with my supporters craving live art events. That’s when I conceived and launched “The Art Box”, a premium paint and sip kit experience. Each kit, complete with themed activities, games, and guided paint tutorials led by myself and guest artists, is delivered directly to doorsteps worldwide. The response was overwhelming, propelling us to six-figure success.

As my online presence surged, I expanded into live art auctions on social media, drawing attention from collectors like Jimmy Cox, CEO of the Military Fresh Network. Post-pandemic, I leveraged this momentum to transform coffee shops, mechanics, boutiques, and restaurants across NY and CA into vibrant pop-up art galleries. These partnerships not only revitalized local businesses but also fueled my company’s growth.

Through art, I strive to foster community and resilience, turning challenges into opportunities for creative expression and meaningful connection.

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?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful for me are resilience, creativity, and community building.

Resilience has been crucial in navigating challenges, whether it was starting my company during a global pandemic or adapting to new ways of connecting with my audience. Developing resilience involves embracing setbacks as learning opportunities and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity. For those starting their journey, I advise cultivating resilience by setting realistic goals, practicing self-care, and seeking support from mentors or peers who can provide guidance and encouragement.

Creativity has been my cornerstone as a visual artist and entrepreneur. It’s about thinking outside the box, experimenting with new ideas, and pushing boundaries. Early in your journey, focus on exploring different techniques, mediums, and styles. Embrace failure as part of the creative process and use it to fuel innovation. Surround yourself with inspiration, whether it’s through art, literature, or nature, and allow yourself the freedom to express your unique perspective.

Community building has been instrumental in expanding my reach and impact. Building genuine connections with supporters, collaborators, and fellow artists has not only provided invaluable support but also opened doors to new opportunities. To foster community early on, engage actively with your audience on social media, participate in local art events, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Invest time in networking and nurturing relationships, as they can be a source of encouragement, feedback, and growth.

In essence, developing these qualities—resilience, creativity, and community building—requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks. Embrace your journey with passion, stay open to new experiences, and continuously seek ways to evolve and improve

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

When considering whether to focus solely on strengths or to improve weaker areas for a more well-rounded approach, I firmly believe in the latter. While leveraging strengths can lead to great achievements, developing a diverse skill set enhances adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments.

For me, continuous self-improvement has been key. As an artist and entrepreneur, I started out strong in creative expression but soon realized I needed to enhance my financial and marketing skills to sustain and grow my business. By dedicating time and effort to these areas, I not only expanded my knowledge but also gained confidence in navigating the complexities of running a successful studio.

One example that highlights this journey is when I decided to boost my digital marketing skills. Initially, I struggled to effectively use online platforms to promote my artwork and engage with potential clients. Recognizing the importance of a strong digital presence, I dove into learning SEO techniques, social media strategies, and content creation. This effort paid off as I improved my online visibility, connected with a wider audience, and significantly increased sales and brand recognition.

This experience reinforced my belief that investing in areas of weakness can lead to significant rewards. While building on strengths is crucial, developing a well-rounded skill set enhances versatility and enables seizing opportunities across different domains. It’s about embracing growth, refining abilities, and adapting to thrive in a world full of challenges and opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.cirebstudios.com
• Instagram: @Cire_b