Meet Emily Coldiron

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Coldiron a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I grew up biracial in Kansas, so there have been many moments in my life where I felt like the odd one out. I also grew up very disconnected to my Vietnamese culture so it was sometimes difficult for me to even share about my background. Over time, I’ve learned that it’s okay to be authentic about your experience. Everyone has things that make them feel “different” and a little empathy can go a long way. I might look different but I can often find common ground and make connections regardless of who else is in the room.

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 an ink and watercolor artist who specializes in telling a story through playful, colorful sketches. I like for my artwork to feel warm and inviting. I specialize in illustrating love stories and work one-on-one with clients to create artwork that they can cherish for many years. I also sell prints and work with businesses to create unique artwork for their brand. My favorite thing about creating custom art is the sketch/editing process where I work closely to bring a vision to life. More recently, I’ve been venturing into wedding stationery.

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?

For me, the main qualities are consistency, courage, and creativity. It’s difficult to find success if you’re not showing up every day for yourself and consistently iterating on your ideas. You also need a lot of courage to share artwork publicly and allow yourself to be discovered by clients. No one can find you if you hide everything you create. The best way to develop those qualities is to show up for yourself and dedicate time to bringing your ideas to fruition. Even if it’s only for a few minutes a day.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

I’ve recently become a mom and I’ve learned SO much about what it means to balance work, relationships, and filling my own cup. I’ve learned to prioritize projects that I actually want to do and to ask for help when I need it. It’s been challenging but I like having variety in my life.

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