We were lucky to catch up with Helena Acosta recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Helena, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
As a single mom and entrepreneur my resilience flows from the core of my personal journey and the incredible support network that surrounds me.
The primary source of my resilience is rooted in the unwavering love I have for my daughter. Motherhood brings forth a strength we never knew we possessed, a resilience that pushes us to go beyond our limits and create a better future for our little ones. Every day, I am inspired by the boundless joy and limitless potential of my girl and that serves as a powerful reminder to keep pushing forward, regardless of the obstacles that come my way.
In 2020, I decided to embark on the adventure of teaching art to the little ones in my backyard, and that is how my studio JAX Little Art came to live. The studio itself is a wellspring of resilience for me. It is not just a place of artistic expression, but a haven of connection and support. Witnessing the growth, empowerment, and genuine connections that form among the mothers who walk through my door is an incredible source of inspiration. We forge connections that transcend cultural boundaries, we share our joys, our challenges, and our triumphs, creating a community that lifts each other up and reminds us that we are never alone in the beautiful chaos of motherhood and we thrive in a creative journey together.
Additionally, the transformative power of art fuels my resilience. Art has always been my sanctuary, allowing me to express my emotions, find solace, and unleash my creativity. Through JAX Little Art, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the impact of art on the lives of both children and mothers. It is through art that we discover our inner strength, explore new possibilities, and find healing during difficult times. This profound connection to art continually renews my resilience, reminding me of the beauty and resilience that can be found in the creative process.
Lastly, the support and encouragement I receive from my friends, family, and the wider community play a vital role in fueling my resilience. Their belief in my vision and unwavering support gives me the strength to overcome challenges and continue pursuing my passion for creating a nurturing space where mothers can come together, bond, and explore their creativity.
In conclusion, my resilience comes from the profound love I have for my daughter, the incredible community of mothers who share their journey with me, and the transformative power of art. Together, we have create a space that fosters creativity, builds lasting connections, and empowers mothers to embrace their resilience and thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a child, I was always captivated by the world of art. I would spend hours immersed in colors, textures, and creative expression, either in my grandmother art gallery or my own mothers art studio. My family roots put me in the direction of studying Art History and later on curatorial studies. Prior to creating JAX Little Art, I embarked on a remarkable adventure traveling the world, curating New Media Art Exhibitions and engaging in exciting social projects. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to explore vibrant cities such as Tokyo, New York, Mexico City, and Spain, among others. However, the roots of my artistic passion trace back even further.
Art has always been an integral part of my life. Raised by a creative mother and an anthropologist father, I was immersed in a creative environment that fueled my love for artistic expression from a very young age.Growing up in Venezuela, I was immersed in the vibrant colors, rich cultural heritage, and artistic expressions that surrounded me. I developed a deep appreciation for the power of art to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions, and connect people from diverse backgrounds.
Fast forward to today, and I have turned my lifelong passion into a fulfilling career. At JAX Little Art, my mission is to ignite the spark of creativity in children and families, fostering a love for art that lasts a lifetime.
What truly excites me about JAX Little Art is the opportunity to witness the transformative power of art firsthand. Seeing the joy on a child’s face as they explore their creativity, experiment with different materials, and discover their unique artistic voice is simply magical. It’s that moment of pure self-expression and discovery that makes everything worthwhile.
One of the things that sets JAX Little Art apart is our commitment to providing a diverse range of experiences. In the fall, we are thrilled to announce that we will be offering morning and after-school classes. This allows children to embrace their creativity at different times of the day, accommodating their schedules and ensuring that they can fully immerse themselves in the artistic process.
At the studio we believe that art is not limited to children alone. We understand the importance of self-care for moms, and that’s why I organize monthly art events specifically for mothers. These events provide a much-needed escape, allowing moms to reconnect with their own creativity, recharge, and build connections with like-minded individuals in a supportive environment.
In addition, I am about to launch Community Building workshops for companies. These workshops are designed to foster engagement and connection within work teams through the use of process art. It’s a unique and creative way to build camaraderie, enhance collaboration, and ignite innovation within corporate settings. I believe that incorporating art into the workplace can truly unleash the full potential of teams.
And that’s not all! We are thrilled to announce that JAX Little Art will be expanding with mobile art classes for kids. This exciting endeavor allows me to take the joy of art directly to schools, community centers, and even homes. I want to make art accessible to all children, regardless of their location or circumstances, and this expansion allows me to do just that.
So, whether you’re a parent seeking a nurturing artistic space for your child, a mom looking to connect with other amazing moms through art, a company seeking to foster teamwork and creativity, or a child eager to explore the wonders of artistic expression, JAX Little Art is here to welcome you with open arms.
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, there are three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that truly made a profound impact on my path. These are the lessons I hold close to my heart, and I’d love to share them with those who are early in their own journeys, hoping to develop and improve upon these qualities.
Passion: The first and foremost quality that has shaped my journey is unwavering passion. My love for art and my deep belief in its transformative power have been the driving force behind every step I’ve taken. My advice to those starting out is to connect with what truly ignites your soul. Find that one thing that makes your heart race, that keeps you awake at night with excitement. When you have a genuine passion for what you do, it becomes the foundation that fuels your determination, sustains you through challenges, and propels you forward. Nurture and protect that passion, as it will be your guiding light in the darkest of times.
Resilience: Building a business or pursuing a creative endeavor is never a smooth ride. There will be setbacks, obstacles, and moments when you question everything. That’s where resilience comes into play. It’s the ability to bounce back from failures, to learn from mistakes, and to keep going even when things seem tough. My advice is to embrace resilience as an essential part of the journey. Cultivate the mindset that setbacks are not permanent roadblocks but opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with a support system of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and can offer guidance and encouragement. Remember, every stumble is a chance to rise stronger and wiser.
Continuous Learning: The world is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial to stay curious and committed to continuous learning. As a mompreneur, I have found that being open to new knowledge, trends, and techniques has been vital in staying relevant and pushing the boundaries of my craft. Seek out opportunities to expand your skills, whether through workshops, courses, or even self-study. Embrace feedback and criticism as valuable insights that can propel your growth. In this digital age, there are countless resources available at our fingertips, so seize every opportunity to learn, adapt, and evolve. Remember, the more you invest in your own growth, the more value you can bring to your journey.
Above all, remember that your journey is unique and unfolds at its own pace. Embrace the ups and downs, celebrate the small victories, and be kind to yourself along the way. With passion, resilience, and a commitment to learning, you have the power to create something truly remarkable. Trust in yourself and the incredible potential that lies within you.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always seeking collaborations with local artists, community centers, and schools who are passionate about incorporating mindfulness, process art and creativity into their programs. If you’re reading this and have a spark of interest in joining forces, I would be thrilled to connect with you through, email me to [email protected]
Collaborative workshops with fellow artists can be incredibly enriching and inspiring. I believe our collaboration could create a truly transformative experience for participants.
Furthermore, if you are a community center or a local school that recognizes the value of incorporating mindfulness and creativity into your enrichment curriculum, I would love to explore the possibilities of collaborating with you. Together, we can create unique and meaningful programs that nurture well-being, self-expression, and personal growth among kids.
If you’re as excited as I am about the prospect of collaboration, I invite you to connect with JAX Little Art in the following ways. You can reach out to us directly through our website, where you’ll find a dedicated “Contact” page. Simply visit our website and navigate to the contact form. Share a bit about yourself, your organization, and your vision for collaboration.
Alternatively, you can also connect with us via email or through our social media channels.
Contact Info:
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Website: https://jaxlittle.art/
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Instagram: @jaxlittleart
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Facebook: @Jaxlitteart
