We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ingrid Victoria Ruth Anderson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ingrid below.
Ingrid, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic truly evolved after becoming a parent. Before then, in my mid-twenties, I admit I was somewhat reckless, often making choices without much thought for the future. Having a child was a profound turning point. It grounded me and forced me to seriously contemplate my career and the kind of legacy I wanted to establish, not just for myself, but especially for my child. This realization steered me towards a more disciplined path in arts entrepreneurship. It’s where I found my calling in not only pursuing my passions but also in fostering a sense of community and leadership through my work.
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?
Over the last decade, I’ve cultivated a deep passion for makeup artistry, a craft I’ve mastered and continue to enjoy as a fulfilling side venture.
However, my professional journey has recently taken an exciting turn towards event production, with a particular emphasis on the arts and music scene.
I founded the Greater New Orleans Social Arts Network, a nonprofit that aims to bridge diverse community sectors through participatory arts. Our mission is to foster social and environmental change, enhance arts education, empower local artisans and the youth, and strengthen our arts ecosystem.
One of our latest initiatives is the ‘Teen Band and Mural Night,’ a vibrant event where local teens can showcase their musical talents and participate in live mural painting. This not only provides them with a creative outlet but also a safe space for socialization, in hopes to steer them away from the street-related troubles New Orleans is known for.
Additionally, I’ve started a radio segment on WHIVfm, a station dedicated to social and human rights issues. Here, I interview small business owners and entrepreneurs from around the city, sharing their stories and advice to support and inspire our local artists and entrepreneurs. This platform is another resource I’m proud to offer, aiming to build a supportive community that empowers individuals through collective knowledge and experience.
Through these ventures, I am committed to creating more opportunities and resources for our youth and burgeoning artists, ensuring they have the support and platform they need to thrive in a city rich with culture and challenges
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?
In reflecting on my journey, three key qualities have truly shaped my path to becoming an effective entrepreneur and community leader: self-motivation, time management, and self-care.
Firstly, self-motivation has been indispensable. Entrepreneurship requires an inherent drive—no one is going to push you to do what needs to be done. It’s about setting your own goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and relentlessly pursuing them. This self-driven approach has been the backbone of my career.
Secondly, time management is crucial. My upbringing taught me the importance of punctuality—’if you’re on time, you’re late’ was a common mantra in our household. This instilled a deep respect for my own time and that of others, reinforcing that being punctual is a sign of professionalism and reliability.
Lastly, I’ve learned the importance of self-care the hard way. It’s vital to allow yourself breaks and not to berate yourself for taking them. The journey towards your goals is long, and without proper care, burnout is inevitable.
It’s not just about reaching the destination but enjoying the journey.
Remember, if you’re not enjoying the process, then what’s the point?
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
My recent endeavors have been focused on fostering collaboration to enrich the lives of young artists in our community. If you possess expertise in nonprofit management, fundraising, or program coordination, I would greatly value your insights and contributions.
Additionally, we are continuously in need of supplies to support our projects, including materials like luan or plywood for murals, paint, and other art supplies. Your support with these resources would be immensely helpful.
Ultimately, my aspiration is to establish a dedicated music and arts venue that will provide jobs to local artists. I welcome any advice or assistance that can help advance this goal, please email me at Ingrid@gnosocialartsnetwork.org.
Thank you for considering how you might contribute to our community’s artistic future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gnosocialartsnetwork.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnosocialartsnetwork/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558827729926
Image Credits
Wylie Whitesides for a few only some. Don’t know all credits
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
