We were lucky to catch up with Jayden Carroll recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jayden, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My purpose has always been to use the gifts given to me to glorify the God who gave them to me. Whether in my personal work, commissions, or even live painting events- if it is not bringing glory to my Creator, there is no need for me to create.
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 am lucky enough to have my dream job as a live wedding and event painter at the age of 21. While I am based out of Upstate SC and the Greater Charlotte areas, I love getting to travel to different venues all over, as well as out of the state- dressing up, and doing what I love to bring joy to others on their special day.
As a live painter, I offer traditional heirloom painting packages, creating a large acrylic painting in real-time, of the moment the bride and groom choose. Each of these is unique and preserves some of the most intimate and celebratory moments of the most special day of my clients’ lives. Painting live, as opposed to in the studio from a reference photo, allows me to capture more than just an image. It gives me the ability to mix moments and settings according to the wishes of the couple, as well as paint a timeless rendition of the feeling and atmosphere of their day, rather than a replica of a photograph.
As of January of this year, I have also started offering live watercolor guest portrait packages. While traditional live paintings certainly add a level of guest entertainment, watercolor portraits provide a way to thank your guests for attending with a painting of their own. I love watching guests excitedly run back to my table throughout the night and point out their family and friends as I work.
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?
I think one of the most important things I have found that has helped the growth of my business is connections. Whether in the field with other event vendors, friends and families of previous couples, or my own friends and family- when people talk about, recommend, repost, etc. things concerning my business, it both gives my services exposure and creates a network of credibility. It also gives you a community to encourage/be encouraged by, as well as celebrate with when you, or others in that network flourish!
Something else that is also really important when starting/growing a business is authenticity. This means knowing your own values as a business and being transparent about them to others. Sometimes it means the balance between saying yes to a new experience and knowing when to say no. Standing by your beliefs and values builds respect between other vendors, as well as clients and prospective clients. As a Christian in the wedding industry, I can sometimes get nervous about what staying firm on my boundaries will do to my business. However, the Lord has been faithful time and time again in providing vendor relationships, clients, and opportunities to grow and sustain my business without compromising my core beliefs.
A final quality I’d say is essential is adaptability. My family is going to read that and laugh, because I am not the best at flexibility in everyday life. I like to have a plan and a system, but the reality is, it doesn’t always work that way, especially in the event industry. Every event is different, and therefore, every event is a learning experience. My assistants and I often spend the day telling each other between guest interactions, “next time it would be smart to bring this…”, “we should try this and see how it works…”, “we need to revise this in the contract…” I used to think it was unprofessional NOT to have it all the way figured out, but I think it is actually more professional to have a system as a guideline and be able to adapt as needed.
That being said, my advice to others would be:
1. Don’t be afraid to reach out and introduce yourself to other vendors. Some of my biggest leads have come from vendors that want to be part of a community that grows together. However, to do this, you have to actually be interested in being in community with these people. Learn about them and their business- what makes them unique? You might meet some pretty cool people with some pretty cool ideas.
2. Sit with yourself and think about what your values are as a business owner. What situations might compromise that? How might you respond if put in those situations? Be authentic, but be kind. How might you be tempted to compromise your own values? Have accountability.
3. It’s okay for every day to be a learning experience. Part of being professional is admitting when your system needs to change. Be excited to recognize and implement improvements- don’t beat yourself up looking for perfection.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
“I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.” Psalm 120:1
“I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
Whether in event-day chaos or personal fine art projects, I have to remind myself that the ability to paint does not come from me. When I forget that is when I feel the pressure to create and to make things happen out of my own skill. When I try to manufacture, rather than let the Spirit move, I become overwhelmed. For me, doing my job and doing what I love for the glory of God, means remembering that the ability to paint even the most simple things is a gift that comes from the Lord. I cannot make it happen all on my own. So, when I am overwhelmed, I have to reset my heart. I take a deep breath and I pray. If I’m not working a live event and I’m in the studio, I listen to worship music. We are all being formed by SOMETHING. So am I letting the pressure to create and produce and succeed by the world’s standards form me? Or am I letting the peace that is the assurance of the Lord’s will being worked out in my life form me? Am I letting worship form me?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jelizabethart.com
- Instagram: @jelizabeth.art
Image Credits
Kathy Beaver, Joy Bolton
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
