Meet Karen Caldwell

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Caldwell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Karen, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room is all I know. Growing up in 1980s London, I was often the only Black child in the class, or at most, one of just a few. That experience stayed with me as I entered the workforce, where I again found myself in rooms where I was the only one who looked like me. Even when I lived in the Caribbean, where race wasn’t as much of an issue, I was still seen as different. While I was fully accepted, my British background made me stand out in ways that others could recognize. I wasn’t “othered” in the sense of exclusion, but I was marked as different, not fully aligned with the local way of being.

Now, in the States, as a Black Caribbean British person, I’m once again the only one in the room. But being the only one in the room has shaped me. It’s made me strong, resilient, and able to connect with people from all walks of life. It’s taught me how to focus on our similarities before our differences. Growing up across different continents has given me the confidence to unapologetically embrace who I am, and that confidence is something others can’t ignore.

In the end, being the only one in the room has become my superpower. It’s given me the ability to navigate any situation with a unique perspective—one that helps me connect deeply with others, lead confidently, and bridge gaps that others might not even see. My experience of being “different” has made me more adaptable, more empathetic, and more aware of the value of our shared humanity. It’s a strength that allows me to thrive, no matter where I am, because I’ve learned to embrace what sets me apart and turn it into something powerful.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m an artist, sociologist, and creative wellness coach, blending my passion for art with my background in sociology and cultural studies. My journey has led me to develop a unique approach to creativity and personal growth that combines mindfulness, storytelling, and creative expression. With a Master of Science in Sociology and Cultural Studies from University College London and over 20 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit settings, I’ve gained a deep understanding of human behavior, organizational dynamics, and the power of creativity to foster connection and healing.

These experiences ultimately led me to create the Oya Method™, a transformative approach that helps individuals and teams unlock their potential through art. Rooted in social and behavioral science, the method blends mindfulness, creative expression, and storytelling to empower people to build emotional resilience, explore self-discovery, and forge deeper connections. It’s designed to foster growth and healing by using creativity as a tool to navigate life’s challenges, whether personal or professional.

A fun fact that has played a big role in shaping my approach comes from my time with the Metropolitan Police in London. I first worked as a homicide analyst, reviewing interview tapes and evidence, and learning to understand human behavior, particularly in high-stress situations. It taught me how to read between the lines—understanding not just what people say, but how they say it, and what they’re leaving unsaid. This ability to observe and understand people’s emotions and actions has been crucial in developing my approach to helping others use creativity for self-exploration and growth.

Later, as a communications manager, I worked on changing the public perception of policing in one of London’s toughest boroughs. It was about building trust, improving communication, and understanding people’s motivations. That experience reinforced the importance of authentic communication, empathy, and the power of connection—all values I bring to my work today.

While the Oya Method™ focuses on organizations and workplace culture, I also love creating immersive art experiences for people in everyday settings. At Oya Arts, we’re proud to be the only place in Minneapolis offering immersive paint-and-sip experiences. We’re the original home of the Who-Done-It paint-and-sip, where you can paint your way through a 1980s murder mystery, be part of a 1920s speakeasy where each brushstroke reveals the truth, or immerse yourself in a haunted 1800s Victorian mansion saga. Each theme is designed to put people in the center of the story, allowing them to work together to figure out what happened while creating their own masterpiece. Our goal is to integrate art into all parts of life, whether it’s through personal growth, team-building experiences, or just a fun night out. I believe creativity should be accessible to everyone and can enhance all aspects of life.

And, let’s be honest—we want art to take over the world. Well, at least in the most creative and fun way possible!

At Oya Arts, we believe that creativity has the power to heal, build resilience, and create lasting connections. Whether you’re looking for a personal journey of self-exploration or a fun and interactive way to bring people together, we’re here to provide an experience that empowers, entertains, and inspires. I’m excited to continue sharing these transformative experiences and helping others tap into the power of creativity.

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, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful are adaptability, empathy, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Adaptability: Whether it was transitioning from the corporate world to running my own business or adjusting to new roles, being adaptable has been key. The ability to pivot when faced with challenges, embrace change, and learn from every situation has allowed me to grow in ways I never expected. For anyone starting out, I’d advise them to remain flexible. The path you start on may not always be the one you end up on, and that’s okay. Embrace the twists and turns—they’re where the best growth happens.

Empathy: In my work, whether I was helping people unlock their creative potential or navigating complex dynamics in my previous roles with the Metropolitan Police, understanding others’ perspectives has been crucial. Empathy has allowed me to build stronger connections with people, truly understand their needs, and create spaces where they feel heard. For those just beginning their journey, I’d say listen more than you speak. Truly understanding your audience or the people you’re working with will help you tailor your approach in a way that resonates and builds trust.

Commitment to Continuous Learning: Over the years, I’ve never stopped learning—whether it’s from formal education, professional experiences, or personal reflection. The ability to stay curious and open to new ideas has kept me evolving and has been vital in creating and refining the Oya Method™. My advice to anyone just starting out is simple: stay curious. Seek out knowledge, whether it’s through formal education, mentors, or hands-on experiences. The world is constantly changing, and being open to learning ensures you can grow along with it.

For those early in their journey, my advice would be to embrace the process. It’s easy to focus on where you want to be, but real growth comes from what you learn along the way. Be adaptable, listen with empathy, and never stop learning. These qualities will shape your journey and guide you through the challenges you face.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played a truly important role in my development is The Art of Sucker Duckin’ by Tierre Caldwell. This book was instrumental in helping me understand my purpose and the importance of setting boundaries in life. The Art of Sucker Duckin’ teaches you how to disassociate from any situation, relationship, or affiliation that limits your growth, self-discovery, and overall purpose. It’s about learning how to establish the proper boundaries necessary to unlock your true potential.

When I first read the book, it gave me the power to truly change my life. At the time, I couldn’t see that I was stuck in the same routine, going through the motions but not growing. This book was the catalyst that helped me break free from those patterns. It challenged me to step back and look at the bigger picture, and I realized I needed to set better boundaries and make room for something more meaningful. Because of the guidance I found in The Art of Sucker Duckin’, I took the leap to launch Oya Arts at the end of 2017. The book helped me shift from simply existing in a routine to embracing the creative life I’ve always wanted to live.

And, of course, I was lucky enough to marry the author! Tierre’s insights continue to shape my personal and professional journey. His perspective on growth, boundaries, and purpose is something I carry with me every day in both my work and my personal life

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