Meet Rachael Lofgran

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachael Lofgran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachael below.

Rachael, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience didn’t come naturally to me, it’s something I’ve earned. I grew up where, at times, things were undeniably tough. I remember buckling under the pressure of trying to stay afloat in school, navigating emotionally charged social situations, or scrambling to find enough money to cover basic needs.

Over time, I developed something more powerful than comfort: a “survival” instinct. I trained myself to restart after every so-called “failure,” and eventually, I didn’t just survive, I learned to thrive. There are a couple ways I do a restart. One of these methods is my my planner ritual to restart and reset myself. I am an avid planner and will use a physical notebook to plan out my days and weeks. I write out all the goals dates and plans in my planner, and every Sunday I right it all out again to remind myself of my goals and keep track of where I am compared to previous weeks. When I get major setback or have become extremely stagnant with my goals, I will buy a completely new planner, and find a new vigor and excitement as I write out new goals and plans…let’s just say, ashamedly, I have a ton of unfinished planners on the self, but honestly it doesn’t matter because as long as I’m accomplishing major goals I feel great about it.

Once I reached a point in life where I could maintain balance, I realized that my fighting drive to keep going strong had become my greatest strength. That same drive fuels everything I do today from personal goals to ambitious creative projects and business ventures.

What gives me the motivation to persist, even when the odds are stacked against me, is this unwavering belief: I will outwork almost any problem. I will pour every ounce of effort into a project, a vision, or simply into becoming a better version of myself. That level of dedication builds an unshakable confidence. So if I don’t land the job, or I don’t win the contest—it’s okay. Because somewhere out there, someone will see the heart, craftsmanship, and commitment I’ve put into my work. It’s just a matter of connecting with the right person, the right moment, or the right fit. And truthfully, that’s the kind of person I want to be—someone who values authenticity over appearances, substance over status.

I’ve learned that luck isn’t handed out randomly, it’s built. It’s not just about being in the right place at the right time; it’s about being ready when the moment comes, or having the courage to create the moment yourself. You don’t need to shout your accomplishments from the rooftops, but you do need to be willing to share your work with grace, with humility, and in a way that invites collaboration. Synergy is a great thing. Show up consistently, even when no one is watching—because eventually, someone will.

A major source of my resilience comes from the examples set by my parents. They faced challenges with grit, grace, quiet strength, positivity and most importantly, humor. Whether it was financial strain, health issues, or hard jobs, they kept moving forward. My father, in particular, showed me what real fortitude looks like. He never boasted. He just endured, worked hard, and never gave up. Watching him, I learned that resilience isn’t dramatic, it’s steady. It’s in the showing up, the staying grounded, and the pressing forward no matter what.

My parents and other great examples to me made things work, not because it was easy, but because they were committed to each other and those they were responsible for. That deep sense of responsibility became part of who I am. The greatest truth about resilience is: resilience doesn’t mean you never fall, it means you get back up, every time, stronger than before.

I have resilience, drive, positivity and a work ethic that builds its own opportunities. As Elijah the prophet was fed by ravens in the bible, we can count on God to give us precisely what we need and when we need it. Most of us can be super grateful and find joy in the fact that we don’t have to go through anything as difficult as what Elijah had to go through. So find your courage and find joy in life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Rachael Lofgran is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, and creative entrepreneur based in Utah. Her work spans fine art, illustration, stained glass, photography, and graphic design. She currently has artwork on display at The Tasting Room in Salt Lake City and at the Provo Towne Centre Mall. Rachael has grown her business Korvus Kreate for 3 years and collaborates with her husband and family to create beautiful and tasteful artwork, jewelry and decor. In addition to running her creative business, Rachael serves as the Executive Assistant for the Statue of Responsibility Foundation, where she supports national initiatives centered on values, resilience, and social impact. Her work blends artistic vision with deep personal purpose.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Resilience
Life will challenge you personally, financially and emotionally. Resilience is what helps you keep showing up even when things feel impossible. For me, resilience came from learning how to fail without giving up. It’s a muscle you build over time by pushing through discomfort and choosing to start again, smarter each time. Don’t avoid failure and let it refine you, not define you. Treat every setback as a stepping stone, and learn to see progress in persistence, not perfection.

2. Resourcefulness
I didn’t grow up with endless resources, so I had to learn how to stretch what I had, whether that was time, tools, or knowledge. This taught me how to problem-solve creatively and become self-reliant, which has helped me in everything from building a business to producing art on a budget. Practice asking, “What can I do with what I have right now?” You’ll be surprised how far a little initiative and ingenuity can take you.

3. Creative Adaptability and Learning
Whether I’m switching mediums, managing a project, or learning a new system, being flexible and willing to constantly learn has kept me relevant and excited about my work. It’s not just about being multi-talented, it’s about staying open to new challenges and growth. Keep evolving. Learn software, try new tools, listen to feedback, and don’t be afraid to reinvent your approach. Adaptability keeps your career and your creativity alive.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Two books that have played a cornerstone role in my personal and professional development are “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Dr. Stephen R. Covey and “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Dr. Viktor Frankl.

Covey’s book gave me a practical framework for how to live with intention. The concept of “sharpening the saw” and prioritizing rest, renewal, and continuous improvement has deeply shaped how I manage my time and energy. The idea that effective people are proactive rather than reactive helped me realize that I could take control of my direction, even when circumstances felt overwhelming. His emphasis on building character from the inside out rather than chasing quick wins taught me that long-term success is deeply tied to integrity. His books are filled with useful practices and proactive habit-learning. I learned how to use a planner effectively using his techniques and insights.

On the other hand, Man’s Search for Meaning hit me at a soul level. Frankl’s story of surviving the Holocaust and finding purpose in suffering gave me an entirely new understanding of resilience. One of the most impactful lessons from the book is this: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” That truth has stayed with me. No matter what happens outside of me, I have the power to decide who I want to be within it. That I can have an awareness of mind and consciousness through crushing circumstances. That mindset has carried me through some of the hardest, most defining moments of my life.

Together, these books have helped me build both the structure and the soul of how I live, create, and lead. One gave me tools. The other gave me meaning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.raylynnarts.com
• Instagram: @raylynnarts
• Facebook: Rachael Lofgran Art
• Linkedin: Rachael Lofgran
• Twitter: @raylynnarts
• Other: TikTok: @raylynnartsWebsite: www.korvuskreate.com

Image Credits

Conner Lofgran