We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stacey Nicole Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stacey Nicole below.
Stacey Nicole, 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?
I have been molded by a series of unfortunate events., culminating in a diagnosis of CPTSD. These challenges have taught me the significance of maintaining resilience while fulfilling my responsibilities as a mother, individual, and artist.
Two years ago, I experienced a near-death encounter that completely altered my life. This led to cognitive issues and overwhelming panic attacks, marking the beginning of a slow and arduous quest to unravel my true challenges. Seeking and obtaining the right treatment has proven to be imperative.
I am becoming increasingly aware of how trauma impacts the body and striving to heal the affected parts. It’s been an eye-opening experience to realize that our parents greatly influence our lives through an arbitrary lottery.
Everyone’s path to recovery is distinct, and I want to emphasize that I don’t claim to have mastered anything. Coping with trauma is an ongoing process, and you simply learn to coexist with it. You cannot undo it, so you endure. Resilience isn’t about surviving but thriving beyond the challenge. It’s difficult to comprehend in the moment and such a slow process in turning the corner to adversity.
The most challenging aspect of dealing with trauma is how isolating it can be. I’ve learned that understanding and empathy aren’t given freely. Moving forward, I’m committed to embracing relationships full of love, kindness, and support.
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?
After my mom passed, we went through the arduous chore of going through the contents of her home and her life. I discovered my family history and its connection with the Appalachians. My Appalachian roots have cultivated an interest in the region’s folklore, and myths told by my family.
I’d like to visually document these myths, stories, superstitions, life, and history of my great-grandmother’s Appalachia connections. I’ve found a more illustrative approach in mixed media that complements the work metaphorically.
I was able to purchase a home allowing me to stop leasing space to create and sell art. We opened The Blue House Art Studio and online store in late 2020. TBHS has classroom space for students/educators, and serves as my art studio. We are also an NC-certified greenhouse and gardens on the property. Most things grown are native, edible, or medicinal; merging both my love of art and gardening.
Moving to my own place allowed me to focus on larger bodies of work. I’ve been able to author and illustrate my first book while completing art for several exhibitions in or around the greater Charlotte area.
Currently, I’m preparing for an artist residency with Olive Stack Gallery in Listowel, Ireland in December 2025.
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?
Early in my career, I volunteered for a few non-profit art organizations I could find in my area. It was with those organizations that I learned how to write grants, market events, and sell art. The grant writing experience has served me well in obtaining significant items for the studio, or applying for public mural opprotunities.
Marketing has evolved significantly in the last ten years with the rise of social media, but I took advantage of many free classes in our area to stay up-to-date. With each class, I expanded my knowledge, and with time, I felt comfortable effectively marketing events.
Selling art wasn’t and still isn’t my strongest area of expertise, but I worked alongside some of the most talented and experienced artists in our area. I observed and absorbed as much as I could from any place that would give me a shot.
So, my advice would be to find a group, organization, or get involved with your local creative organizations to learn and develop new skills.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My devoted husband, Cecil, has been an unwavering source of support as I pursued my dream of becoming a professional artist. While I juggled a full-time job and full-time college, he selflessly took charge of household duties like laundry, cooking, and cleaning, ensuring that I could focus on my studies and work. His thoughtful gestures made the seemingly impossible, possible.
Upon graduating, Cecil dedicated countless hours to meticulously crafting my website, capturing breathtaking photographs, and wholeheartedly joining me at numerous art shows and festivals. His dedication and unwavering support have been the bedrock of my success.
Amidst a challenging year marked by health setbacks, Cecil’s unfaltering presence served as a constant source of strength, helping me navigate through difficult times and emerge stronger. His unwavering belief in me and steadfast encouragement have been integral to my journey and the success I enjoy today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.staceypsmithart
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceypsmithart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluehouseartstudio
Image Credits
TBHS Staff photos
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
