Meet Yael VanGruber

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

Yael, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

My confidence was shaped from a very young age. Living in a house of two hardworking parents, independence became a natural part of my life. I learned early how to take care of myself, make decisions, solve problems, and trust my own judgment. Being an A student and naturally popular gave me a sense of belonging, but the independence I developed at home truly built my resilience.

I was also raised in a deeply spiritual household, surrounded by loving grandparents whose wisdom and devotion shaped my worldview. Because of them, faith in God was part of my identity from the beginning. My spirituality guided me long before I understood its depth, and it became the anchor of my confidence — a quiet, steady trust that I am guided and supported.

When I opened Clique Gallery, it felt like answering a calling from above. Seeing people connect deeply with my artwork, jewelry, and my life coaching and counseling services affirmed that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

My love and care for people is something I carry quietly. I don’t need recognition — what matters most to me is their success, their healing, and their happiness. Seeing others grow and thrive brings me true fulfillment.

I’ve always seen the world in vibrant colors, and that joy flows into everything I create. Through my coaching and counseling work, I help people navigate emotional challenges with clarity and strength. Being multi-talented allows me to blend art, prints, jewelry, workshops, and personal guidance into meaningful experiences that heal, inspire, and uplift.

Confidence, for me, comes from faith, compassion, passion for my purpose, and putting my whole heart into everything I do.

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

At Clique Gallery, I bring together art, beauty, emotional support, and healing energy in a unique and purposeful way. My work is multi-dimensional because my purpose is multi-dimensional.

I offer:
• Original artworks filled with therapeutic energy, vibrant color, and emotional depth
• Fine art prints, making my work accessible while maintaining its intention and impact
• Handcrafted jewelry designs that combine elegance, symbolism, and heartfelt meaning
• Life coaching and counseling services to support individuals through emotional challenges
• Workshops and community-building events that create safe spaces for growth, healing, and connection

What’s most special about my work is how all my talents unite under one mission:
to uplift, heal, inspire, and guide people toward their own inner light and joy.

Every painting, print, jewelry piece, coaching session, and workshop reflects my compassion, intuition, joy, and faith. I am drawn to beauty with purpose — art that speaks to the soul, jewelry that carries meaning, and conversations that bring clarity and comfort.

I continue expanding my offerings with more artwork, more prints, deeper workshops, and heart-centered coaching experiences. Everything I do is guided by my desire to help people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

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?

The three qualities I believe are most important to develop are authenticity, courage, and consistency with intention. Together, they create a strong foundation for both personal fulfillment and long-term success.

Authenticity is the ability to stay true to who you are — your values, your heart, and your purpose. When you are authentic, you stop trying to fit into expectations that don’t belong to you. People can feel honesty and sincerity, and that creates trust and connection. For those early in their journey, my advice is to spend time getting to know yourself. Listen to what excites you, what moves you, and what feels meaningful. Don’t rush to copy others — your uniqueness is your greatest strength.

Courage is the willingness to show up even when things feel uncertain. Growth often comes with fear, vulnerability, and moments of doubt. Courage doesn’t mean having no fear; it means choosing to move forward despite it. To those just starting out, I would say: allow yourself to be imperfect. Try, learn, and adjust. Every step you take builds confidence and inner strength.

Consistency with intention is what turns dreams into reality. It’s about showing up with care, dedication, and heart, even when motivation comes and goes. Small, intentional actions done consistently create meaningful progress over time. For people early in their journey, my advice is to focus on steady effort rather than quick results. Be patient with yourself, stay committed to your values, and trust the process.

Ultimately, success isn’t built overnight. When you move forward with authenticity, courage, and consistency — guided by purpose and compassion — growth becomes natural, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I’ve been blessed to learn from many people throughout my life, and each of them contributed something meaningful to my journey. My foundation came from my family — growing up with two hardworking parents taught me discipline, responsibility, and independence, while my spiritual upbringing and the wisdom of my grandparents helped shape my compassion and faith in God.

But beyond my home, my professors and teachers played a very important role in my development. They recognized my potential, encouraged my talents, and challenged me to think deeply and creatively. Their belief in me strengthened my confidence in my abilities, and their guidance helped me build the essential skills I use every day — from discipline and communication to emotional awareness and leadership.

They taught me not only academically, but also through their example: showing up with dedication, staying curious, and always striving to grow. Many of the qualities that support my work today — patience, empathy, listening, professionalism, and commitment — were nurtured through the influence of the teachers and mentors I was fortunate to learn from.

Alongside them, my clients and community continue to inspire me. Every person I work with teaches me something about resilience, healing, and the human spirit.

So the people most helpful on my journey have been:
my parents, my grandparents, my professors and teachers, and my faith in God — all shaping the person I became and the purpose I live today.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

My role model is anyone who leads with heart, integrity, humility, and purpose. I admire individuals who uplift others quietly and sincerely, who stay true to their values, and who use their gifts to bring comfort and goodness into the world. Whether artists, life coaches, professionals, or neighbors—anyone who brings compassion, strength, and healing energy to others becomes a role model in my eyes.

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Betting on the Brightside: Developing and Fostering Optimism

Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality

Highlighter Series
What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?

There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas).

Leadership Development
Finding & Living with Purpose

Over the years we’ve had the good fortunate of speaking with thousands of successful entrepreneurs,