Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nila Jane Autry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Nila Jane, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism is a learned and chosen skill. I grew up with a mom that was kind of a downer. I love her dearly, but there was always something not going quite right for her. My dad, on the other hand is an optimist, but seldom lifted a hand to help my mom. I’m the oldest of 10 children. Somehow I developed the ability to bring peace and harmony to our home. However, optimism would not be what you would call my attitude. Most of the time my common mantra was, I’m so tired! Then, through business seminars that my husband and I went to, for the Amway business we tried to build, and never built successfully, we were encouraged to read self-help books. I found myself when I read the greatest salesman in the world. I read it over and over and memorized the concepts in the chapters. I had seen these principles in action, but didn’t realize that I could change my frumpy, I’m so tired attitude into true optimism. I read it over and over and memorized the concepts in the chapters. I look forward to each day with hope and faith. I enjoy encouraging others and building them up. I owe it to my wonderful upbringing, and that book the greatest salesman in the world.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Eternal Oils ~ by Jane is my business name. Yes, sometimes people read it fast and think I sell essential oils…but not so. Oil Paint has an eternal quality, and always will. I want to express, through Artwork, my awareness of a higher power, and the belief that we can all be spectacular, if we will just look up. Prayer and meditation is a huge part of my business. I desire that every painting I put out there in the world will bless all of humanity, and the individual soul, because we are all divine and it’s time we start acting like it! I want the images I create to bring peace, joy and beauty to those who surround themselves with my work.
My artistic career began when I was a junior in High School when I took my first art class. My father was a musician and a music teacher. He sat me down when I was in 3rd grade and asked what instrument I wanted to learn…he proceeded to explain a few instruments, when he got to the violin his description peaked my interest. He said, “It’s the easiest instrument to make noise on, but the hardest instrument to make sound beautiful.” The description resonated with me. To fill my art credits I took music classes and was first chair until 8th grade. Then peer pressure happened. I quit the violin. My teacher actually cried when I told him I was dropping out. Oh well, I thought that was weird. Now I totally understand!
However, if that had not happened, I wouldn’t have taken that Art Class…the one that changed my life. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher of some kind. I did not want to teach music because I’d heard enough beginning violin noise to never want that career!!!
Coming back to music at around age 40, while meditating, and listening to fabulous music, I had this thought process… “I need to make beautiful music, but not the violin. I’m an alto, and my Mom’s name is Viola. I should play the viola! We had just got our tax refund, so my husband immediately took me to buy a viola. I didn’t even know that I would have to learn a whole new clef! By that time I was a busy artist, full time art teacher in the public school systems, high school mostly and had 6 kids demanding my time. Re-learning music has been hit and miss over the years, lots of wonderful viola teachers, and finally the opportunity to play in our local Symphony. Henri Matisse was both an artist and a musician…I suppose I can do both!
After 30 years in the public school system, teaching art and loving every minute of it I am now retired. I paint every evening from 5 to 10 pm approximately. I start my day with yoga and pilates, then viola practice, and then work on marketing my business.
I still manage a very busy household. My youngest son is Down Syndrome. He is very awesome, and is my forever baby. You would love him! At the present time my 17 year old Grandson also lives with us. My husband and I have been married 40+ years, and are still going strong. He is my best friend and my greatest support.
I also help run a non-profit business called the ‘Tooele County Arts Guild’. I have been the President twice, and am now the Treasurer. We meet every Tuesday night for either Figure Studies, Plein Air painting, or group meetings. As treasurer I write grants, manage our funds, and help wherever asked. We host a Renaissance Fair every year, and host 2 community art shows a year.
I also teach adults in my home on Wednesdays. At present I am participating in a program called ‘Creative Aging’ and have a grant to help me make great things happen. I currently have 12 students. I know…I’m too busy! But it keeps me happy and engaged!
Art Festivals are my favorite Venue. I participate in at least 1, often 2 Art Festivals each summer Month, and keep my eye out for Plein air competitions. I’ve won a few ribbons and some money over the years. The most important part of my busyness are the friendships and relationships I’ve developed over the years. People, and my friendship with them have greatly enriched my life.
Courage. That is what I have an abundance of. It might even be my superpower! That and color.
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?
‘When the student is ready the teacher appears.’ Underlying all my success is my belief in God, and that I am divine and have a divine destiny, and specific assignments I accepted before coming to this earth. My spiritual foundation permeates all I do. Sometimes I look at all the knowledge I do not yet have, and feel overwhelmed. I want to learn it all. Then I breath deeply, and repeat “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, one at a time.” That’s my Mantra. Whew.
I took what I thought was an early retirement at the age of 57 in 2014. I withdrew all my Pension, at a significant penalty, and thought I had to spend it all in one year. I took art workshops from many professional artists, it was such a fabulous year, and my painting improved substantially. It was worth every penny, although monetarily I have yet to recover my investment. At the present time I am actively increasing my online presence, thus this interview. Online workshops and webinars fill my days.
I did return to teaching for a few more years, until COVID19 hit and I decided a younger teacher could take my position. I returned to my Art Business full time.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Since I paint a lot of flowers, my most common collectors are ladies who are about my age, and have a need to surround themselves with the beauties of nature. If they are local, they also make time to come and learn how to paint with me.
I am often surprised by the variety of collectors that emerge on a daily basis. My online presence is strong. I’m easy to find, and have many price points to take care of the needs of many.
I love to do commissions, unlike a lot of my artist friends. I guess I’m a people pleaser, and that makes commissions fun. My collectors are with me every step of the way, and I am able to communicate effectively with them to make sure their vision is being realized. Hopefully we become fast friends!
Contact Info:
- Website: nilajaneautry.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/nila_jane_autry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EternalOilsbyJane
- Youtube: @nilajaneautry
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
I took all the images, except my husband took the booth shot.
