Meet Cara Lockwood | Aritst/Creative Life Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cara Lockwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cara, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Authenticity. When I first started growing my business in the online space, I was consumed with watching others in my field and trying to emulate them. I tried to be like them, talk like them, paint like them, etc. It was tiring, so much so that I just burnt out on the whole deal. I remember, it vividly. One day, during a live someone asked me, why I moved to Texas from California and if I missed my (grown) kids. I began telling my story. That’s when the connections started happening. I realized that being myself, was the best I could be. Since then, I find that I attract the ladies that I most enjoy serving!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is inspired by color and nature… it seems that’s what most artist say, huh? But really, nature puts me at ease, and at the same time leaves me in awe. I am writing this while looking out onto my back patio and there is a Hollyhock plant just starting to bloom. I swear, I have walked out there five times today to get a close look at the bright chartreuse leaves and the magenta flowers bursting out of the pocket-like buds. I am positive they will be showing up in my art soon. I am not really sure what sets me apart from others. My art is bright, and bold. Sometimes I paint real tight, and sometimes I loosen up with scribbles and fun marks. I paint what I feel like painting, rather than sticking to a style. I admire artists that have a style that sets them apart from the rest… that’s just not me. I am too curious!

I am most proud, that I decided I wanted to learn to be an artist, and I have done just that. I haven’t been trained, and when I tried to take classes, I became frustrated at the constrictions… so I quit. But I didn’t quit art, just the classes. I had to learn, but learn the way that motivated me… thats by trying lot’s of new things, enjoying the process, and taking risks. When I teach, I try to keep this in mind and encourage my crew to play.

I’ve learned that there are two types of artists. Those who hold close to their work. Protect it, not liking to share their processes for others to see. Those artists become frustrated easily when others are inspired by them and try “their” style. Then their are artists that share, encourage, and help others to grow. I am committed to work with and help others. The tag line to to my business is Art, Community, Collaboration. I truly believe that there is plenty of room for all of us out there. If we work together, and support each other, we will accomplish much more, and be much, much happier!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite city in Texas is McKinney. More specifically Historic Downtown McKinney. It has something for everyone. If you are a foodie, I would visit Harvest Restaurant. They serve the best craft cocktails and farm to market food. There are museums, art galleries, boutiques, live music outdoors, and an amazing farmers market on Saturdays. Of course we would visit my Studio at the Millhouse Foundation as well!

After a few days in McKinney, I might take a day or two on one of the many Lakes. Standup padel boarding is one of my favorite summer activities, and of course a little time tubing on a rented motor boat is always fun. I love to listen to live music outside. Barnhill Winery in Ana is a fun venue that features cover bands.

I live on a small lake in Crossroads, Texas, so in reality, we would probably spend plenty of time in the back yard, barbecuing and sipping on some wine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey to becoming an Artist and Creative Life Coach began with my love of Furniture Painting and a company called DIY Paint by Debi’s Design Diary. The owner of that company is quirky woman named Debi Beard. She has a passion for small businesses and teaches her retailers how to use social media to attract the audience that will love you. Debi became a mentor to me early on in my second career. She believed in me, pushed me, and cheered me on. I was encouraged by her to “Wave my Freak Flag” and just be me!

I also want to “Shout Out” to my #CarasCrew. The amazing woman in my membership group (Cara’s Color Me Cretive – Artists in the Making) have been a pillar of strength to me. I wish i could find the words to express to these amazing artists how much they have encouraged me along the way and how important they are to me. When I began this journey, I had no idea that it was community that I was looking for. I had no idea that community is what others were looking for as well. I am blessed everyday that I get to serve in such a way.

Website: https://carascolormecreative.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carascolormecreative/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carascolormecreative