Meet Carla Renteria | Owner of Artful Little Minds

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

Hi Carla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea for Artful Little Minds came from a deep desire to create a space where children could express themselves freely through art, while also learning how to care for the world around them. As an educator and artist, I’ve always believed in the power of creativity to build confidence, connection, and compassion.

I saw a gap in educational spaces where the arts were often treated as an extra rather than a vital part of a child’s development. I wanted to change that by building a program that not only centered art, but also encouraged environmental awareness and community engagement.

Starting my own business gave me the freedom to design meaningful experiences that help children grow artistically, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the earth and the power of creative expression. Artful Little Minds is my way of planting seeds of creativity and conscious thinking in the hearts of young learners—and watching them bloom.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It definitely took years of personal growth to build the confidence to start my own business. I’ve learned that running an organization requires more than just skills—it requires a deep belief in yourself and a trust in your vision. Turning an idea into something real takes courage, persistence, and heart.

One defining moment that changed the trajectory of my life was my time studying for my master’s degree in Art and Sustainability at SOAS, University of London. That experience opened my eyes to the urgent environmental issues we face and how to approach them through a social and community-driven lens. I realized that if you’re truly passionate about something, that passion becomes contagious—you can inspire others and build a movement.

That’s at the core of Artful Little Minds. It’s more than an art program—it’s a community rooted in creativity, purpose, and care for the planet. I want the world to know that our story is about using the power of art to spark change, and that even small hands can make a big impact.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my son—he is the heart behind Artful Little Minds. Becoming a mother completely shifted my perspective and made me realize what truly matters. It’s not just about teaching art—it’s about protecting our planet for our children and the generations to come.

His presence in my life gave me the courage to step outside of my comfort zone and build something with meaning. That deep belief in creating a better world through creativity is what drives me. It’s also what led me to form the incredible partnerships I’ve had the privilege of working with—people and organizations equally committed to awareness, sustainability, and community.

Website: https://www.artfullittleminds.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artfullittleminds/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092597798573