Meet Carmen Carpenter | Mandala Dot Artist

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

Hi Carmen, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from Texas, and I’ve always had a creative spirit. Some of my earliest memories are sewing clothes for my dolls, making friendship pins, and getting lost in beadwork and painting. That hands-on creativity was a constant in my life, even as my path took me far from home.

I served in the United States Air Force during the Gulf War, and that experience shaped me in profound ways. Traveling the world exposed me to so many cultures, colors, traditions–it opened my eyes to the beauty of diversity and the healing power of art across languages and borders. I’ve always been drawn to nature, and I see mandalas everywhere–in flowers, tree rings, seashells, snowflakes, spider webs, even the structure of fruits. That connection to the natural world continues to inspire my work.

My upbringing taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of creating something meaningful with your own hands. Whether I’m repurposing a wine bottle into a memorial piece or teaching others how to find peace through dot art, I carry those lessons with me. My background gave me a deep appreciation for structure and discipline, but also for freedom and expression–and that balance is exactly what mandala art offers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Outside of my professional day job, I’m a deeply creative individual. I’ve always found meaning in making things with my hands–especially pieces that carry emotion, memory and beauty. I first started selling my art in person at markets and fairs, just quietly putting it out there and seeing how people responded. Eventually, I opened my Etsy shop, and now I’m experimenting with a booth at Gracie Lane in Arlington, Texas. Each step has been a leap of faith, and none of it has been easy.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just create art–I create connection. My pieces are often made from repurposed items, like wine bottles, cigar boxes or clocks, and transformed into something meaningful. Many of them are memorial pieces honoring loved ones or marking personal milestones. I’m not a natural salesperson, and I don’t love being in the spotlight. I’m a private person, and I’ve always found it hard to “brag” about my work. But I’ve learned to let the art speak for itself. I put it out there, and if someone finds a piece that resonates with them, that’s the greatest reward. Knowing that something I created is now in a home where it’s truly appreciated–that’s what makes me proud.

This year, I’ve started teaching mandala dot art classes, which has been a whole new chapter. It’s a little outside my comfort zone, but surprisingly, it feels natural. There’s something so joyful about showing others a creative process that brings me peace and happiness. Watching someone discover their own rhythm and style through dot art–it’s incredibly fulfilling.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t have to be loud to be impactful. You don’t have to be a natural negotiator or marketer to build something meaningful. You just have to be authentic, consistent, and willing to share what you love. My brand, Dots2Dreams Art, is rooted in that belief. It’s about transformation, healing, and quiet empowerment. I want the world to know that creativity doesn’t have to be flashy–it can be gentle, personal, and still make a difference.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am today without the support, encouragement, and inspiration of others. My journey into mandala dot art began during the pandemic, when I stumbled across a virtual class through Yaymaker taught by Olivia “Livy” Taylor and Vickie Booth. Livy introduced me into the basics of mandala dot painting and encouraged me every step of the way. Her warmth and guidance made the process feel accessible and empowering. Vickie also played a big role in cheering me on and nudging me to share this beautiful art form with others.

As I continued to grow, I connected with two incredibly talented artists–Demi Davidson of Thoughtful Dots and Lauren Saunders of Love and Dots. Their work inspired me to push my creativity further, and they were generous with their knowledge and encouragement. Demi’s retreats have been especially meaningful. They gave me the chance to meet artists from all over the world, build lasting friendships, and feel part of a community that truly understands the healing power of this art.

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my family and friends. Their support and belief in me–especially during the early days when I was just creating piece after piece–gave me the confidence to turn this passion into a business and a teaching practice. Every kind word, every shared post, every “you should teach this” moment helped me take the next step.

I am deeply grateful to all of them. Their influence is woven into every dot, every pattern, and every class I teach.

Website: https://linktr.ee/dots2dreams

Instagram: @dots2dreams

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dots2dreamsart

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dots2dreams
http://pinterest.com/dots2dreams/
https://dots2dreams.etsy.com