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

Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business really came down to purpose, passion, and a long-standing desire to chart my own path. I’ve always been drawn to work that feels meaningful – work that creates impact, builds connection, and allows me to use my strengths fully. Over time, I realized that the best way to do that was to create something of my own.

Entrepreneurship wasn’t just about independence for me; it was about alignment. I wanted the freedom to pursue ideas I genuinely believe in, the flexibility to serve people in a way that feels authentic, and the ability to shape my work around my values. Starting my own business became the natural next step – a space where passion meets purpose and where I can wake up every day knowing I’m building something that reflects who I am and what I care about.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have multiple projects going on at the moment. One is my personal art. I really began painting more during COVID lockdown and it’s one of the only activities that stops my brain from overthinking. It calms my mind and allows me to problem-solve at the same time. Second, is a project near and dear to my heart: Dress with Dignity. This organization will allow woman in transition to build a working wardrobe as they begin their new life. And third is the Art Club of Fort Worth. This is just beginning, but I am meeting and connecting with different individuals and organizations every day. I believe this club will fill the gap so many of us are missing from the lost of the Fort Worth Community Art Center. My hope is to connect various artists (visual, performing, recording) and art lovers on a regular basis through events, opportunities, workshops, classes, exhibitions and field trips.

How I got to where I am professionally has not been an easy road. I have struggled with self-worth, addiction, and depression. I lacked confidence and turned to alcohol to build it up through self-medication. I overcame this by starting therapy and becoming a member of a 12-step program. This provided the awareness I needed to ask for help, to look for answers, and gather information – get curious basically.

The biggest lesson I can share is to listen to your inner calling and intuition. It is not wrong. I ignored mine for so long and did not know how to even start that path. Now that I am living my authentic self, I get to provide services to my community, connect with other artists, and expressing myself creatively.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Listen, I moved to Fort Worth several months before COVID lock-down and I was fortunate enough to have a stay-cation to get to know my new town.

Because it’s Fort Worth, you cannot ignore it’s western heritage. I always take out-of-towners to The Stockyards to watch the daily cattle drive and pose on a longhorn. You can find shopping and BBQ all around.

The other item you cannot miss are the world class museums the Cultural District. I prefer the contemporary art at The Modern and American art at The Amon Carter Museum. They both have docent led tours explaining current exhibits. The Amon is free to all! My favorite restaurant is Cafe Modern offering seasonal menus and Texas ingredients. Take a class at Savor Ceramics!

Other areas not to miss are Sundance Square, Near Southside, and Riverside. Sundance Square offers the Water Gardens, shopping and dining galor. I like to eat at the Istanbul Grill before going to a show at the Bass Performance Hall.

Near Southside is a casual, creative area with lots to do. I like to hit the Third Thursday Art Crawl and see what’s happening in this community.

For more shopping, food, and entertainment, head to the Riverside part of town because it has the best vegan restaurants. Head to the Spiral Diner & Bakery for brunch.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First of all, I have to say that growing up, I didn’t always feel supported in my artistic interests although I was exposed to various forms of art. I’ve come to realize that my family and close family friends gave me something just as important – a safe and stable place to grow. Even if they didn’t fully understand my creative side, their steadiness allowed me to trust my intuition later in life and come into my own.

Second, therapy and my 12-step recovery work have also been huge parts of my growth. Doing the inner work gave me clarity, confidence, and healthier lifestyle patterns – things I needed to trust myself, follow my intuition, and move forward in my business with a stronger sense of purpose.

Recently, I have worked with Barbara Gale with PalmScience. She has been a meaningful influence. Her insight and tools help me to be my authentic self and see my own path more clearly. She offers perspective at a time when I really need grounding, and her guidance stays with me as I build my business.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from Kathryn Ikle with Third Identity. She not only believes in my vision; she inspires me to go for it. Her guidance helps me navigate decisions that felt overwhelming in the beginning and keeps me on the right track.

I’m constantly inspired by the creatives in our area whose talent and generosity remind me why community matters so much.

Instagram: @lisa_halperin; @artcluboffortworth

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