I am very excited to present Part Two of my ??? part series on awesome women entrepreneurs. This week's interview is with my dear friend Carrie Schmitt of Carrie Schmitt Art & Design. Carrie and I lived together in college my Junior year at Miami University above Bagel and Deli (with four other people!) It truly was like a VERY real episode of "The Real World" and it was pretty wonderful. Carrie has always been artistic and loving and generous and joyous, so it has truly been a pleasure watching her develop her art and turn it into something lucrative that she is sharing with the world. As you will see, her joyful spirit is imbued in each of her paintings.
Please enjoy and if you are inspired, please leave a comment! Thank you so much!

Tell us a little about yourself and your business. How did your interest in art develop? How long have you been painting professionally?
What hurts you, blesses you. Darkness is your candle.” Rumi
I have secretly wanted to be an artist my whole life. I tucked this dream down so deep that I did a great job hiding it even from myself. I was afraid of failing or embarrassing myself. They say each painting is a self-portrait, and I was afraid to share my vulnerabilities and imperfections.
When I developed a life-threatening allergy to heat in 2009, I was convinced that my life was over—at least a physically active, outdoor life. One day, a voice inside me whispered, “You might as well do what you have always wanted and paint.”
“I have?” I thought, surprised. But, as soon as I heard it, I knew it was true. It had always been true.
While stuck indoors for months due to the extreme heat that fateful summer, I picked up a paintbrush and began experimenting. Today, my art is licensed with 3 different companies that sell products all over the world.
Looking back, I am grateful for what at the time was a devastating diagnosis. And shocked that it took hitting rock bottom for me to surrender to my heart’s deepest desire. My advice to everyone is to not wait until you think your life is over to do what makes you feel the most alive.



How did you know you wanted to take fine art from something you enjoy for yourself to a professional level?
When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy. -Rumi
As soon as I began painting, I knew that I wanted to do this professionally for a several reasons:
- I want to live an artistic life. There is nothing I’d rather do than paint. It brings me a joy that makes me feel that my heart is exploding with each brush stroke. This feeling permeates into the rest of my life. I’m a more joyful and giving person.
- I need to make money to pay for my children’s tuition. Either that, or get another job where I’d be pining away for my paints each minute.
- I love the flexibility and prefer working from home. I’ve never been attracted to the 9 to 5 corporate world. I like being able to set my hours, have time to make meals, pick up my kids from school and adjust to their needs. Not that this is easy, but the alternative isn’t as desirable to me.
- I want commitment. Sadly, a hobby seems easier to set aside, to deem unimportant, to not invest in, especially when you are a mom with a million other things to do. The year we moved to the Pacific Northwest (2011), I only painted two days the entire year. That would never happen with a job, right? I wasn’t committed to myself as a “real” artist at that point. Today, my family and I view art as my job—it is not dispensable.

Forever capturing the beauty of a bridal boquet as a unique piece of art.

I know for many people, going from the “inspiration” and “dreaming” stage to taking that first step into actually establishing a business and making your dream a priority is often the most difficult. Fear of failure, thinking you’re not good enough, and wondering just how you can add this new venture into your already busy life can be debilitating. Describe how you personally made that first step?
Baby steps, for sure. Lack of time is my biggest issue as a mom. The process can be overwhelming if you don’t have some structure to model what you want to do. The good news is there a lot of women who have done this already—let their experiences guide you!
I’ve learned so much from other entrepreneurs who teach online classes about how to run a creative business. Two of my favorites are:
Taking Flight: Tips and Tricks to Help Your Creative Biz Soar by Kelly Rae Roberts. (http://www. kellyraeroberts.com/learn) This woman is a powerhouse when it comes to running your own creative biz. She is a HUGELY successful artist with tons of insight to share on everything you can imagine relating to any type of creative business, including time management, marketing, bookkeeping, social networking and more. She breaks it down into manageable and even enjoyable process.
Smart Creative Women. (www.smartcreativewomen.com) Monica Lee interviews successful creative entrepreneurs who share their journey and what they’ve learned along the way. What I love most about this is that you are listening to women who have made their dreams come true. It is quite inspiring. And contagious.

Were there times when you felt like things just weren’t working out and you felt discouraged? How did you push through those feelings and keep motivated?
“Act boldly and unseen forces will come to your aid.” Dorothea Brande
I LOVE talking about this because I’ve had a bit of magic pop up in my life surrounding this subject.
Here’s the deal…
I feel discouraged A LOT. I cry sometimes. I fall into despair. As a mom, I am constantly frustrated by the lack of time I have for my art biz. Most of the full-time artists I know that are where I’d like to be in my career do not have children or had them after their business was well-established. This can be disheartening.
Whenever I’m on the brink of giving up and throwing my paints out the window, something wonderful happens. I receive a Facebook message from someone telling me how much they love my art. I win a garden art poster contest. I sell a painting.
I am delighted by the serendipity. I’ve developed a practice of ASKING the universe to send me a sign whenever I am doubting myself as an artist. I honestly beg the universe, “I really need some affirmation right now.”
The first time I actively asked, I received an email from a stationery company to license my work. The next time, I received an email from Metcolors, an art publisher and distributor, who wanted to license my art for home décor products. This has really worked for me!
What does this mean? I’ve adopted faith and grace as a part of my business practice. I don’t think I could keep going without these. When you are overwhelmed, ask for help. Release it and welcome signs into your life that nurture you.
What is your best advice for someone who wants to start their own business but might be feeling overwhelmed by all the “details” entailed therein? Where does one start?
- Believe in yourself and value your dreams/goals. They are not frivolous. In fact, quite the opposite. You need your passion, and the world does too.
- Start wherever you are and take at least one step every day in the direction of your dreams.
- Seek mentors for guidance, but DON’T compare yourself to anyone else. Your life situation is unique—honor that.
- Define your career path and priorities. I make lists all the time. Daily, weekly, monthly and long term goals. Check in often with yourself. Some people like to write a manifesto or mission statement to help them define their values and goals. I recently interviewed an artist who wisely said, “I’ve learned that when you put your energy in one direction, you can usually accomplish what you set out to do.” I agree with her wholeheartedly.
- Dive in and don’t look back. I’m inspired by the idea that time is going to pass whether you do that thing you’ve been meaning to do or not. Why not do it? An accomplished author once told me, “I’m a writer because I write. I have spent 10 years writing 8 hours each day. If I had been doing something else, then I’d be good at that instead.”
- Network—find a strong support group. I have made wonderful artist friends online through classes. Even though I’ve never met many of these women, they have become dear friends. We offer each other advice and emotional support that has been essential and life-affirming.
- Research, learn, improve, grow. I’m constantly trying to move in this direction with my art and business skills. I’m always trying to learn more, but not all at once. Be patient with yourself. Above all, be gentle with yourself.
What are some of your hopes for Carrie Schmitt Art and Design in the future?
To continue to share my art with the world in whatever ways I can because I feel that when I do, I am sharing the most joyful part of myself.
I dream of teaching workshops and hosting creative retreats for women someday. I’d love to see my artwork on textiles—I’ve always drooled over fabric.
I’ve learned what is most important to me is constantly evolving and growing as an artist. By focusing on that, I hope to welcome “success” in whatever form presents itself.
PS—To see an amazing documentary that will really get you thinking about Motherhood and art or passion of any kind, watch and share this video: Who Does She Think She Is? (http://www.whodoesshethinksheis.net)

Thank you so much Carrie for taking the time to answer these questions. You have truly inspired me and I am sure many others. Please take a look at Carrie's website here to see more of her gorgeous work.
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*If you are interested in being spotlighted on this blog, or know a mama that inspires you who you think may enjoy sharing their story of starting and managing a business while balancing family life, please don't hesitate to contact me via email (address is on the right!).