Working Towards Our Purpose

Welcome to Working Towards Our Purpose, a podcast that

offers a different perspective on what a job can be. For everyone

out there that's heard that voice in the back of their head asking for something

more, it's time to listen to it. I'm your host, Gino,

and join me as I interview people who have decided to work in their own

purpose. Together, we will learn, become inspired,

and hopefully find our own path towards working in our purpose.

Hey, everyone. Thank you for tuning in and listening. Today on the

podcast, I talked to Elizabeth Taylor of LaCroix Artistry.

She has what I think is a really unique art business, where she

sells her art to other businesses in the form of

custom chalkboards and window paintings. But she also does

more traditional art like canvases and apparel and you

can check all that out on her website that I will link in the show

notes. We talk about her transitioning into doing her

art full time. We talk about work life balance and

the importance of setting your own schedule. So let's just jump

right into our conversation. Thanks for being here. And, to

start, can you tell me a little bit about yourself, a little bit about what

you do and your art and that sort of thing? Okay. My name is

Elizabeth Taylor, and my business is LaCroix Artistry.

I've been in business since January of

2021, and my main gig is painting

windows, different seasonal things on windows, but I also

do canvas art, mural work, chalkboards.

And then I do take commissions and stuff as well as

through art shows throughout the year. Awesome. Awesome.

So you said in 2021 is when you started doing is

that when you started, like, full time on your own doing art? Or

well, I incorporated and got my LLC in

January, and I was still working part time at that

point. But then in June of 2021, I left

my part time job and went full time into art. That's

awesome. Congratulations. Thank you. So what was

the part time work that you were doing and, like, the the jobs that you've

done before? Was it something that you didn't, you

know, really feel aligned or passionate with and art was kinda always

the goal? Or how what was that, like, transition like? So the

transition actually started about, I wanna say, 5 years ago. I

was full time into logistics. I worked for a logistics

company. And I had 2 kids, and they were

very small. And I was paying for a daycare and looking for someone to put

them on the bus and someone to get them off the bus and working, you

know, 50 to 60 hours a week, and it was

just miserable. And so, I wanted to do something

more meaningful and obviously have more time with my children.

And at that point, I hadn't even started doing art. I just quit

because I was unhappy, and I figured that I would find a

job. And when I quit, then I started just volunteering and I

worked for a couple of nonprofit organizations just doing some fundraising

and then I went part time into a therapeutic

mentorship program. And so I worked with at risk youth, and that was

my part time job. So it was fulfilling at that point. It was a meaningful

job, but it was still only part time. And then I was also, you

know, just painting for myself at home, and then I

started to kinda share my art, and then people responded

to it. They they liked it, and then I started getting commissions.

And then eventually, it ended up being, windows that people were

requesting me to do. And then that was kind of it. I

got so busy that I couldn't support the part time job either. So I just

ended up having to go full time, which was good. It's a good problem to

have. For sure. For sure. So has art always been something that has

been, like, a big part of your life or is it more of a, like,

a recent discovery? It's more recent. You know, when I was a kid,

I used to draw a lot. And I used to, like, make clothes and things

like that. I was creative, but I really took a break away

from art. And you know, went to went to college, I got a

degree in business management and then just started working full time and and

tried that route, and I just it just wasn't fulfilling.

And then really, it kinda started as just yeah. I guess I'd like some therapy

for me at home, just like painting for fun, and then

it it kind of developed into a a passion and something that's very fulfilling

now. And that's interesting. Do you think it was maybe you got away

from it because it was, you you know, thinking to yourself, like, oh, I have

to pick a quote unquote real job to go to college and and do all

this sort of thing. Do you think that was maybe the reason why you stepped

away from it for a little bit? Or Definitely. I didn't think that and my

husband reminds me of this all the time that when I first met him

and I had he I guess he had asked what I wanted to be, and

I told him that, like, when I was young, I really wanted to, you know,

draw and be an artist, be an architect. But then as far as, like, the

art was concerned, I was like, yeah. But, you know, you just can't make money

doing art. So, you know, I I went a different path to try to make

money and and, you know, do it that way. So

I definitely think that that, you know, took me away from,

from that avenue. But I'm definitely happier

now being an artist and being able to create and call that a

job. Mhmm. Yeah. That's, I think, interesting how

the, like, I guess, social narratives, like, tell you that you can't

do this or you can do this because I kinda had a similar thing.

I remember like when I was going to college, I I first never thought I

wanted to go to college, but then, you know, the closer it got, I was

like, well, you know, what else am I gonna do? I guess I have to

do that. Mhmm. So I went that path. And then I remember

as I was, like, picking my major, there was, I've always been into

music, and there was a major that was audio engineering. And,

like, I really wanted to do that, but I

picked mechanical engineering because that one seemed, I guess, like the

smarter decision. You know, you a job that you can actually make money in and

that sort of thing. And, yeah, it's interesting. Like, the things that sway

us and, you know, coming back and maybe realizing that it

wasn't such a bad idea or maybe, you know, you can do stuff to make

money. But yeah. Interesting. So can you talk about, like, the

range of products that you have? And you said, like, window art is

something that you found that people, you know, are

gravitating to and that sort of thing. What what's it like to have, like,

products that you find that the market needs versus, like, the products that

you would want to do and maybe the market doesn't need it? Like, what's the

balance between that? I mean, I would say

because, you know, I am a business, and this is my full time

job, I would say probably between 80, 90% is marketed, you know,

towards creating for other people. And then I would say probably 10 to 20% is

reserved for for creating for myself. You know, when people think of

not people, but I, you know, when I used to think about like, an

artist, you know, there's so many people who are artists, and

then they think, okay. I just have to, you know, maybe make a couple

paintings, sell them for, you know, 1,000 and 1,000 of dollars.

But that's very tough to do for a seasoned artist

and and definitely for, like, a beginner artist to kinda come in and and

be like, here. Here's my stuff, and this is what the value is.

But finding ways for businesses to

work art into their budget just was much easier.

You know, things like chalkboards or seasonal paintings on

windows, like, those are things that benefit a

business, and so kinda like marketing it towards them or

or painting what they want on their business to kinda help them

with what they're doing, that was how I was making money. So that's what

I've been doing to kinda keep myself going. And

then did I answer your question? Yeah. Kinda. I guess,

you know, what what I'm kinda getting at is because I I know at least

for myself, like, when I started in business and stuff, there was, like, things

in my head that I thought that people would want. And, like, you know, I

did that and then realized that, like, okay. I guess people don't really want this

or maybe they don't see it that way or you're not talking the same language.

And then realizing, like, oh, okay. Well, maybe I need to listen to, like, what

they actually want and then see how I can help them in that confine. So

I think that, you know, as an artist, that's a a smart way to

be able to think about it in that way. Because I think, like you said,

a lot of artists, you know, maybe sometimes don't think of it in, the business

perspective and, like, you know, how can I keep myself going so that I can

also still do the art that I want to do? Right. So I think that

that definitely separates you from a lot of artists out there. And,

what what do you think the, like, business mindset or or

way of thinking is influenced by? Well, my degree is in

business management, and so I've always had, like, a business mind.

And I've always just, you know, been very good with numbers and and

just kind of budgeting and, you know,

invoicing and stuff like that. So it really was just as I was

starting out and it was slow enough just kinda setting up the processes

and making sure that I was tracking everything and that I was setting

goals and, you know, kinda knowing

those things going into it. Yeah. That's

interesting because I think sometimes people think, like, you're either right or left brained and

you're either creative or you're, you know, you like math and that sort of

thing. So it's interesting to say that you kinda have both. And I kinda

feel in a way that I'm like that too because I went to school for

mechanical engineering and, you know, did did that path. So I have a very

like logical mindset, but I also like being creative too. So

I think merging the 2 is is helpful in, you

know, creating a successful business. Yeah, I agree. Yep.

What do you, think about like the whole idea of,

like, either waiting for inspiration as an artist or, like,

showing up every single day even if you're not inspired and and doing work anyways?

Like, where do you lean on that? I create every day. I touch my craft

every day, even if it's bad art, even if it's something that I'm gonna

throw away. You know, I strongly believe

that if this is what you want to do, if you want to be an

artist, if you want to make money off of of your art, then you have

to touch it every day. You have to promote yourself every day, and you have

to be consistent so that people remember you and that people know you're out

there, you know, in a way that when an

opportunity comes across their desk or in front of them,

they're thinking of you, and they'll be like, oh, yeah. I do know someone who

does that or, you know, somebody said something one time about

windows and that would kinda be cute, you know, or, you know, they get a

new chalkboard and then, you know, they think of they think of me.

So you have to be consistent, show people what you can

do, and just just stay in people's minds.

Definitely. So you said something about, like, promoting yourself.

What is it that you do? Cause I imagine that you, you

work alone in, in your business. Yeah. Yep. So what do you do

for like, you know, promoting yourself, and then as

far as, like, building community or finding community? Because I know,

like, I work for myself too, and sometimes it can get very lonely and, like,

you get stuck in your head. And meeting people and talking to other people who

have businesses is helpful for me to kinda get out of my own head and

think of new solutions. So what what are things that you do to

be able to communicate with other people? So

my number one thing is, like, when I'm working or when I'm painting on windows,

taking the time to talk to the people that wanna talk to me, Sometimes it's

hard because you it's you know, you're creating and people don't think

that, like people are like, oh, yeah. She's just creating. I'll just go talk. But

it is like it's an interruption, and it's an interruption in your

creative process, you know, while your paint is drying and you should have been blending.

But I've learned to definitely just stop and take the time to talk to the

people that wanna talk to me because 90% of my business is coming from

meeting people while I'm working. Also, you know, just signing off

and putting my name on my work, you know, like my

Instagram handle and stuff. I've I've I've gotten a lot of people from them. I

have a website that I have a lot of my work on, so

I try to stay active on that. And then, obviously, just the social media,

Instagram, Facebook, throwing events, and then just

where I met you was the 1st networking, event.

So definitely trying to get out and and talk to people and and

practice doing that because that is definitely an area that I lack

is kind of being able to talk about my business and kinda

like other people's businesses and feel knowledgeable enough

to have conversations with people when I don't know a lot about

everything. You know? Mhmm. Yeah. No. That's definitely

something I've struggled with too and

kinda, like, tried to to change my attitude about because I think a

lot of times you try to, like, show up as, like, oh, this is

this is my business, and I know everything about it. And, like, you know, I'm

I'm a professional. But I think a lot of times if you could be vulnerable

and be like, well, I'm trying to do this or, like, I want to do

this, but this is what I'm doing now. Like, then is when you can get,

like, helpful advice from purpose. And that act of being vulnerable

can be beneficial for yourself. So

something I try to do. Again, you know, being like a a

introverted type of person, it's it's not always the thing that you want to do.

But if you can, like, kinda force yourself to do it, it's that it usually

ends up being very helpful. Yeah. And just kinda meeting

people in passion. You know? It's not that I'm not that common

anymore, especially, like, after everything that happened over the past couple

years. And then just like with social media, I feel like it's a lot easier

for people just to connect digitally. But, you know, meeting

people in person and and connecting on that level, I think is

is far more valuable than, you know,

the digital realm. Yes. I agree. I agree.

So what do you do as far as, like, continuing to

learn whether it's about business or about art? Do you do anything

to, you know, learn different business techniques or anything

like that? No. Experience,

failures. You know, I definitely pay

attention to things that work and and

pay far more attention to things that don't work. You know, as far

as creating and relationships

and business tactics. I feel like we learn a lot when we're

uncomfortable and, you know, in an awkward situation that you don't

wanna ever be in again. So I would say that experience is most of my

learning. You know, I've always, like, set goals for myself. And so this year,

I did set a goal that I was going to, you know, do more self

help books and kinda learn about networking

and talking to people. So I've just kind of been doing a lot of

like those books, just like, I think the one that I'm

reading now is, The Gifts of Imperfection.

And so, you know, just like books like that that

basically they're saying, like, okay. Well, whatever you're doing, it is enough. But like what

you were saying, like, you have to be able to be vulnerable and open

and and, you know, show that to people to have a connection

and a sense of being and that type of stuff.

Definitely. Yeah. I think you can also probably, at

least me, lean too much into, like, the self help and reading,

like, you know, the theoretical versus the practical. Right? Like, I I

read tons of books and stuff like that, but if you don't ever implement

it, then it's not really helpful. So I think what you said about

learning by doing is probably, like,

90% of it. Yeah. It's good to have, like, knowledge of

of, you know, other people's ways of thinking, but I think you really

only learn, like, when you mess up, and then you're like, oh, I don't wanna

do that again. Right. Again, I have 10 hours of my life that, you

know, I'm not gonna get back or you know? So yeah. But it is

nice to kinda pair the 2 to have life

experiences and maybe not have been able to articulate in

a way that, like, a writer can. And then, like, even though you connect

with what they're saying in the book, like, oh, okay. Yeah. That

is kind of what happened to me here. And then you have words

for your experiences as well. Mhmm. That

definitely helps. So can you define, like, what success means for

you? Because I know, like, you know, especially

nowadays, there's there's so many different meanings for success. And I think in

a past life, it was just like money and your title and that sort of

thing. So what does success mean for you?

Success is being in complete control of my schedule and controlling

who I work with and, you know, what situations

I put myself in. And so if I can,

obviously, I have bills, I have kids. So if I can pay my bills, and

keep control of my schedule, I feel like I'm successful.

That that really honestly is is it for me. I just I wanna own

my time. And I don't ever want to have to work with

somebody that I don't want to work with, you know,

or do something that I'm against doing, you

know, I feel like in the corporate world, we're forced

into, cultures and ways of doing

business that don't align with who we are. So So I guess, you know,

being being authentic and being able to live a life that

that you align with are all measures of success for me.

So yeah. If that makes sense. I I definitely agree.

And I think that is a a constant theme that we've kinda hit

on a couple times. It's, like, the balance the work life balance part of things.

And I know, like, when I quit my 9 to

5, it was like like I was carrying this, like, huge anchor

that I was now not carrying. And I was like, wow. Everything else, all

other aspects of my life seem easier now that I don't have

to, like, drag that with me. So, yeah, that's

that's something that I also find is significantly important,

like what you do with your time and how you spend your time, and it's

the only thing you can't, like, buy. Right? Like, you can't buy more time,

so valuing that. What do you what do you

think that came from for you? Like, being able to

appreciate that because I know for me, like, it started a long

time ago. When I first graduated college, I, like, did the

whole backpacking Europe thing. And on that trip, I, like,

had, I guess, like, many epiphanies of, like, this is awesome. Like, why

can't we always do this, or why can't life be more like this versus, like,

the 9 to 5 all the time and you get 2 weeks off? Was there,

like, a a triggering point for you that made you

appreciate the time versus the money? Yeah.

Kids, number 1. That was that was, you know, the hardest

part. So before I had kids and, you know, it was just me,

and I would work 60 hour you know, I would work. I had, like, 2

jobs. I was going to school. I work, save money. But then, like, you know,

your kids are young, and you're missing out on so much time with

them. And I had 2 young boys and I worked at, like my

day started at 6 and I'd go till 3:30, and then we'd come home and

we'd do dinner, bath, and bed. So it was like you spent, like, 4 hours

a day with your kids. And then there was the the final moment for

me, which actually made me quit my job was my son. I think

he was like a year and a half because he he was running.

So he was, like, a year and a half, maybe 2, and he was at

daycare around the corner from my job, and he fell into

the corner of a table and cracked his head open. And so I had to

leave. Right? You gotta leave. You I had to take my kid to the hospital.

They had to stitch his face up, and I came back the next

day. Like, I didn't even take any time off, just half a day, and they

had taken a full vacation day, you know, out of my vacation time. And

I was like, what? Like, I was not on passion.

Like, plus, I'm salary, and I was here yesterday. You know? So,

like, it was just so bizarre that I was like,

that's it. I quit. And I never looked

back. You know? Because I it just seemed so crazy to me

that I would work for a company that, like, that was how they treated people.

And that was not just how they treated me. It was how they treated, like,

everybody. You know? Like Mhmm. And it's just it

was stupid. Like Mhmm. Like, it was just so

upsetting that they've just had absolutely zero compassion

for anything other than just being there, you

know, setting an example and whatever. So

that was it. Yeah. That story is definitely very

reminiscent of my experience in the 9 to 5 world or corporate world

and just the the lack of, like, connection and human

aspects of the job. Like, it seems like it that was always just so

confusing to me. It was always just just do the task and then, you know,

you're some some part of this machine and it it

nobody really, like, connects as humans or, like, has empathy or anything like

that. It's Yeah. It's definitely definitely something I am appreciative

to not have to do or interact with anymore. Yeah. Definitely.

Yep. Mhmm. And I feel like organizations, they are getting

better, at least, like, you know, from the outside looking in. It does look like

some corporations are trying a little harder, especially, like, with the allowing

people to work from home and, you know, that type of thing. But

still, like, if you can't treat people like people,

you know, just people shouldn't work there. Right.

Yeah. Exactly. So, yeah,

as, as we're coming to the end of our time, couple more questions

for you. What advice would you have for somebody who maybe was stuck

in a job that they didn't like and and they needed, like, the extra

push to to make a change in their life for the better. You know, one

thing I always, like, told myself is, like, after I quit I mean,

it was scary. It's definitely scary, but, you know, you're gonna fail,

but make sure you fail forward. You know? You're gonna fall down.

You're gonna have bumps in the road, but you just always just gonna kind of

keep keep going, try it out, you know, you're never gonna

know if you don't try. And, you you know, people like, well, let me just

get this, you know, paid off or get this down there, get this down there,

but there's always gonna be something else that's gonna keep you from doing it. So,

you know, if you have a good plan, or if you, you know,

have a dream that you absolutely at least want to try to accomplish, I mean,

you just got to try it. Just gotta go for it. You know? If

it doesn't work, you have to be able to, you know, be

humble enough to say that didn't work. You know? Either try it a

different way or you go back to what you were doing, but at least you

know, you know Mhmm. That that you tried. Yeah. That's

good advice. And I think, like, being able to

pivot is definitely helpful. And and like you said, failing and then just trying

it again and okay. That didn't work. Well, let me try this thing or let

me try that thing. That's definitely been my experience ever

since I've quite I've I think I've, like, pivoted my business, like, a

100 times, but, I think constantly being able to do

that is is one of the keys to not giving up, and not giving up

is the only thing, you know, you can do. Right? Right.

Yep. So for people that wanna support your work or check out your

work, where's where's the place to find you? I'm on

Instagram mostly, and that's at lacroix artistry, which is

lacroixartistry.

Or I have a website, which is lacroixartistry.com. Awesome. And,

I'll share the links for that so people can find it. And, and

thank you so much for for your time today. I appreciate your story. Thank

you. Thanks for tuning in and listening to Working Towards

Our Purpose. If you like this episode, please share it with a

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