We were lucky to catch up with Paula Cherie recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Paula thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I worked in the corporate world for many years before I gave myself “permission” to quit and pursue my passions full-time. I do think most artists have a different view of the world, and don’t like to be “worker bees”. We will never truly find satisfaction fitting into society’s mold of a typical career. I’m definitely the best version of myself working as a creative, where I can grow both personally, and professionally.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started off doing retro pin-up photography, inspired by the work of Vargas, and then moved into boudoir photography in 2015. And while I love empowering women to reclaim their self-confidence, I’ve recently moved further into the fine art world. In April 2023, I hosted a nude art exhibit at Lake Como Resort in Lutz, FL. I really enjoyed the curation process, and meeting so many different people from artists to patrons.
Business coaching allows me the chance to mentor other established creative professionals, so that we can create more art to enrich the world.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I learned that the starving artist is a loser mentality. It sounds counterintuitive, but the more you value your services and yourself, the more creativity you have. Creativity is an energy, and money is an exchange of energy. Charge enough to recharge! The obvious consequences of undercharging for your work is burnout, and inability to sustain yourself.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think non-creatives don’t understand that creatives abhor rigidity. We like to think outside the box for solutions, and need to the flexibility to come up with new ideas. Most of us don’t do well with set schedules.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://bio.site/paulacherie
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulacherieart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulacherieart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulacherie/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Boudoirbettyfl
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@paulacherieart
Image Credits
I’m the photographer in all of the images so image credit is Paula Cherie/Boudoir Betty.