Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Astacio . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alicia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories 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 am very happy as an artist. I myself consider art to be a “regular” job. Art is everywhere and everything we just give it different names. Like a pizza is named pizza but it’s a combination of things to a create a thing. . . Similar to a painting a poem. I definitely consider pizza artistry but so is the way someone walks or the way the way decorated their home. Or the way two artist can portray the same style hint differently. I love being an artist and No I never ever want to work at a regular job again. I feel like a regular job would require me being logical and being an artist requires me to be more imaginative. balancing both without them canceling each other out would be a challenge. I think I’d lose a little bit of my special sauce if I became “regular” I think I would be a lot less happy and a lot less free, to just be.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Alicia I’m an artist and a licensed childcare provider. My father is a creator and my mother is a childcare provider . They’ve given me their genetics and their entrepreneurial mindset. When I’m in childcare mode I provide a very intentional and strategic work/play space for young children and special needs children to explore, connect and thrive. When I am an artist I feel as though people can experience me without ever having to meet me. I think what makes me unique is that I am me and there is no #2 of me. Also I’m passionate, when I like something I LOVE it and it pours out of my aura. I am most proud of my perseverance, I don’t always know what I’m doing but my ability to find out always outweighs my lack of experience. I am also very proud of my childcare and my art work. I really pour my heart into both, you can see and feel it. The most important thing about what I’m doing is listening to my inner compass. Sometimes the outer world is so distracting and noisy we forget to check in to our inner world.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of The most rewarding parts about being a creator Is knowing that I am capable of bringing my thoughts and visions to life . When I create I show potential creators that they too can bring their visions to life. It’s this contagious empowerment but in the form of a painting or childcare program.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Society can value art again, to recognize that art is EVERYTHING. Every tangible thing was once just a thought. So many times we are taught that if creating doesn’t gain monetary value then it doesn’t hold value. That is simply NOT true.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pookiesproduce.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/pookietheplant_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==