We were lucky to catch up with Aurea Castro recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aurea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m currently feeling really happy, but I must admit that my artistic journey had it’s ups and downs when it comes to joy. However, I’ve finally reached a point where I’m genuinely content with my work, myself, and the goals I’m striving for. Expressing myself through my art is like an extension of who I am, and I don’t think I’d be able to experience this same sense of fulfillment in any other job. Working for someone else in a regular position wouldn’t allow me the same level of freedom and passion that my art provides.

My art gives me the opportunity to express myself, make a difference, and even earn an income doing something I’m deeply passionate about and love. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work can create a positive impact. This alignment of passion and purpose is what brings me the greatest joy and a sense of true success. I’m dedicated to continuing my artistic journey, as it’s not only my source of happiness but also a meaningful way for me to make a difference in the world.

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.

Hello! I am Aurea, an artist, business owner, and Virtual Assistant, with a lifelong passion for creating art and empowering others.

Art has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. However, I didn’t always have the confidence to pursue it as a full-time career due to the lack of encouragement from those around me. Dealing with multiple mental health difficulties during high school further discouraged me from pursuing art or even wanting to continue at times.

Fortunately, I sought counseling and consistent therapy, which became a major turning point in my life. Encouraged by my therapist, I pursued my passion for art and enrolled in school for it during my senior year. I attended Clarion University before transferring to Temple University, but being in a predominantly white institution posed challenges. My work, which focused on the Black community’s experiences, was activist-based and often misunderstood or overlooked by peers.

Despite these challenges, I persisted and graduated, but my mental health struggles continued. I eventually found the support I needed through an amazing Black woman therapist. This support, coupled with my study of Buddhist philosophy and meditation, transformed my life, my art, and my business endeavors. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder, which allowed me to better understand myself and manage my mental health.

After leaving college, I rediscovered my joy and passion for art. Free from constraints, grading, and judgments, I explored my inner child and expressed myself authentically. Art became a way for me to share my story, connect with others, and uplift myself and those who resonated with my experiences.

As a business owner, my focus is on empowering, uplifting, and encouraging Black individuals to love themselves, care for themselves, and grow personally. My business sells art and provides artistic services, including a coloring journal that empowers and manifests positivity. Additionally, I run a pet care business where I treat and love dogs as my own, providing comfort and care to their owners.

With my certification in entrepreneurship and experience as a virtual assistant across various industries, I’m excited to embark on a new business journey. As a virtual assistant, I will continue to help businesses grow and succeed while sharing my knowledge and creativity with others.

What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to mental health awareness, personal growth, and uplifting others. My art and services are rooted in empowerment, aiming to connect with and support individuals, especially within the Black community. I’m most proud of my resilience, personal growth, and the positive impact my art and business have on others.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand is all about authenticity, creativity, and making a difference. Whether it’s through my art or virtual assistance services, my goal is to uplift and empower others, creating a positive impact on their lives.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. As I continue to grow and evolve, I’m eager to connect with more people, share my story, and make a positive impact in the lives of others through my art and business endeavors.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

While in college at a predominantly white institution, I faced significant challenges in finding support for my art practice and grappling with mental health struggles. My artwork revolved around the experiences and activism within the Black community, reflecting my passion for empowerment and social change. However, my predominantly white peers often didn’t fully understand or connect with the depth of my art, leading to limited feedback and recognition.

Simultaneously, I battled multiple mental health difficulties, including depression and anxiety, which added an extra layer of complexity to my journey. The lack of support and the weight of personal struggles created moments of doubt and uncertainty about whether I could pursue my artistic passion.

Yet, despite these hurdles, I refused to give up on my dreams and my desire to use art as a tool for positive change. Through dedicated therapy and meditation, I found solace and strength to navigate my mental health challenges. Embracing my unique artistic voice and authenticity, I channeled my emotions into my artwork, using it as a means of self-expression and healing.

Rather than seeking validation from others, I focused on trusting my intuition and artistic vision. My resilience was evident as I continued to create art that held deep personal meaning, regardless of the lack of support or understanding from some peers.

As I progressed, I began to find my community of like-minded individuals who appreciated and resonated with my art’s messages, especially within the Black community. Through social media and art-related events, I connected with fellow artists and individuals who embraced my work’s themes and encouraged my artistic journey.

This newfound support and sense of belonging reinforced my belief in my path and my commitment to empowering others through my art. Today, I continue to use my creativity as a powerful platform for advocacy, uplifting marginalized voices, and fostering connections within my community.

My journey exemplifies how resilience and perseverance enabled me to navigate challenges in my art practice and mental health journey. By staying true to myself and connecting with those who appreciate my vision, I’ve grown as an artist and person, empowering others through my creations and fostering a sense of unity and strength within the Black community and beyond.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely, my creative journey is deeply driven by a profound goal and mission. At the heart of everything I do is the fervent desire to empower and uplift others, encouraging them to embrace their most authentic selves and find joy in pursuing their passions. My mission is to inspire individuals to discover self-love, unlock their potential, and move forward with a sense of purpose and positivity.

Every brushstroke, every piece of art, and every business endeavor is infused with genuine care, passion, and a commitment to fostering a community where support, encouragement, and growth thrive. I am resolutely dedicated to showing people that they don’t have to compromise their well-being or settle for less than they deserve. Instead, I aim to illuminate a path where individuals can flourish while doing what they love, guided by a sense of light, love, and self-acceptance.

My goal is to be a guiding presence, reminding others that seeking help, taking one’s time, and embarking on new beginnings are all part of the journey. Through my creative expressions and services, I aspire to demonstrate that it is not only possible but essential to create a life that aligns with one’s passions, talents, and dreams. My creative journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and the unwavering belief that each person has the potential to transform their aspirations into reality.

In essence, my creative journey is an ongoing mission to share love, uplift spirits, and inspire growth, both within myself and in those I have the privilege of connecting with. Through art, business, and a dedication to empowerment, my creative path is a beacon of hope, guiding others towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Contact Info:

• Website: aureasspace.com
• Instagram: aureasspace_llc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AureasSpace/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aureacastro
• Other: TikTok: @evolvingdiarie