We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, PsyD a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Clarissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
In a world where the conventional notion of a mid-life crisis prevails, I’m is on a mission to redefine the narrative. As a multi-passionate entrepreneur and advocate for creativity, I’m dedicated to helping mid-life, recovering people-pleasing and over-thinking creatives explore uncharted territories, discover new passions, and take control of their lives in unprecedented ways.
Breaking Free from Mid-Life Conventions
Mid-life is a stage that often comes with stereotypes and expectations – settling into a routine, focusing on retirement, and resisting change. Going to dinner at 4pm (and there’s nothing wrong with that!) However, I believe that this is the perfect time to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Mid-life doesn’t have to mean mid-crisis. It’s an opportunity for to write a new chapter filled with passion, purpose, and possibility. I’m personally determined to live a more fulfilled and abundant second act.
Empowering Mid-Life Creatives
At the heart of my mission is the commitment to empower multi-passionate mid-life creatives in their quest for new possibilities. Whether it’s starting a business they’ve always dreamed of, finally finishing that passion project, or redefining life on their own terms, I provide the guidance and support needed to take those crucial steps. My approach is also wholistic. It’s not just about executing some tasks. It’s also looking at who you get to become on the journey, and incorporating mind, body, and spirit.
Unlocking Creativity
Creativity is at the core of this mission. I firmly believes that everyone possesses creative potential, and it’s never too late to harness it. It’s not just about being an artist either. Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes. If you dressed yourself today, congratulations you used some creativity to put your outfit together! You used creativity to put a meal together. Through workshops, coaching, and a variety of online events, I help individuals tap into their creative reservoirs, enabling them to envision and actualize their dreams.
Creating a Supportive Community
One of the cornerstones of my mission is the creation of a supportive community. It’s called “Painting Your Path” named after my book and podcast. This community offers a safe space for sharing ideas, overcoming challenges, and celebrating achievements. I also facilitate classes within the group and bring on guest experts to share their experience, helping you to live life as you’ve truly imagined. It’s a place where individuals can connect with like-minded peers, fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement.
In a world where the status quo often stifles creativity, it’s my goal to is a beacon of hope, showing that it’s never too late to dream, create, and embrace a life filled with new possibilities.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a multi-passionate person – artist, author, podcaster, organizational psychologist by education, and transformational coach. My journey in life has always revolved around two core passions: creativity and helping others. These threads of my essence have woven together to form the foundation of my work and my purpose.
My Offerings:
In the realm of creativity and products, I’ve authored a book titled “Painting Your Path” (21 interviews with extraordinary women) and designed an accompanying journal. I also created a deck of powerful affirmation cards to help keep you going, especially on those tough days! These creations are designed to inspire and guide individuals who prefer to work on their own. As a transformational coach, I specialize in one-on-one coaching and group sessions for the person who’s read the books, listened to the podcasts, yet has challenges keeping momentum. I also offer a diverse range of online classes and events, both paid and free, that cater to personal growth, leadership, self-care, creativity, living life on your terms.
What I Do:
I excel at helping my clients unlock new possibilities in their lives. This could mean guiding them to transition from a corporate career to pursuing their own entrepreneurial dreams, embarking on passion projects like getting their art or book out in the world, or simply redefining their current life circumstances to align with their deepest desires. My approach is grounded in a proven 5-step framework that empowers individuals to realize their goals and aspirations.
Here’s some feedback from past clients: “Clarissa was my accountability partner, I told her my goals and she held me to it. As simple as it is, having someone enthusiastically cheer you on and hold you accountable especially during the times of self doubt is priceless.”
“Since starting coaching with Clarissa, I am confident that I will be leaving my day job to pursue my business full time sooner rather than later. After each meeting, I feel calmer and have a clear direction of what to do to keep moving forward with my business and timeline in which to complete different activities.”
My Pride and Joy:
What fills me with pride is witnessing my clients achieve the seemingly impossible. From the moment they take that bold step to showcase their artwork in a local favorite establishment to devising their exit strategy from the corporate world and embarking on exciting new ventures, or reigniting their creative passions like painting or sewing—these transformations are some of my greatest achievements.
What Sets Me Apart:
My work beats at the heart of leadership, wellness, and creativity. My approach combines artistic inspiration with practical coaching, providing a wholistic path to self-discovery and achievement. As an organizational psychologist by training, I get to leverage my know-how from that world plus all my experiences as an artist and someone who’s dealt with a plethora of health challenges due to burnout. Self-care and a growth mindset are foundational pieces to my work. What sets me apart is not just the depth of my creative offerings but my unwavering commitment to helping individuals craft the lives they truly desire. My clients aren’t just seeking change; they’re actively creating it.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivoting in one’s career, business, or life can be a transformative experience that often leads to personal growth and fulfillment. Pivoting out of corporate so far has been my biggest pivot!
I spent 11 years dedicated to a job that, by most standards, was stable, solid, and well-paying. It was a comfortable place to be, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t where my heart truly belonged. This was my dream career but I had always dreamt of owning my own business. That dream had been simmering within me for years, like a quiet but persistent flame.
As the years passed, I found myself caught in a cycle of delaying my entrepreneurial ambitions. There was always a reason to put it off – financial responsibilities, fear of the unknown, the comfort of familiarity, and I didn’t want to leave my work friends. Yet, with every passing year, the desire to pursue my own business burned brighter, making it increasingly difficult to ignore.
I decided to write about it. That’s how “Painting Your Path” came about. I was looking for inspiration from women who took a stand to create life on their terms. I kind of treated this book like it was a fun research project, and my main takeaway from the interviews was – just do it! There’s no perfect time. That was in 2018.
Fast-forward to 2020, I hired a business coach. Her first assignment: write resignation letter and date it! Holy heart attack. My original date was 12/31/20 but I chickened out. 2021 was the year. The world was changing rapidly, and I didn’t want to look back with regret, wondering what might have been. I knew I had to pivot, not just in my career but in my entire approach to life.
The pivot was not an easy decision. It required careful planning, looking at risk, and a gigantic dive into the unknown. It was a period of intense self-discovery (still is) and preparation. Finally, the day came July 31st 2021. My last day as a W-2. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. Leaving behind a well-paying job and venturing into uncharted territory was a monumental leap, and one I had to take.
It’s been a roller-coaster of a ride! Sleepless nights prepping for a launch, moments of self-doubt, and unforeseen obstacles to overcome. However, I was driven by the passion to see my dream come to life. I surrounded myself with mentors and community, sought guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, and continued learning every day.
Today, I can say that taking that pivot in 2021 was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve learned more about myself in these few years as a creative entrepreneur than I did in the previous decade of my career. While the journey has been challenging, it has also been incredibly rewarding. I wake up filled with a sense of purpose and a drive to build something meaningful. I’ve also got a toolkit of self-care remedies to keep me going when I need it the most!
Pivoting in my career and life wasn’t just about changing my job or starting a business; it was about embracing my true passion and taking control of my destiny. It taught me that it’s never too late to go for your dreams, and sometimes, the biggest pivot can lead to the most significant growth.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Before I invested in coaching, books and podcasts were my teachers. Here are a few resources to help you if you decide to embark on the entrepreneurial path. In no certain order.
Books
1. E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
2. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
3. Big Magic by Liz Gilbert (especially for creatives)
4. 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
5. Atomic Habits by James Clear
6. Building Your Business the Right-Brain Way by Jennifer Lee
7. Get Rich, Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas
Podcasts
1. Mind Your Business
2. The Life Coach School
3. Science of Success
4. The Cathy Heller Show
5. The Marie Forleo Podcast
6. The Good Life Project
Contact Info:
- Website: Clarissastudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.clarissacastilloramsey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarissaramseystudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccastilloramsey
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccastilloramsey
- Other: Private Online Community: http://www.facebook.com/groups/paintingyourpath/
Image Credits
Sonia Tapia Heidi Garcia