We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Stavinoha a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Pursuing a creative career and making a living from it is no easy feat. I made the bold decision to leave a 15-year career in public education to follow my dreams of being a full-time creative. Fortunately, not carrying any debt has been a huge advantage, alleviating some of the financial stress that can often come with this path.

One of the hardest hurdles I faced was fully owning my identity as an artist. So many people try to belittle that path, with dismissive remarks like, “Oh, you’re going to be a starving artist” or “Why don’t you get a real job?” But once I started to stand confidently in who I am, I noticed a shift not only in my mindset but also in my work, particularly in my photography and writing.

As creatives, we often take an unconventional route in life, which can be hard for others to understand. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to be okay with being misunderstood. The journey can be lonely at times, and not everyone will see or appreciate your vision.

But perhaps the most valuable thing being a creative has taught me is to take risks and embrace fear. Often, the things that scare us the most hold the greatest potential for growth and success. It’s in those moments of fear where we find the biggest opportunities to thrive.

Jennifer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in the small town of Wallis, Texas, about an hour southwest of Houston. I graduated from Brazos High School in 1996 and spent a year at Wharton County Junior College before transferring to Sam Houston State University in August 1997. I earned my BFA in Studio Art with an emphasis in Photography in May 2001.

In August 2001, I began a rewarding 15-year career in public education as an art teacher, working in various districts across Texas, mostly teaching middle and high school students. However, in May 2018, I made the life-changing decision to leave public education and pursue my dream of becoming a professional artist.

My creative work spans across visual art, photography, and writing, all of which are deeply influenced by my travels, life experiences, and the things I love. My goal is to inspire others through my work and bring happiness and healing into their lives.

Today, I live in Frenchburg, Kentucky, a small town near Cave Run Lake and the Red River Gorge, which provides me with endless inspiration. I also spend a lot of time in the Big Bend region of Texas, another place that profoundly influences my art.

I believe that if you take a glimpse into my world, you’ll find pieces of your own.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I made the transition from being an art teacher to pursuing a career as a creative, I was navigating one of the most difficult times in my life. I had just gone through a divorce, and shortly after, my parents passed away. It was during this challenging period that I realized how short life truly is, and that if we want to live the life we dream of, we have to take action and go after it.

In the midst of this transition, I lost everything. I hit rock bottom and fell into a deep depression. But it was also during this time that I learned who was really there for me. There were countless moments when I wanted to quit, when everything felt impossible, but I knew deep down that pursuing this path was something I had to do.

Thanks to the support of the people around me, and my own determination to keep pushing forward, I’m beginning to see progress. My artwork and photography are now featured in a gallery in Lexington, KY, and some pieces hang in the offices of businesses in northern Kentucky.

Even though I’ve wanted to give up more times than I can count, I keep going. I’ve learned that this journey is not a sprint; it’s a slow, steady process that doesn’t happen overnight. No matter how tough things may seem in the moment, it all eventually works together to bring you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of my favorite sayings is, “Take a look around my world, and find pieces of yours.” I say this because I believe there are moments in life when we can connect with others through shared experiences. We all face challenges, and in those moments, it’s easy to feel isolated. Sometimes, all we need is to connect with someone or something, and that connection can spark the hope we need to keep moving forward.

My hope is that my art, photography, and writing serve as that kind of connection for others. I want my creative journey to be a source of inspiration and a reminder that dreams are within reach. I want people to see that they’re not alone in this world, and that with determination, anything they aspire to can be achieved. If my work can inspire someone to take a step toward their own dreams, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jstavinoha.com