We were lucky to catch up with Kada Goalen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kada thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Best Investments: 1. Letting go of the need for balance and focusing on presence instead.
As a small business owner and single mom, I initially struggled with finding a work-life balance as my business grew. Rather than lean into the guilt of not being with my kids and/or not working hard enough on my business, I got to the point where I let go of needing “balance” and focused instead on the quality of engagement while at home or work and my presence in each situation. I’m fortunate to have a great community of support and love for myself and my kids; when I am working, I know they are being loved and taken care of; this helps me focus on my art entirely. And knowing that when I am not working, I have given it all my presence and focus allows me to let go of not being there when I am with my kids, which opens the door for me to be present with them.

2. Investing in people who can support me and my business
As a creative, I did not study business but running my business itself is a big part of my work. As I became more successful, I was able to build a team of people to support me in managing areas that are not my area of expertise which opened the door to much more time for creativity and the creation of my art. If I could talk to my younger self, I would say to invest in both of these things sooner; letting go of needing to feel balance and focusing on presence in all situations instead and hiring the right people to help you grow your business so you can focus on your craft. Both pay significant dividends and are worth the expenditure.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

This is something I continue to work on. Sharing consistently in various manners in each account, for example, reels, stories, and posts on instagram, has been helpful The investment in hiring someone to manage this has also been helpful.This allows me to spend my time on my art and have someone familiar with social media support the process for me. No matter how you share, I think the most significant piece of advice I will offer is to communicate often and sincerely, as yourself. There are many successful people on social media who can be an inspiration for you, but remember to continually work to be yourself. It is you and your unique offering, perspective, and/or work that people will be at attracted to. Engaging with your followers as yourself is the best way to continue to build your audience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I am so thankful to have realized my dream with my career. Bringing my client’s dreams for their space to life in a meaningful and collaborative way is the most rewarding part of my work. The wonderful people (clients, designers, and apprentice artists) I get to work with daily and the art and beauty we put into the world make me feel grateful every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kada-creative.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kada_creative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kadacreative1
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kada-goalen-526916205
• Other: More on the included photos. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFSuG9mPws/e902-AWFdERZPeLTYQDusg/view?utm_content=DAFSuG9mPws&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Image Credits
Basecamp photo by Tuck Carruthers