We were lucky to catch up with Kailey Bonillas-Tracy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kailey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned my craft through a mix of the right mentors, personal exploration, and the self-discipline to keep at it consistently. Much of my growth came from personal projects and experimenting with different mediums. To speed up my learning process, I wish I had started putting myself out there sooner. Preparing is important, and I believe luck and being prepared go together like honey and cinnamon—but the sweet stuff is in the ‘doing.’ The application can always be adjusted. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just expressed.

The most essential skills for my journey have been adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to be present. Adaptability allowed me to explore various creative outlets, curiosity drove continuous learning, and being present helped me fully engage with each project or collaboration.

Albert Einstein once said, ‘Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.’ This resonates deeply with me because the biggest obstacle I faced was not the fear of failure, but the fear of success. I worried that success would mean I couldn’t play it small anymore or hide behind my learning and preparing. Overcoming this required a mindset shift and me embracing the idea that every creation is a step forward in self discovery and not a measurement of success.

Kailey, 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?

To put it simply, I make things for a living. Whether that’s designing art prints, curating playlists, or cooking – you can usually find me making something. I grew up amidst the Mars-like landscapes in Arizona, where my imagination was sparked by the vibrant hues of our sunsets within the stark, monochromatic desert. As a child of mixed heritage raised in a lively Mexican household, I was surrounded by rich flavors, textures, and traditions. I blossomed from very colorful roots. These experiences ignited my creativity and love for storytelling, which I express through multiple mediums.

At Mauve Martian, storytelling is the essence of everything I do. My journey, like many others, hasn’t been a linear path. I went to film school and upon graduating, found myself needing a job to pursue my creative interests. I ended up in the tech world a little longer than I anticipated, and to be honest, I often felt behind creatively. I knew I needed a change but didn’t know where to begin. Initially, I had so many ideas. It wasn’t as simple as following the white rabbit down one particular tunnel. It took time, but I soon realized that it wasn’t about how, where, or when to begin – but simply to begin.

Embracing this mindset shift, I understood that being a multi-passionate entrepreneur is not only acceptable but also enriching. Every recipe is a journey of flavors coming together. Every visual narrative, whether through animation or art prints, tells a unique tale. Every curated playlist is often a love letter through sound. I don’t want to confine myself to one corner of the imagination; instead, I look at each idea as a tree that needs to be planted and nurtured, allowing it to bloom in its own time. Giving up that control isn’t easy, but it invites the creative chaos that artists need to expand. While many people have a niche, I reject the idea that we must stick to one creative interest. The essence of creativity is boundlessness. Without limits, there is often chaos, but within that chaos lies the opportunities.

I am most proud of taking the creative leap into the unknown and developing each skill along the way. Additionally, I take pride in the graphic design work I’ve done for other entrepreneurs. It is very rewarding to come up with creative solutions for them to help showcase their product/service in the best light. Mauve Martian is not just a brand; it’s a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and the pursuit of multiple interests. I want potential supporters, clients, and fans to know that every piece is crafted with a deep sense of care and intention, aiming to bring a touch of magic into their lives.

Pursuing multiple skills and passions helps keep my active mind in the moment. I am very present when I am cooking, creating, and collaborating with others. I want each creation I share to encourage the ability to be more thoughtful. As a multi-passionate creative, I’m on a mission to build an empire based on alchemized ideas—a modern wizard turning inspiration into tangible, meaningful works. It’s a path of creativity and purpose, and I’m excited to share it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect for me is the ability to “play” as an adult, navigating the path from conception to fruition. Drawing from the depths of my mind to manifest those visions into the physical world feels like performing a magic trick. There is an enchanting quality in transforming daydreams into reality and sharing a piece of the mind’s eye with the world. The progression from an initial spark of inspiration to a finished piece is filled with wonder and discovery. Each step, whether sketching, writing, or crafting, feels like casting spells that bring me closer to what I want to see. Witnessing my inner visions materialize and co-creating with the universe brings me a profound sense of peace and fulfillment. The process of creation is a deeply personal and introspective experience. It allows me to explore different facets of my personality and emotions, and to communicate them in ways that words alone cannot.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Through the pursuit of multiple creative endeavors, I aim to generate the resources necessary to support larger initiatives, such as learning centers, community gardens, cat sanctuaries, and wildlife conservation. These projects reflect my unwavering commitment to giving back and developing nurturing spaces for both people and animals. I believe it is important to leave things better than how you found them, and that includes our beautiful Earth.

Accepting my own complexities has allowed me to authentically express myself, and I want this for others as well. As the saying goes, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” Exploring our diverse interests can be incredibly nourishing, allowing us to grow in unexpected ways and find connections between seemingly unrelated passions.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to embrace their inner child, explore their creativity, and be present in their everyday moments. By sharing my creations, I hope to spark wonder and curiosity, demonstrating that thoughtful creativity can make a significant impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mauvemartian.com
• Instagram: @mauvemartian.com
• Other: Email – more@mauvemartian.com
  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/zzdit513m6m1j17jjcvbcei3q?si=B8FF13i9SkW2_1RlnfaDsQ

Image Credits

All images were provided by Mauve Martian :)