We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kayla Nielsen Artist, Teacher, & Business Freelancer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kayla Nielsen below.

Kayla Nielsen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Smoky Mountains Artist: Having faced the challenges of starting my freelance business and working in nonprofits, I recognized a deeper need within our community—one that surpassed traditional marketing. As an art instructor and Soul Collage Facilitator, I witnessed firsthand the hurdles artisans face in pursuing their passions.

Smoky Mountains Artist was born from this realization, offering free or affordable services to generate vital digital interest for businesses, particularly in tourist towns in our beloved Smoky Mountains. Beyond mere promotion, the project serves as a catalyst for community upliftment, addressing prevalent challenges in Appalachia.

While starting small, the vision extends to hosting events or fueling projects that fundraise for local artists, businesses, nonprofits, and more in hopes of fostering support and unity. Together, we’re changing lives—one business, one project, one purchase at an art market, one social media post at a time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey began in 2012 when life circumstances led me to embark on a freelance business venture. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a diverse skill set that spans art instruction, Soul Collage Facilitation, content creation, project management, and marketing.

My brand, epitomized by the “Smoky Mountains Artist” project, is a testament to my commitment to community building and support. Understanding the struggles of starting from the ground up, I provide affordable services to generate digital interest, crucial in an era where visibility is paramount, especially for businesses in tourist areas like the Smoky Mountains.

What sets me apart is not just the services I offer, but the genuine connection and support I bring. I’ve walked the path of uncertainty and know the importance of encouragement. From aiding businesses and nonprofits to empowering artisans, I strive to address the underlying challenges faced by my clients.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

In college, severe art criticism stifled my creativity, leaving echoes for years. A second chance paved the way to mastering a new skill, confronting underestimation and setbacks. Evolving into a successful teacher, I learned the art of detachment from opinions, granting me the freedom to stand unwavering in my truth. In the art world, I navigate with respect for tradition while maintaining confidence in my ability and vision. This journey embodies the essence of creative liberation—perseverance through setbacks, embracing passion, and allowing my artistic voice to resonate freely.

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

Since the age of 5, I aspired to become a history professor and archaeologist, guided by a passion for learning. Life and an unfavorable economy nudged me toward a higher-paying job, only to suffer a spinal injury that still lingers today. The dream I meticulously built seemed to vanish as my body struggled.

Yet, through the years, I’ve discovered that life had a different plan for me. The pain of losing what I believed was the key to my happiness transformed into a loving redirection toward my true path. Starting anew, I embraced the challenge of readjusting to life, refusing to give up.

There were moments of doubt when I questioned myself and my goals. However, those challenging times led to a position where I can now assist others. Life, with its unpredictable twists, has a peculiar way of working out. I’ve learned to trust the journey—whether starting over or navigating through setbacks, every twist and turn has contributed to the person I am today.

Embrace acceptance, trust the process, and recognize that life’s redirections may lead you to exactly where you’re meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smokymountainsartist.com
• Instagram: smokymoutainsartist
• Facebook: Smoky Mountains Artist
• Linkedin: Kayla Nielsen