We recently connected with Kelly S Smart and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly S, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I have been an Artist for my entire life. However, I just started vending about 15 years ago when I was 40 and only on a regular basis about 5 years ago, I have worked an office job since 2002 and that left me only a little time to pursue artistic endeavors. Summer of last year the company I was employed with closed down and that began a new chapter of my life. Although I wish I could have done more with my Art earlier on; I am now getting the opportunity I have always wanted. It’s kind of scary to depend on my Artistic pursuits to bring in enough income for me but it’s also exciting to look at the possibilities. The future seems to be wide open and full of promise. I look forward to continuing this new journey to see where it takes me.

Kelly S, 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’ve always been artistic but I haven’t always had the time to pursue much in the way of creative endeavors. In the past; I considered my creations as a hobby and side job. Now, I am able to pursue things full time and I offer a few different things. I paint, create jewelry and I offer Paint Classes. I paint wooden boxes and ornaments and I am beginning Pet Portraits also.
I paint lots of different things, including wooden boxes, wood slice ornaments, Pet portraits and more. I do a lot of custom order Christmas ornaments and I am beginning to accept commissions for Pet Portraits now.
I specialize in high quality gemstone stretch bracelets and I also make earrings and necklaces. I do take custom orders for specific colors, gemstones or intention for bracelets and they are made to size. I enjoy creating a special piece of jewelry for a specific need. Some of the special requests I have done include bracelets for Anger Control, Grief, Addiction Recovery, Protection, Empath Protection, Self-Worth and ADHD Focus. I love the challenge of creating a custom piece for someone that is just what they need.
I hold Paint Classes in various locations and I offer Private classes as well for groups. If you are interested in a fun experience for a Girl’s Night, Corporate Team Building, Bachelorette party, Date Night or just because-Contact me! I would love to get something together for you! My favorite part of Paint Classes is ensuring everyone has good time and that they realize they can create their own masterpiece even if they don’t think they are creative.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

One of the best ways to support artists and creatives is to shop local and handcrafted! Personally, I love to buy handcrafted gifts when I shop. It’s much more meaningful to give a unique, one-of-a-kind gift that is helping to support another creative in the process. I frequent Mom & Pop/Small Businesses whenever I can too. They appreciate the business and I know I am shopping where it matters vs a big box store where your purchases don’t really matter.
Another way to support artists and creatives is to appreciate and acknowledge all the blood, sweat and tears that go into art. Don’t ask us to work for free or to give you a discount.. We have bills to pay also and this is our job. You wouldn’t go to Walmart and ask for a discount; please don’t expect one from us.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing that non-creatives seem to not understand is that we can’t force being creative. Sometimes the muse is there; sometimes not. An artistic block is very real and you have to just wait for it to pass. Getting stressed out over the inability to be creative makes it worse. I try to take my focus off art and do something else that I enjoy; such as a walk in nature, listening to good music or spending time with family. If I feel blocked for too long; I decide to do something creative each day whether I am feeling it or not. I might brainstorm ideas for paint classes or just doodle in a notebook. That helps to inspire me without adding more pressure. Another thing that always inspires me is to attend an art or craft fair. I come away with so many ideas that I can’t wait to start creatiing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moonglowhaven.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonglowhavenart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoonGlowHaven/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Moonglowhaven
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/moonglowhavenjewelry