We recently connected with Kirsten Maiwald and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kirsten, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Inspired by Optimism’s Mission: Art for Everyone
At the heart of my company, Inspired by Optimism, lies an unwavering and optimistic belief: Art is for Everyone. This mission is not just a statement; it is a heartfelt commitment to bring art into the lives of as many people as possible, transforming communities and enriching lives for generations to come.
Art has the power to transcend boundaries, connect people, and inspire change. We are thrilled to witness a growing movement that values art as an essential part of community life. My mission is to make art accessible to everyone, breaking down barriers and inviting all to experience the beauty and inspiration that art offers.
But we don’t stop at simply showcasing art. I believe in the power of participation. I want to include as many people as possible in the creation of art, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. Imagine walking through a park or past a building and seeing a piece of art that you helped create. It’s not just a visual experience; it’s a legacy- a story that you, your family, and your community can share for generations.
Inspired by Optimism’s mission is to create spaces where art is not only seen but felt. I want to build connections through collaborative art projects, where people from all walks of life come together to create something beautiful. This shared experience becomes a part of the community’s fabric, a testament to the creativity and collaboration of its members.
As I continue on this journey, I am inspired by the stories of those who have been touched by art. I am driven by the joy and pride that art brings to individuals and communities. Together, we are creating a legacy of creativity, connection, and compassion—one artwork at a time.
Join me in this mission. Let’s make art a part of everyone’s life, creating spaces where creativity thrives and communities come alive.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
BIO
For three decades, I dedicated myself to teaching in Haltom City, North Texas, focusing on bringing joy, acceptance, and personal growth to young people through art. My life’s work as a teacher and artist has always been about instilling hope and fostering community through the visual arts.
In retirement, my journey continues with a belief in the positive impact of art on our lives. As a lifelong learner, I seek opportunities to grow as a teacher, artist, and individual. I am passionate about partnering with organizations that promote visual arts through community projects and outreach.
I warmly invite people of all ages to join me in my artistic endeavors across the country. My vision is to nurture individuals into strong, productive, and creative community members, excited about contributing to its vibrancy and fostering a sense of unity and collaboration. Together, we can build a thriving community enriched by the transformative power of art.
ARTIST STATEMENT
With over three decades of experience in community artwork, I have dedicated my career to amplifying community voices and stories through art. My journey began in the 90s, initiating projects that extended learning beyond the classroom and fostered communication, collaboration, and leadership among students. This passion led to the founding of Inspired by Optimism, a platform that thrives on community feedback and participation, believing art is for everyone.
Throughout my career, I have designed, led and collaborated on numerous projects, transforming public spaces into vibrant canvases. My journey in the arts is driven by an unwavering passion to inspire and teach through visual creativity. With a foundation in art from the University of North Texas, I’ve evolved into a leader who combines organization, discipline, and empathy to bring ambitious projects to life.
My extroverted nature draws in a vibrant and loyal community, creating an environment steeped in kindness and mutual respect. As a multidisciplinary artist, I facilitate community artwork projects that aspire to beautify spaces and empower individuals and groups. I believe in the transformative power of art, and each project reflects my commitment to fostering connections and encouraging growth through creativity.
Partnering with organizations to promote visual arts is both my passion and calling. I remain dedicated to ensuring each endeavor carries a positive impact. My extensive experience enables me to design, organize, and facilitate impactful art projects that resonate with and benefit the community, fostering a sense of pride among all participants.
PRODUCTS AND PROBLEMS I SOLVE
My expertise in transforming complex projects into simple, strategic, and methodical plans is truly remarkable. By ensuring everyone understands their role and providing a stress-free environment, Inspired by Optimism creates a seamless experience for both participants and volunteers. My services include:
1. Strategic Planning: Designing projects and breaking down intricate details into manageable steps, ensuring clarity and efficiency.
2. Pre-Event Coordination: Conducting meetings and training sessions to align everyone involved, from student leaders to volunteers.
3. Resource Provision: Offering plug-and-play templates, donation letters, and Sign Up Genius for streamlined event sign-ups.
4. Leadership Training: Empowering student leaders to manage different project aspects, fostering leadership and teamwork.
5. Volunteer Management: Coordinating large groups of volunteers, ensuring everyone knows their role and contributes effectively.
6. Stress-Free Execution: Handling logistics so participants can focus on enjoying the event and contributing to the community.
My ability to create an organized, enjoyable, and impactful event makes Inspired by Optimism’s services invaluable. People hire me not just for my strategic prowess but for the peace of mind and community spirit I bring to every project.
WHAT SETS INSPIRED BY OPTIMISM APART FROM OTHERS
My unique approach to event planning and project management truly sets Inspired by Optimism apart in several ways:
1. Holistic Strategy: I don’t just plan events; I craft experiences. By breaking down complex projects into simple, actionable steps, I ensure that every aspect is meticulously organized and executed with precision. This strategic foresight guarantees that nothing is left to chance, setting the stage for success.
2. Empowerment Through Leadership: My focus on training student leaders and empowering them to take charge of different project components is a testament to my commitment to fostering leadership and responsibility. This not only enhances the event’s execution but also builds a community of capable leaders.
3. Comprehensive Resource Provision: By providing plug-and-play templates, donation letters, and utilizing tools like Sign Up Genius, I streamline the process for everyone involved. This level of preparation ensures that all participants have the resources they need to contribute effectively, reducing stress and increasing engagement.
4. Volunteer Coordination Expertise: Managing a large group of volunteers, often ranging from 75 to 100 people, requires exceptional organizational skills. My ability to coordinate such a diverse group and ensure everyone knows their role is a standout quality that ensures smooth operations on event day.
5. Stress-Free Environment: My clients appreciate the peace of mind Inspired by Optimism provides by handling all logistical aspects. This allows them to focus on the joy of participation and community building, knowing that I have expertly managed every detail.
6. Community Spirit and Impact: Beyond logistics, Inspired by Optimism infuses projects with a sense of community and purpose. People are drawn to our events not just to participate but to be part of something meaningful that contributes positively to their community.
These elements combined make Inspired by Optimism’s services not only invaluable but also distinctive. My ability to transform complex projects into enjoyable, impactful experiences is what truly sets Inspired by Optimism apart from others in the field.
TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES THROUGH ART: A PASSIONATE JOURNEY (written in 3rd person)
In the vibrant world of community art, where creativity meets collaboration, one leader stands out for her unwavering dedication to inclusivity and transformative experiences. With a foundation in art from the University of North Texas, she has evolved into a visionary who combines organization, discipline, and empathy to bring ambitious projects to life.
What sets her apart is not just her artistic prowess but her commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. “I’m incredibly proud of the positive feedback I receive from participants at my events,” she shares. “It’s a joy to see people from diverse backgrounds—regardless of their skill set, age, gender, or cultural heritage—feel accepted and valued.”
Her extroverted nature naturally draws in a vibrant and loyal community, fostering an environment steeped in kindness and mutual respect. This sense of community is at the heart of her work, where she brings people together to create meaningful experiences that transcend the ordinary.
Deeply involved in community artwork, she facilitates projects that aspire not only to beautify spaces but also to empower individuals and groups. “I believe in the transformative power of art,” she explains. “Each project I engage in reflects my commitment to fostering connections and encouraging growth through creativity.”
Partnering with organizations to promote visual arts is both her passion and her calling. She remains dedicated to ensuring that each endeavor carries a positive impact, enhancing environments and transforming lives.
As she continues her journey, she invites potential clients and followers to join her in this mission. “Please consider the depth of passion and community spirit that I bring into every project,” she urges. “Creativity not only enhances environments but truly transforms lives.”
In a world where art has the power to unite and inspire, her work stands as a testament to the beauty of collaboration and the enduring impact of creativity.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
Painting Against the Odds: A Tale of Creativity and Collaboration
In the world of art and education, opportunities often arise that test the limits of creativity and strategic planning. One such opportunity came when I was approached by an administrator from the district I had retired from. They had witnessed a professional artist create a mural during a leadership conference and wanted to replicate the experience with a group of high school students. The challenge? These students were not professional artists, and the district’s budget constraints made it a risky venture.
The district’s initial plan was ambitious: students would gather information during the conference and paint a mural over two days. However, I knew that high school students needed guidance and training to achieve such a feat. Despite the odds, I assured the administrator that it could be done with a strategic approach. My reputation and the fine arts director’s recommendation played a crucial role in their decision to proceed.
This project was daunting for several reasons. Firstly, I had never worked on a project of this scale with students I didn’t know. Typically, I worked with familiar faces from my classroom, but this time, we conducted a call for artists. Students applied with teacher recommendations, portfolios, and essays about their desire to participate. The dynamics of working with a new group were nerve-wracking, but I was determined to succeed.
We had three days to prepare before the leadership event. The first day was dedicated to team building and getting to know each other. Students from all four high schools participated, ensuring diverse representation. We shared portfolios, engaged in discussions, and began preliminary sketches. The second day focused on refining design concepts, and by the third day, we had color mock-ups ready. The students chose to create an 8-foot by 20-foot mural, which we painted over two days during the conference.
The live painting event was a spectacle. As administrators and attendees moved between workshops, they witnessed the students’ creativity and collaboration in action. Despite the initial challenges and budget constraints, the project was a resounding success. The mural not only represented the district’s “Portrait of the Graduate” campaign but also showcased the power of teamwork and strategic planning.
Reflecting on this experience, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The risk was significant, but the reward was even greater. It was a testament to the transformative power of art and the impact of bringing people together for a common purpose. This project remains one of my favorite sales stories, a reminder that with passion and strategy, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
One resource that has profoundly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking is the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. This New York Times bestseller came into my life at a pivotal moment, just after I retired and found myself struggling with the lack of structure that had always been a part of my routine. From kindergarten through my teaching career, my schedule was largely dictated by external factors, leaving me unprepared for the autonomy of retirement.
“Atomic Habits” opened my eyes to the necessity of creating my own structure and building new habits to succeed in my personal and professional life. The book’s core message—decide the type of person you want to be and prove it to yourself with small wins—resonated deeply with me. It provided a framework for incorporating exercise and well-being into my daily routine, setting a positive tone for my day.
The science behind habit formation and the concept of habit stacking were particularly enlightening. By implementing these strategies, I gained confidence in managing my time and focusing on personal well-being, which in turn allowed me to build other habits essential for my business. I became more structured, dedicating time to building my business, applying for artist calls, and networking.
Reading “Atomic Habits” not once, but twice, catapulted me into a place where I could be as strategic in my personal life as I am in planning projects. It taught me to design my environment for success, step outside of distractions, and hold myself accountable. This book has been instrumental in transforming my approach to entrepreneurship, helping me thrive day-to-day and ensuring my business can flourish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inspiredbyoptimism.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspired_by_optimism/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574817253425
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-maiwald-a3b6b22a/
Image Credits
Julien and Lambert Photography