We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luba Carlson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Luba, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project to me is Gratitude Art Journaling. It all started when my family and I lived in Texas. Money was tight, we only had one vehicle, and I had an 18 months old at home with me. To make the ends meet I opened an in-home daycare. Running a daycare was rewarding and, at the same time, isolating experience. I was so consumed with everybody else’s needs, that I forgot me. I knew I was approaching burn out fast and needed to do something about.
In my search for a relief, I tried guided meditations. Being a busy body and not able to sit still and do nothing that really didn’t work for me. I turned to adult coloring books. Surprisingly, those books filled me up with rage. They were filled with lines that somebody else put in for me, just like every other demand I had to fulfil during my day.
That was when I remembered my mathematical background, pulled out my pencil and a drawing compass, and created my first mandala. I was 39 years old. I was never interested in artsy expression of myself. Until that day, that is.
Fast forward a couple years and I found myself and my family stuck in the house due to COVID. It was hard and confusing time. I found myself searching for mental relief and a pick-me-up. That was when I learned about gratitude journaling.
My gratitude journaling started with a bullet point notebook simply making three entries a day. I didn’t find it very fulfilling as I didn’t get to spend time in my gratitude. I started to add doodles, different colors, and hand lettering to my pages. Then, I brought in paints, collage, and started to use mixed media.
Very soon I learned that the process of creating art in my gratitude journal filled me with peace. My breathing slowed down, my sleep improved, I became a better mom and wife.
I offered my Facebook community to try and come together and practice gratitude while creating art. Everybody reported major improvements in the physical and mental wellbeing.
Since then my Gratitude Art Journaling practice evolved into online and in-person workshops and classes and inspired me to pursue a certification in Trauma Informed Therapeutic Art Life Coaching.
Gratitude Art Journaling did not just help me with my mental well-being and helped me learned various mixed media techniques and book making. It has also provided me with tools to help others discover their creativity and use it to change their lives.

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

Luba Carlson is an inspirational speaker, artist, and survivor who has overcome numerous obstacles to create a life that inspires others. Luba’s journey began in the Soviet Union where she grew up in a family plagued by abuse and addiction. Her father was an alcoholic, and her family struggled to make ends meet in a tumultuous political climate.
Despite her difficult circumstances, Luba was determined to create a better life for herself. She pursued her passion for teaching, eventually earning degrees in mathematics and education.
At the age of 29 Luba met her husband and moved to the United States. She found herself unfulfilled in a new country and yearned for something more – a creative outlet that would allow her to connect with others on a deeper level.
That’s when Luba discovered art. She began to paint and create, tapping into a well of talent that she never knew she had. As she honed her skills, Luba realized that art was not only a way for her to express herself but also a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.
Luba is a published artist and speaker, inspiring audiences with her message of hope, resilience, and the power of personal transformation. She has channeled her personal experiences into her art, creating pieces that are both beautiful and cheerful, capturing the triumphs of the human spirit.
Luba is a host and producer of Arts and Crafts with Luba Carlson TV show on KPAO. The show can be viewed on her YouTube channel, Kalina Art Studio as well.
Luba’s art and speeches have helped countless individuals find their own voice and the courage to overcome their own obstacles. Her personal story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of pursuing your passions.
Luba is using her life experiences, education, and Trauma Informed Therapeutic Art Life Coaching certification to help others see the light at the end of the tunnel, reignite their creativity, and use different tools to build the life they want.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Growing up, I was never enough. My grades were not high enough. Why couldn’t I be just like my neighbor upstairs who was a straight A+ student. My singing sounded awful. How could I even be an offspring in the family where everyone played a musical instrument? I was clumsy and awkward. I also was very tall and had red hair, which was a reason for relentless bullying at school. I was told to know my place. I was told I was mediocre. I was told I had no future.
I learned to be quiet. To not voice my opinion. To not take up room. To look shorter in photos. To just do as I’m told. I learned to be invisible.
Much later in life I got very interested in belly dance. The drums, rhythm, costumes, colors, movement… I was entranced. My belly dance instructor taught me this truth: I can take up space. I can use my voice. I can move my body in ways that bring joy. I unlearned how to be invisible because now I wanted to be seen and heard.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I was highly influenced by Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. My biggest take away was to always follow up on what my muse brings me. I have even developed a rule that works 100% for me.
If a new idea enters my mind, I make a mental note of it but do nothing. If that same idea shows up a couple days later, I make a note in my planner and just leave it be there and sit and stew. When that same idea enters my realm for the third time, I know it’s not just a fluke and I need to act on it. And I do.
This works every time all the time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kalinaartstudio.com/therapeutic-art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerharmonyvisions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LubaCarlsonArtist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KalinaArtStudio