We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lynette Hulse a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lynette, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
Looking back I wish self doubt hadn’t been an issue. Starting my business later would have meant missing out on valuable experiences and growth opportunities. Conversely, starting sooner could have allowed me to learn from mistakes earlier and build a stronger foundation. In hindsight, I wish I had started sooner, trusting in my abilities and seizing opportunities without hesitation. Believing in myself is the key to building success.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
From Rome to Hampton Roads: An Artist’s Journey of Self-Discovery and Creativity
Discovering Art and Overcoming Self-Doubt
Art has always been a part of my life, though for many years, I didn’t see myself as an artist. As a child, I was drawn to creativity, participating in plays, gifted and talented programs, and experimenting with drawing. In third grade, one of my pieces was even published in my local newspaper. Yet, despite these early achievements, I never fully believed in my artistic abilities.
Self-doubt has been a continuous theme throughout my journey. I have often felt like I lacked the ability to be an artist, questioning whether my work was good enough. But despite these feelings, I kept creating—because I didn’t know what else to do. Art has always been my refuge, my way of processing the world and my emotions, even when I struggled to believe in myself.
A Defining Moment in Rome
It wasn’t until 2010 that I realized my work deserved to be seen. Prior to that, I didn’t believe my art was worthy of public exhibition. However, in 2008, when I moved to Rome, Italy, I found myself surrounded by history, culture, and new inspirations. My breakthrough came when I hired a professional artist to teach my children art lessons. I felt unqualified to teach them myself. My teacher, however, saw potential in my work and encouraged me to showcase it. In a month’s time, I had my first solo exhibition at the American Embassy of Rome.
That experience changed everything for me. Standing in that gallery space, I realized that being an artist wasn’t about formal training or credentials—it was about creating. The only qualifications needed to be an artist are to make art, have the desire to create, and to keep making art. That realization gave me the confidence to embrace my identity as an artist.
Following that first exhibit, I continued to explore my creativity, holding another solo exhibition in 2010 titled Circled Series. These experiences solidified my passion for artistic expression and shaped my approach to art as both a personal journey and a means of connection.
A Global Perspective on Art
In 2012, I moved to Brasília, Brazil, where I spent three years, welcoming my third child in 2013. That same year, I had the incredible experience of dancing in the Confederations Cup, a moment that deepened my connection to movement, rhythm, and creative expression beyond visual art.
During my time in Brazil, I began experimenting with mixed media, incorporating household construction supplies into my artwork in 2012. In 2014, I started combining air-dry clay to add texture and dimensionality to my pieces, pushing my creative boundaries further. This shift expanded my artistic approach, allowing me to merge textures and materials in unconventional ways. My work became more tactile, layered, and immersive—an evolution that continues to shape my creative voice today.
Throughout my travels—16 countries and 30 U.S. states—I have drawn inspiration from diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences. My work is infused with these influences, reflecting a blend of colors, textures, and emotions shaped by the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met.
Beyond technique, my travels have deepened my resilience and adaptability—qualities that have enriched both my personal life and my artistic practice. Whether painting, mixed media, photography, or writing poetry, I embrace creativity as a universal language that transcends borders and speaks to our shared human experience.
Building Community Through Art
Since 2016, I’ve been actively involved in the Hampton Roads art scene, working with a local paint-and-sip company and engaging with the community. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of creativity—how it fosters self-expression, connection, and healing.
Currently, I am participating in the CANtemporaries Workshop and collaborating with the Contemporary Arts Network (CAN), an organization dedicated to supporting artists and building sustainable careers in the arts. Their mission aligns with my own desire to expand my artistic practice while fostering community involvement.
Expanding My Creative Vision
For me, art is more than just a creative outlet—it is a sanctuary. It has been my refuge during life’s darkest moments, a tool for self-discovery, and a means of emotional healing. Alongside my visual art, I have also found solace in writing, writing poetry, another medium I am eager to explore further. Writing, like painting, allows me to express myself in a way that feels both personal and protective, offering a way to share my inner world.
As my artistic journey evolves, I am also looking to expand my work into video and short films. Storytelling through moving images offers another powerful way to express emotions, ideas, and perspectives. Whether through visual art, poetry, or film, I am excited to push the boundaries of my creativity and connect with audiences in new ways.
Additionally, I am just beginning to independently teach vision board classes, guiding others through the process of visualizing their goals and dreams. This teaching experience allows me to help others tap into their creative potential and foster a sense of well-being through self-expression. I am also wanting to focus on private lessons with an emphasis on wellness, integrating mindfulness and art-making as a path to healing and personal growth. I believe that the process of creating—whether through painting, sculpture, mixed media or vision boards—can be a deeply therapeutic practice that nurtures both the mind and body.
I am especially passionate about helping people rediscover their creativity. I believe art is like handwriting—our styles are both unique and familiar, deeply personal yet universally understood. I love witnessing those moments when people, especially those who haven’t created in years, reconnect with their artistic selves.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue deepening my involvement with CAN and other local organizations, further integrating into the Hampton Roads artistic community. The region’s diverse range of artistic opportunities offers endless possibilities for growth and collaboration.
Continuing the Journey
Above all, my goal is to continue creating, inspiring, and sharing my journey with others. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that art isn’t just about credentials—it’s about passion, persistence, and the courage to express yourself, even when doubt lingers. My work continues to be a reflection of my personal journey, and I am eager to explore new avenues of creativity, wellness, and community-building along the way.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Relying on others’ judgments over my own instincts has been a significant lesson in my personal and professional life. I’ve realized that when something feels amiss, it’s often because it is, underscoring the importance of trusting my inner voice. This insight has guided me to make decisions that align with my values and well-being. Trusting my instincts has been a vital lesson in both my personal and professional relationships. This understanding has guided me in making decisions that align with my values and well-being.
When it comes to rumors and gossip, I stay authentic to who I am and choose not to engage. I believe that the truth always comes out, and maintaining my integrity is paramount. By not participating in gossip, I uphold my values and contribute to a more positive environment.
I’ve encountered situations where my strong work ethic was taken advantage of, leading to feelings of being exploited. Recognizing this, I’ve learned to set clear boundaries and communicate my limits effectively. By understanding my worth and asserting myself, I aim to foster more balanced and respectful professional relationships.
Building deep and meaningful relationships has been essential to my personal growth. I’ve learned that such connections require time, authenticity, and mutual respect. By being genuine and investing in others, I’ve cultivated relationships that are both fulfilling and supportive.
Ignoring detractors and focusing on my goals has been empowering. By staying true to my values and not engaging with negativity, I’ve maintained my peace and continued to pursue my passions.
These experiences have taught me the importance of self-awareness, clear communication, and resilience in building a fulfilling life.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2018, I faced a pivotal moment in my career. Working days, and weekends at the paint and sip company, I found myself missing special events with my children. The sacrifices felt worthwhile initially, as I pursued my dream. However, burnout began to set in. Recognizing the need for balance, I decided to step back from my role, dedicating more time to my children’s lives. This decision allowed me to reconnect with myself and my family, prioritizing their well-being—a choice I do not regret. Moving forward, their well-being is my well-being. I balance my creative life with family life is my number 1 priority.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredvisionslynette?igsh=MXZ0bzVhdWp1dzJyZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15DiLLtCv1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
1. Self-Portrait Painting
A self-portrait created by me, showcasing my artistic style and personal expression.
2. Self Love Tree Painting
A photograph of me alongside the “Self Love Tree” painting, captured by Nalan Smart during the first CANtemporaries workshop in 2021. 
3. Vision Board Event
An image from my first vision board event at the. the High Cup in Norfolk. ,
photographed by Margret Barbour, highlighting the creative process and community engagement.
4.Community Mural with Handprints
An image of my second mural, incorporating individual handprints representing fall leaves, facilitated with the help of my youngest daughter, symbolizing community unity.
5. Spring Festival in Hilton Head
A photo from the Spring Festival in Hilton Head, where my youngest daughter and I collaborated with children to create animal-themed artworks, fostering creativity and community spirit.
6.Solo Exhibit in Rome
A photo taken at my first solo exhibit in Rome, Italy, in 2009, reflecting the culmination of my artistic journey.
7.First Mural in 2021
An image of my first mural completed in 2021, marking a significant milestone in my public art endeavors.
8. Business-Inspired Visions with Lynette
A photograph of a collaborative session with Lynette, focusing on business-inspired visions and strategies, highlighting the intersection of art and entrepreneurship.
9.This is a photograph of Freedom of Assembly, a drawing I created in third grade that was published in the local newspaper. What I love most about this piece is its focus on women attending a gathering, capturing a sense of strength and unity. Even at a young age, I was drawn to the power of collective voices and the importance of expression, themes that have continued to resonate in my artistic journey.
10. Saving the best for last. This is a portrait in acrylic that I painted for my mother’s recent viewing and funeral. My mom was one of the most supportive women in my artistic journey, always believing in me and reminding me how proud she was of my work. Through this painting, I pay tribute to her, and I am deeply honored to have been her daughter. I hope to continue making her proud. I like to imagine her smiling down from heaven, probably sipping on her beloved Coke Zero.