We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maribeth Woodford. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maribeth below.

Hi Maribeth, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Just about two years ago, I found myself back in corporate America after my yoga studio of 8 years had to close due to COVID. I worked hard in a corporate job, but like many, I was eventually faced with a layoff. My first thought was, “Is this AI stuff going to replace me?” But instead of resisting it, I decided to embrace it. I took online classes, joined an incredible LinkedIn community filled with other AI creators, and from there, my journey truly began.

My background isn’t in traditional art, and I have no problem admitting that. Yet, I’ve always considered myself a creative thinker, especially when it comes to pushing the boundaries and thinking outside the box. This is where AI is incredible—it’s about the human behind the creating. AI has become my tool to bring my vision to life, and I’m grateful for how it has opened up a whole new path for me.

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

My name is Maribeth Woodford, and I’m a proud single mom of two young adults and a Golden Doodle named Munson. My journey is a bit of a winding road because I’ve lived many years filled with experience, hard work, wisdom, storms, loss, motivation, and determination. From working in the diamond district to becoming a yoga studio owner—and venturing through several industries in between—I’ve always been passionate about owning a small business.

Back in 2015, I attended yoga teacher training to deepen my practice and connect more within. Shortly afterward, I opened a successful yoga studio that became a haven for people seeking community, guidance, and inspiration. My dharma talks, real stories and teachings, even my blogs, drew people from miles away. Unfortunately, like so many others, COVID forced me to close the studio, which led me back to corporate America. Fast forward to a layoff, and here I am today as the founder and owner of Dream Canvas Creations, my dream venture in AI-generated imagery.

At Dream Canvas Creations, I provide one-of-a-kind, AI-crafted visuals tailored specifically to businesses, both large and small. Whether it’s a custom image for a law firm, a unique social media post for an automotive group, or eye-catching visuals for a health and wellness brand, I strive to transform traditional advertising into something dynamic and impactful. I believe what sets me apart is my blend of creative vision and business insight, honed from years of diverse experience. My work isn’t just about creating beautiful images; it’s about telling each brand’s story in a way that resonates with its audience.

I’m incredibly proud of the trust my clients place in me and the relationships I’ve built along the way. I want my clients, followers, and fans to know that at Dream Canvas Creations, they’ll find a partner who values quality, fast responses, and a customer-first approach, backed by respect, hard work, and strong ethics. It’s about creating meaningful, visually captivating art that not only meets my clients’ needs but also uplifts and represents their brand authentically.

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

Where to begin… My journey of resilience is one that’s deeply personal, but I’m not embarrassed to share it because it has shaped me into who I am today. I was born in the early 1970s, one of three kids, and grew up as a child of an alcoholic with divorced parents at a young age. I often felt sad, lost, and unsure of where I truly belonged. But growing up this way made me fiercely independent, and I always had big dreams and goals for myself.

After college, I moved to New York City, where I worked in the diamond district and traveled frequently to India. I worked hard to climb the ladder, and in the late ’90s, I got married. I was pregnant with my first child when 9/11 happened, and I was on 5th Avenue that day. It was complete chaos, a time of indescribable sadness, and I lost close friends in the tragedy. The stress and grief pushed me into premature labor. My life changed that day in more ways than I could have imagined, as my marriage began to fall apart soon after. In 2004, my second child was born, and two years later, I went through a divorce. I was determined to be there for my kids and to succeed on my own, so I went back to work full-time, making my way up in the car business.

We moved to the beach, a place I thought would be perfect to raise my kids and start fresh. Then Hurricane Sandy hit, and we lost our home. That time is still a blur in my mind—filled with fear, confusion, and deep sadness. But I found a way forward. I rebuilt and decided to go through yoga teacher training, which helped me reconnect with myself and dive deeper into spirituality.

I’ve faced many hardships and challenges, but each one has taught me something invaluable, making me stronger and more resilient. Through it all, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding life’s storms; it’s about weathering them and finding a way to rebuild. Every step, every setback, and every comeback has shaped me into who I am today: strong, tough, and resilient.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an AI artist is the freedom to bring any idea, no matter how wild or surreal, to life. While I’m not a traditional artist, I’ve always had a creative mind, and AI gives me the tools to turn my imagination into something tangible. Whether it’s a strange, dreamlike image or a detailed illustration, AI makes it possible to express exactly what’s in my mind.

There’s something beautiful about AI art—not just in the image itself but in the human intention behind it. People who say AI isn’t “real” art are missing the bigger picture: it’s still the artist’s vision, emotions, and creativity driving the work. Knowing that I’m creating something unique, something that comes from within, is incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dreamcanvascreations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dream_canvas_explorer/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribeth-woodford-48875926/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mbwishes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dreamcanvascreations

Image Credits

Images all created by Maribeth Woodford