Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Page Elder. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Page, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
At a young age, I’ve always wanted to be involved in the creative field, regardless of what that calling was. I love to create new things, meet new people, and add some of myself to everything I do and create. I have always known that my future would be filled with creativity, but I also knew I wanted to be part of the everyday workforce, helping people in a more traditional role. I imagined myself in many roles- as a therapist, psychologist, child life specialist, teacher, or even a Doula. My idea has always been to blend my creative passions with a career directly touching lives. Since you asked if I ever think about what life would be like if I had a regular job, I am grinning ear to ear because I am living that life. I am a firm believer in the idea that we can manage multiple roles simultaneously. Not everybody gets it; this opinion has gotten me into some lively discussions! I am somebody who is always looking for new hats to wear, I call them my “ADHD activities.” I have always been someone who craves variety. Why focus on just one path when there are so many to explore? Finding a balance between creative pursuits and roles in the normal workplace can make a huge difference.
Having this mindset has been a game-changer for me. I believe life is too fleeting not to limit ourselves, and I don’t want to live my life doing one thing. I want to look back and see all the paths I’ve walked, all the things I’ve tried, and know that I’ve lived life fully. It’s not about doing one thing forever but experiencing as much as possible. Right now, I’m doing just that- juggling my creative and artistic side with meaningful work in other fields.
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.
Growing up in the city of Nashville, Tennessee, I have been shaped by the music, art, and community that surrounds me. As a college student close to graduating with a psychology major and a childhood studies minor, I find myself at the intersection of creativity and compassion. Blessed with a wonderful family and being the middle child of two amazing sisters, I wear many hats- I am a model, a seasonal interior designer, a counselor for children, a student, an aspiring-ish singer-songwriter, and a dedicated volunteer while working my house to become a child-life specialist.
My journey into the creative field began at a young age but truly began at 18. From being signed by an agency in New York and Nashville to finding my path as an independent and freelance model in Nashville, I discovered that modeling is an excellent form of self-expression and an art. Whether through movement, fashion, or connection, modeling allows me to show who I am and connect with others through a shared love of creativity. I am also venturing into the world of music, not for fame or success, but to express my deepest emotions, connect with others, and help them feel understood and not alone.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my life is my work with children, particularly those struggling physically or mentally. I find immense joy and purpose in supporting and nurturing these young, beautiful souls, helping them discover their strengths and embrace their uniqueness and quirks. I have lots of experience working with children of all ages and backgrounds and have loved every moment. I work at a great school in Nashville for kids with learning differences, and I have learned many incredible things. I also take my time volunteering at children’s hospitals, along with pursuing a career in child-life. My love for being an advocate for the younger generation stems from having a deep understanding of their struggles. These shared challenges allow me to connect with them more profoundly and personally, giving them the support and guidance they long for.
Lastly, volunteering in my community has been a part of my story, reminding me of the importance of giving back and supporting those in need. Through my actions, I strive to bridge gaps, sow many seeds of kindness, and spread love wherever I go and to whoever I interact with. Each opportunity to volunteer is a chance to make a difference, touch hearts, and inspire positive change in the Nashville community. As I look ahead, I am hopeful and determined to continue using my talents and passions to uplift others and create a brighter, more compassionate world for all. Please get out there and give back!
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
As a creative individual, I often find that both non-creatives and fellow creatives can sometimes struggle to fully comprehend my journey and the work that I produce. That is okay, and that is a part of life. Understanding the depth of creativity and the passion that drives my endeavors can be challenging for others. People, even myself, at times, are quick to judge the work of others, often forming opinions based on limited information or misconceptions. In today’s society, a significant portion of one’s identity and work is portrayed through social media, allowing viewers to create narratives about individuals solely based on what they see online. Fair enough!
Despite not having the largest social media following or widespread recognition, I am unfazed by external validation, as my primary goal does not focus on clout, fame, or popularity. The misconceptions surrounding my work often stem from the little snippets that people perceive on social media. I am sure some people may label me as an attention-seeker or self-obsessed due to the nature of my online presence. Well, I only post pictures of myself and my work, so I guess that makes sense. However, I strive to show more than just a curated version of my work online, though that is challenging; I wish to show the depth of my compassion, dedication, and connection to my craft and the individuals I work with in person. I show up, remain present and positive, stay off my phone, and make lasting connections. Despite the digital realm’s prevalence, a considerable portion of my work is rooted in personal, face-to-face interactions that form the foundation of my creative and scholarly pursuits.
In my creative and compassionate endeavors, I work to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds by emphasizing the importance of genuine connections. While social media may offer a glimpse into my work, it fails to capture the essence of my commitment and the relationships I cultivate.
This world is so digital that connections are forgotten.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being a creative offers numerous rewarding aspects, with one of the most fulfilling being the ability to touch and inspire others through art. Knowing that my work has the potential to uplift and encourage people fills me with a sense of purpose and joy. It’s encouraging to think my creativity can impact someone’s confidence, beliefs, and connections with the world, spreading love and understanding. I want to be a vessel- A vessel of the love of God, providing a source of comfort and connection in a world filled with uncertainty and fear. My parents are to blame. I am going to brag on them really quickly before I move on. My mom and dad are unequivocally the greatest heroes of my life. Their influence is the foundation of who I am, shaping most of my choices, my love for others, my passion for work, and my overall work ethic. I am forever grateful for their guidance and the attributes they have instilled in me.
Reflecting on my past, I remember feeling lost and unable to communicate my emotions effectively, leading to a sense of internal turmoil. Seeking ways to express my bottled-up feelings, I found peace in the creative world. As I grew older, I discovered that engaging in creative pursuits not only helped me release my emotions but also provided a constructive outlet for my thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The creative process turned into a journey that allowed me to navigate and overcome my many inner struggles. Another rewarding part of being a creative individual is the freedom it brings. With the many intense emotions that I have struggled to articulate, engaging in creative endeavors has allowed me to break free from conventional boundaries and explore life beyond the norm.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/page_elder/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/page.elder.71?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/page-elder
- Other: TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@pageelder?_t=8l3wXuBWxcR&_r=1
Image Credits
Josh Kranich Matthew Simmons