We recently connected with Paz Aboujaoude and have shared our conversation below.

Paz, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I wouldn’t say I learned how to be an artist, that’s something that has come naturally to me. I have been drawing and creating for as long as I can remember. Art has always been an outlet to me and a form of therapy. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had a studio of my own where I can create at all hours of the day. I think it would be easier to have my own workspace rather than constantly having to set up and make space to create. The skill I think that is the most essential is my ability to be versatile and make the customer’s vision come to life. The obstacles I have encountered are not having a studio and not being able to find clients at times.

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

I have been a creative for as long as I can remember. Art has always been a passion of mine. I enjoy drawing, painting, crafting, lettering, sewing, and sculpting. Art is my escape and a form of therapy for me. I do not know who I would be without my creative background. I like to consider myself a “handy-woman” when it comes to art. When a client comes to me with their idea, I make their vision come to life with any media that I can. No is never an answer for me as an artist, if there is a will there is a way. I enjoy learning new techniques and expanding my skills as an artist.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is challenging myself and seeing all of my hard work pay off. I love gathering all of my client’s thoughts and ideas and making their vision come to life. That is the best feeling for me. I love being meticulous and putting all the little details in that make the client happy.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As someone who has had 6 surgeries by 26 years old and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at 22 years old, I have learned that starting over is not always a bad thing. Sometimes it takes stepping back to see how far you have made it in life, it’s all about perspective. I have learned how to slow down and to pace myself whether I want to or not. It is important to listen to your body and give yourself grace when health issues arise. Regardless of what life has thrown at me, I refuse to give up. I simply keep going. I remember when I was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome on my right side and I could not create anymore because I am right hand dominant. I was frustrated, miserable, and mad at the world but I did not give up. I saw the silver lining and realized that is what life is all about. I finger painted when I couldn’t hold a brush, I worked in 30 minute increments when I was up for it, and I even attempted to write with my left hand. After I had surgery, I was able to create again, but I had to build a tolerance to it because my right hand would get tired. I learned starting over is not always a bad thing and relearning basic skills can make you stronger, wiser, and resilient.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/pazncrafts/
• Instagram: pazncrafts
• Other: Email: pazncrafts@gmail.com
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