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

Hi Petra, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I believe my entire life has been centered around risk-taking. Growing up in foster care from the age of two, I faced significant challenges. At eighteen, I took a bold leap, flying to the USA from Germany with my eight-month-old baby. Despite not speaking English and the uncertainty of what life would hold, I pursued this adventure.

Perhaps the most substantial risk came when I agreed to three liver transplants for my youngest son, who suffered from a genetic disorder. During his recovery, I faced immense challenges, juggling business demands to provide for our family while also caring for him. It was a demanding period that required me to fully commit to both aspects of my life. He would later be diagnosed with cognitive delays, a learning disability, and autism.

Petra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always been a creative individual. For many years, I enjoyed crocheting and making macrame jewelry. One day, I decided to experiment with wood-burning, purchasing a pen to decorate wooden beads. I quickly discovered a hidden talent and have been wood-burning ever since, leaving behind my previous crafts.

After earning a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, I briefly worked in the field while caring for my son. However, I found that traditional employment wasn’t fulfilling. I established my own coaching business, helping clients transform their ideas into tangible realities and empowering them to achieve their goals.

Today, I balance my time as a caregiver to my adult son, my wood-burning passion, and coaching my clients in their creative pursuits. Overcoming challenges related to foster care, immigration, and special needs parenting, as well as internal doubts about my abilities, I’ve learned to break through excuses pursue my artistic endeavors, and support others in doing the same.

My philosophy has always been “I do what I want”, especially when someone said, you can’t, it isn’t safe or That’s now how you do it. I am not a big fan of the linear path we’re supposed to subscribe to, you know go to high school, college, get a career, retire, and then wither away. 

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

To be more visible I started selling my art in person at Farmer’s Markets and other events. I always have different price points available, including items that are $200 or more. I will always love it when people come to my booth and yell rather loudly and with joy “I have to have it” and proceed to get it and not blink at the price point.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

For years, I was told to disregard my intuition. As someone who struggled with a sense of self due to my upbringing, it was difficult to discern what was right for me, as I often allowed others to influence my decisions.

When my youngest son was born, I intuitively sensed something wasn’t right. Comparing his behavior to my two older children, I recognized that his development was atypical. We spent countless hours at the doctor’s office seeking answers. Even at four years old, he was still nonverbal and exhibited other behavioral challenges.

After moving to Charlottesville, we ended up in the emergency room, where it was confirmed within five days that my initial instincts were accurate. My son was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Urea Cycle Disorder – CPS1, which can be fatal if untreated.

I have trusted my intuition since then without a single doubt. And it’s something we all have and we can learn to listen to and trust. I think many times we are taught to not trust our intuition so we don’t look crazy or weird. It doesn’t support the linear life we’ve been taught for so many years. My creative life is not quite equal parts intuition, parts strategy and a whole lot of “that’s a brilliant idea”, let’s do it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smokywoodstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petra_monaco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petramonaco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petramonaco/