Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vika Nikitina Chala. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Vika , thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

When I was in my early 20s, I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. I wanted to pursue a Master’s in Psychology or Art Therapy, but my family encouraged me toward a more “prestigious and lucrative” path. I applied and was accepted to Villanova Business School where I pursued an MBA in Strategic Business Management. While I genuinely enjoyed the program, I often felt like I was performing a role—amplifying certain traits to fit in. As an introvert, I had to constantly project extroversion; as a collaborator, I had to lean into a more alpha energy.

By the time I was finishing the program, I was having an identity crisis. I realized that continuing along the corporate “ladder-climbing” path would mean giving up a part of myself—remaking who I was to fit others’ expectations of what it meant to be successful. At the same time, I noticed I had completely stopped being creative. Creativity had always been a huge part of my life, from childhood to my undergrad in Psychology and Philosophy, I was always making art or writing stories.

The identity crisis led me back to art – my boyfriend (now husband) encouraged me to reconnect with my creative side. And the more I created, the more it pulled me in. At first, I felt hesitant to call myself an artist—it felt like I wasn’t allowed to have this identity. But through working with a coach and therapist, through continuing to make art and enjoying the process, I embraced this title, and that simple act of courage opened a magical door. Over the next three years, I entered an incredibly productive creative flow, where I made art almost daily. I showcased my work at Chicago businesses, hosted two artist exhibitions, and sold pieces on Etsy and at art markets.

During this time, I also realized that I wanted to help others overcome their creative fears and use creativity as a tool for connection and self-discovery. I launched a Meetup group called “Chicago’s Creative and Motivated Meetup Group,” where people could share projects, give feedback, and hold each other accountable. A few months later, the concept evolved into “Art Fit Chicago,” a mix of exercise and creativity. We’d work out in parks and then gather at nearby cafés to make art based on prompts I prepared. Over time, the focus shifted to “self-discovery through creativity”. I hosted workshops in Chicago cafes, our group visited museums and performances, and continued meeting online during Covid.

After taking a break to have two kids, I returned to this concept of creative self-discovery when we moved to Metuchen, NJ. I began by tailoring workshops to help mothers reconnect with themselves post-motherhood and carve out that self-care time. I also received my 60 Hour ICF accredited coaching training and established my art-based life coaching business: Rising Heart Coaching. Over the past two years, I have coached women through self-doubt and feeling stuck to a place of empowerment and authentic living by using a combination of traditional coaching and creative practices. In June 2024, I opened my own art studio – Rising Heart Studio, here in Metuchen.

Looking back, the idea started as a “download from the Universe” and evolved through trial, error, adaptability and persistence. I love how much people benefit from my work. When I speak with my clients, when I see their eyes light up, when we feel the energy in the room shift and open, it’s clear I’m addressing a unique problem in a unique way. I see this work as changing the world. The people who commit to it transform their own lives, creating a ripple effect that touches the greater fabric of our planet.

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

At Rising Heart Coaching and Rising Heart Studio, I guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery through creativity and meaningful connection. As an art-based life coach, I use visual art and creative practices to help clients build a deeper connection to their inner world. This connection allows for more profound coaching conversations, tapping into intuitive insights beyond the “thinking mind.”

In addition to coaching, I am a visual artist. I create illustrations of women, blending whimsical elements, vibrant colors and angles/composition to evoke feelings of empowerment and magic. I am also a creative facilitator, leading workshops that combine creativity, mindfulness and self-awareness. These workshops provide a relaxing, introspective space for participants to reconnect with themselves and each other.

My path to this work was gradual, as I shared earlier, but it has become an essential and non-negotiable part of who I am. What I’m most proud of is the courage and dedication of everyone who shows up for themselves—those who seek genuine self-connection, vulnerability, and transformation.

What sets Rising Heart apart is my open-hearted approach, which reflects my core values of authenticity and courage. My business isn’t just something I do; it’s an extension of who I am. I lead by example, demonstrating what’s possible by showing up and doing the work alongside my clients. I meet each person where they are, investing my full attention in their journey (yes, with every client).

My business creates space for real growth, connection, and empowerment. Whether through coaching, art, or shared creative experiences, I’m here to help you uncover your truest, most powerful self.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My creative workshops began as a side hustle and an experiment, sparked by my intuition that people could benefit from using creative practices to connect more deeply with themselves. At the time, I was working full-time in Pharma and ran my first workshop while juggling my day job. After my second child was born, I left my full-time role and, during that transition, completed my coaching certification. This gave me the focus to develop my workshop programs further.

I didn’t start coaching right away. At first, I returned to my role as a Quality Process Engineer, but this time as a contractor which allowed me to continue doing work I enjoy while growing my business and being present for my family. While I still valued process engineering, I needed the flexibility to pursue my passion for creativity and coaching. Strong relationships with former colleagues played a key role in this transition. When I began looking for contract opportunities, I reached out to my network, which reinforced an important lesson: always nurture positive, trustworthy relationships. You never know when you’ll have the opportunity to help each other.

This year, a major milestone came to life: opening my studio. It’s still a work in progress, but with the studio, my coaching clients, and exciting new collaborations on the horizon, I feel aligned with my vision and proud of my journey. Scaling a business is an ongoing process, and I’m embracing every step of it. While I look forward to reaching future milestones, I’m also finding joy and fulfillment in the path I’m walking today.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I don’t have just one story of resilience—I have many. There were times when my family discouraged me from pursuing a creative career, and moments when insecurity, anxiety, and imposter syndrome felt overwhelming. My inner critic often spoke loudly, trying to keep me stuck. There were times I had spent hours preparing for workshops to have no one sign up. I’ve wrestled with mom guilt, feeling torn between building my business and spending enough time with my kids.

I could keep going, but that’s not the point. Challenges will always come up. When things feel overwhelming or disheartening, I ask myself a simple but powerful question: Would I rather give up this dream? The answer is always: “absolutely not”. A coach once asked me, “Is your fear bigger than your dream?” That question has stayed with me because my answer is the same: the dream is always bigger, always worth it.

This mindset taught me to see myself as the main character in my own life, and that’s how I choose to live and lead my businesses. I stay deeply connected to my core values and desire to make a difference in the world. I celebrate my wins, take risks and experiment with new ideas continuously.

Resilience comes from realizing you are unbreakable—and that realization sometimes comes in being broken, learning to repair, and moving on. It also comes from knowing your worth, seeing the outcomes of your efforts, when people (including yourself) believe in you wholeheartedly. This is what I aim to instill in my clients: to believe in their dreams so deeply that giving up isn’t an option.

Finally, I have to acknowledge the role of God in my journey. She/He/They continue to hold my hand and guide me in the right direction. When challenges arise—whether internal or external—I remind myself that I am not doing this alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.risingheartcoach.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingheartcoach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558785968485