We recently connected with Yaneth Monsalve and have shared our conversation below.

Yaneth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Speaking of investments, I made one before the pandemic. I developed my art and creativity even more after having my first son’s autism diagnosis. Since then I have been dedicated to educating myself on the subject; I studied psychology, art therapy, and I even worked in public schools with special needs kids to better understand this new perspective . Along this path, I decided to experiment with art, crafts and other activities such as pastry, seeking a future with greater opportunities for all; for my son and other people with autism and for me; As a mother, I was looking for an occupation that would allow me to accompany my son, while at the same time giving opportunities to other people with autism. For this reason, we opened a business where desserts and cakes were sold, it had a tasting room and another room that would be the arts and crafts area. I had a bad experience because I was wrong to open this place in partnership. Choosing partners is not easy and I chose wrong. On the other hand, the pandemic arrived and I made the decision to close the store to avoid economic damage. However, this idea is still with me and hopefully I can materialize it again at another time. I’ve learned a lot from this experience. I am a very creative, resourceful, and persistent woman. Today I dedicate myself to my art, and course my family. I exhibit my works in local galleries, participate in cultural events, many of them highlighting my Colombian culture, and I paint in private events, fundraisers, corporate events, couple nights, birthdays, bridal showers, bachelorette events, girls night out & kids parties. I love art because it allows me to be very versatile. Art has been a great investment, it has allowed me to meet new people, share life stories, support the community and most importantly, get to know myself even more.

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

I was born in Medellín, Colombia; the Land of the “Eternal Spring”. Today, my home is the beautiful city of Orlando. I studied Psychology, Digital Marketing, and Art therapy. For me, art is a colorful language that gives you a unique way of speaking without words.

Original artwork, and utilitarian art are available for sell. (Art pieces/bags/coasters/pillows/notebook), and I give painting sessions for fundraisers, corporates and private events; birthday parties, kids parties, bridal shower, couple nights, girls night out,. Session can take place on site, off-site, or via zoom.

I am happy to continuing looking for opportunities to help others others throughout my art . All fundraisers receive a special discount for their events. I
began helping a cause, I remember that one of my first paintings was donated to a school for children with autism, and I would love to continuing doing the same.

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

Throughout my journey as an artist I’ve learnt that being creative can be challenging. Especially when your a self-taught artist. I met art eleven years ago. For me, art was therapy, a way to express my feelings without worrying about the judgments or having to use words. Later I began to express myself and publishing these pieces at libraries, museums, and galleries. I have received lots of compliments for my creative work and also, strong criticism, majority from others artists that see it as a crazy idea for someone without any formal education in art to be sharing a wall gallery or an art event with them. Even with these challenges I still persisted and decided I wanted to continue painting and sharing my passion with others.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creativity journey goal is to show others the benefits of art. Art has the power of healing, it can give you a louder voice, a way out, purpose, and the ability to help others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yanethmonsalveart.com/
• Instagram: @yanethm.art
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCMfyCaA35O_pJRHt4mV1SZA