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Occupation: Artist and Designer
Website: Divine Goddess Designs
Biography: Divine Goddess was born out of my innate need to have fun and play. I've also been profoundly inspired by artists like Andrea Smith, Shiloh McCloud and Christina Lopp-daring, succulent women who know what they like and aren't afraid to trust their instincts and live.

The women in my work are both soft and sensuous and bold and beautiful. They are amalgamations of people I know who exude the kind of strength and brilliance that just can't be contained.

What do you do?
I create vibrantly colorful and bold images of real women in their true goddess nature. I capture the essence of what I admire most about women and what shines forth that they may not see. I create acrylic on canvas and watercolor originals and a full line of gift items from the original artwork. My product line includes lush velvet pillows, lavender sachets, goddess gazing mirrors, wish candles, and women's apparel.

How did you start?
I worked as a manager in web technology for several years. When the market shifted, and the company closed, I realized I had a unique opportunity to try something new. I decided to say "yes" to every experience and invitation that came my way. My journey lead me to far away places, new experiences and fascinating people. I remained open to the universe and allowed myself to sketch for the first time in 11 years. I painted a piece called "What Every Girl Needs To Hear" for my good friend, Angela. The piece was created with her in mind and I filled the canvas with her goddess image and tendrils of words and phases that would bring her peace.

She loved the image and encouraged me to exhibit locally. My work was accepted at GalleryIMG in Sunnyvale, CA and shown to the public in September 2001 and Divine Goddess was born!

Since then my business has blossomed. I've been exhibiting my work locally, taking commissions by appointment and presenting my items at local boutiques including Kase in Campbell, CA.

What kind of formal education, training or experience do you have that applies to what you do?
I am a self taught artist and designer. I have an undergraduate degree in Finance and MBA in Marketing.

What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?
Meeting my customers face to face...I love to see the reaction from people to my work. The women look for the goddess that looks the most like themselves. I like to watch them explore each piece. The men who purchase my work are usually madly in love, and take special care in selecting just the right goddess. The work attracts such wonderful people. I really enjoy them.

Have you encountered any financial obstacles, and if so, how did you overcome them?
Having enough resources to take care of my life and the life of the business can be frustrating. I work with a few business clients as a freelance web designer at www.belezastudio.com and that really helps. I keep my eyes open for fun short-term projects that will not interfere with the business. I reduced my spending and live a much simpler life.it actually makes life easier!

Words of advice for those pursuing their creative goals.
I would advise women to go for it! Take baby steps and start small if jumping in is scary. Collect mentors that can guide you along the way. Listen to your intuition and if you cannot hear your intuition balance/ground yourself so you can. At the beginning of my journey, I was given a quote from my dear friend Michelle that keeps me focused:

"Dare yourself to believe in your creativity, wherever it may lead you.
Trust that where it leads, is exactly where you're supposed to be.
Your authentic self knows where you're headed.
Don't wrestle with Spirit, collaborate with it."
- Sarah Ban Breathnach

I tape this quote to my computer to remind me to keep going.

What do you want to manifest next?
I would love to do more commission work. I especially would like to be commissioned to create a mural for a social organization , women's clinic or children's center. I'd like to do more custom projects for women's conferences, retreats, bridal showers, and women's gatherings. I hope the Girl at Play site will inspire the creation of a women's conference encouraging women to follow their bliss.