We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassie Rhoda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I started out January 2021 exploring the art world and creating art here and there as a form of healing from past trauma while being a stay-at-home homeschool mom. Two years later, this opportunity to create has turned into a full-time business and ministry. With diligence and grace, I now have the privilege of being a full-time Artist and Creative Entrepreneur that can work from home and still have the sweet time teaching my teenage daughter. That’s a big change in two years. Work life balance is a major priority in my life. My faith, family, and fun is crucial to being a fruitful artist and person (Galatians 5:22-23). Art takes up a lot of my life, but it can’t happen if the life around me is stressful. Stress can cause creative blocks and harm my mental and physical health so keeping my work life balance in check has been an intentional part of my journey. I’m persistent in taking inventory of my life for potential harmful stressors and how to realign my priorities. For anyone struggling with this, my biggest tip is to take plenty of rest. You can get a lot more done and joyfully with a rested soul. Rest can be physical, but it is also doing things that are good for you and fills you up. I take plenty of walks and hikes praying alone in nature to clear my mind and get rest.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Creating beautiful works of art is what I do to shine the light of Jesus, share with those suffering and in need, and inspire others to do the same. In the art world, painting is my thing. Mixed mediums including watercolor, acrylics, wax, etc. are what I currently love experimenting with and do the most of. Marbling with watercolor is one of my specialities. Most of the art I create is inspired by the beauty in God’s creation—especially flowers. Flowers just make me happy! Currently, I am working on some pieces for a colorful and fun art gallery in NYC I was invited to. And I have been itching to do very large paintings so I am excited to be expanding into more murals, too. I have a current goal to paint encouraging, joy-filled murals in hospitals and doctors offices as a way to spread a little sunshine into the chronic illness community. Also, I have a goal to give a piece of art away in a charity auction.

I, too, know what it’s like to suffer a lot in life. My life has basically been the book of Job in the Bible rewritten. I’ve endured through severe chronic illness in my twenties and early thirties, abuse and trauma, infertility, massive heartbreak and loss from betrayal, being pushed out of our home because of greed and corruption, and even losing family and friends along the way. So I can relate. Jesus was with me through it, redeemed my story, and even miraculously healed me physically and emotionally so I can comfort and help others endure. We all need some beauty, hope, peace, and joy to come alongside of us in our darkest and weakest moments, and that’s my mission to plant that kind of art and encouragement in dark and lonely places. Because I know what it’s like to be in need, I love sharing my resources with those in need. A portion of all proceeds coming in through this business goes to a prayed over ministry, family, or individual to help care and share with those who are in need.  (contact me if you want more information) Cassie Rhoda Art not only is used to care and share with others, but we inspire others to do the same. Together we can make a difference in changing the world of greedy and corrupt business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado has a endless supply of beauty and fun! I’m usually outdoors hiking in the Colorado mountains with friends and family, most likely at Ute Valley, browsing through the flower and art shops just for fun, on a “coffee walk and talk” date with my Hubby at Loyal Coffee, or curled up watching a mystery movie with my teenage daughter. For a day out we love to eat at Ted’s Montana Grill or ShriGanesh and stop by the Boho and Grace boutique in Paris Marketplace inside the Briargate Promenade. I still have a lot more I’m excited to explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My successes in life first and foremost come from God. Thank you Jesus that I’m even alive to share it all with the world. My family and friends have supported me through this journey and it was no easy task. I’ve come through a lot of opposition and persecution with my bold journey in sharing my faith and love with the world around me. My heart has been broken over and over again as I watched many leave my life, but the support that has come around me makes me tear up. The art community has welcomed me just as I am with open arms and I thank you. It’s mutual love and respect despite our differences and I just love my community. There have been many times I wanted to throw in towel of suffering to ease into comfort, but a message of encouragement or opportunity would launch me forward. Thank you if you have ever welcomed me! Hugs!

Website: https://cassierhoda.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassierhoda/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassieRhodaMinistry

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cassierhodaart/

Image Credits
@sydninicole.photography

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