Meet Valeriya Mushkaeva | Business Owner/ Artist : SoulfulArt

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

Hi Valeriya, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to risk taking, there are failures, setbacks and even complete start overs along the way. But what I learned is if you don’t risk something, you’ll never gain anything. Take a chance on your dreams and see how life rewards your courageous decision. Prior to embarking on my journey as a mural artist, I had to take many risks in the pursuit of my dreams.

SoulfulArt started out as a part-time art hobby. When I started my small business, I was stuck working in a dental profession that did not give me a sense of fulfillment. After graduating dental hygiene school I had a choice to make. Take my exams and begin yet another chapter in the dental field or summon the courage to continue growing my small art business. With Covid delaying all my exams, I took it as a sign to embark on the risky journey of pursuing my dreams as a full-time artist.

My art business was not expanding well on the east coast. There, I would get commission work mostly consisting of paintings. Sadly, there was not as much need for murals. I began traveling state to state making connections for future murals in cities like Chicago, Nashville and Washington D.C. While on the road, I saw the need for bigger art pieces in cities other than my own. I wanted to expand into mainly murals, so I decided to take on a risk for the chance to someday see my murals nationwide. I packed up my truck with art supplies and three days later, arrived in a city thriving with art- Denver, Colorado.

Moving so far from home was the biggest risk I made, not only in my career but in my life. I had never been to Colorado prior to moving. I took a gamble and the risk paid off. It’s like the saying “the bigger the risk the greater the reward”. Moving has made my dreams come true. Within my first month in Denver, I began producing murals in the RiNo Art District. The streets here are filled with artistic talent. It has pushed me to expand on my own creative abilities to new heights.

Not only is SoulfulArt growing but also in this past month I have been given an opportunity to give back. I have been working hard to launch a nonprofit sector of SoulfulArt therapeutic murals. This past August, I hit an amazing milestone as I got to work with Leda Health to create a healing mural for sexual assault survivors. Together, we organized an unveiling mural event to celebrate survivors and spread awareness. The consent mural is at the Gamma Gallery in the RiNo Art District. It contains a QR code with resources for survivors.

I truly believe that when you see a successful business, someone has once made a courageous risky decision. The risk of the unknown may be scary but what is scarier is never getting to see what lies on the other side of fear. I hope in sharing my story I can inspire others who are currently hesitating taking on a risky decision in their life/ career. Ask yourself not what if doesn’t pay off, but what do I risk losing if I don’t take a chance now?

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.
What sets my business apart from others, is my passion to spread healing through art. I embarked on a professional artistic journey when I created SoulfulArt. What was once an online art shop blossomed into providing art, murals, and graphic design.

SoulfulArt participates in a number of art healing projects. We offer SoulfulSundays, these are free online painting classes held every first Sunday of the month. I am excited to announce, this month we will be hosting live art events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’d love to host more art classes and events in hopes of raising money for important causes. I enjoy building deep connections with my clients. I love getting to produce personalized art work for my clients that portrays their unique stories and endeavors.

SoulfulArt is currently expanding into making Art Therapeutic Community Murals, One of the projects I am most proud of is the Consent Mural. The mural was recently finished in August with the help of Leda Health. They are an organization that provides resources for sexual assault survivors. I enjoyed putting together our mural unveiling event that celebrated the strength of survivors. I look forward to working with them, and other nonprofit organizations in the future to spread healing to communities.

I believe in constantly taking on deep subject matter and bringing it to light with the healing power of art. Each piece of art I produce is much more beautiful if it has helped aid in delivering a valuable message. What I learned from being a full-time artist is, “Begin,,, the rest is easy.” This quote resonates with me in many ways. I began my own trauma healing journey through the use of art. I hope one day to have touched the lives of not only individuals but the communities I paint for. Taking the first step whether it be; starting a business, beginning to heal, or just a project at work can be difficult. But, looking at the finished product is always worth the journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When visiting Denver, definitely find time to visit the Rino Art District. In Rino you can check out some magnificent murals. You can take a mural tour or you can shop at local galleries, breweries, and restaurants while viewing murals on your way. Some of the murals include a few of my own that can be found on Walnut Street and at the Altitude Brewing & Supply Company. One of the new places I love is the Rino Art Park. You can enjoy a relaxing day at the park while viewing murals and artistic sculptures/structures. I especially recommend this park to any dog owners, they are supper pet friendly and its my own dog’s favorite.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Claire Courtney – from Leda Health. She helped make my recent Consent Healing Mural possible. Together with Leda Health we put together an unveiling mural event that celebrated the strength of sexual assault survivors. Leda Health is a great organization that provides free resources for survivors, from free rape kits, healing circles, yoga, and more.

Website: www.soulfulart.site

Instagram: @soulfulartnj

Facebook: @soulfulartnj

Image Credits
Leda Health for the Consent Mural, I sent in two images using that one. The event name was SoulfulArt and Leda Health Present: Consent Mural. (Its the mural with the words “consent” written in the heart).