In this episode of Flying Upstream, hosts Kristyn and Luisa sit down with Caroline West, a talented artist from South England, as she shares her transformative journey from a career in childcare to becoming a leader in sustainable art. At 49, Caroline made the bold decision to leave an 18-year career after experiencing burnout, embracing her passion for repurposing discarded materials into beautiful works of art.
Caroline’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of following one’s true calling. In this conversation, she discusses overcoming societal expectations, the importance of self-discovery, and how embracing authenticity can lead to a more fulfilling life. She shares insights on maintaining a sustainable art practice, the challenges of balancing passion with practicality, and the role of community support in her success. Listeners will be inspired by Caroline’s courage to make life changes and her commitment to creating art that has a positive environmental impact.
🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Caroline made the courageous shift from childcare to sustainable art 🎨
💖 The importance of self-love, authenticity, and following your passions
🌿 Overcoming burnout and societal pressures to build a meaningful life
🖌️ The challenges of balancing creativity with practicality in the art world
🌍 How sustainability plays a key role in Caroline’s artwork and daily practice
🤝 The power of community and support in embracing change
💡 Tips on finding purpose and defining your own version of success
Caroline’s journey will inspire anyone looking to make a bold career change or pursue a passion that aligns with their values. Explore her unique artwork that repurposes everyday objects and discover how sustainable art can contribute to a greener, more creative world.
📌 Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to Flying Upstream
01:05 – Meet Caroline West: From Childcare to Art
01:41 – The Defining Moment: Caroline’s Career Shift
02:20 – Balancing Passion and Practicality in Art
03:24 – Sustainability in Art: The Heart of Caroline’s Work
04:31 – A Journey of Self-Discovery and Transformation
08:56 – Building a Supportive Community for Artists
10:14 – Finding Purpose and Defining Success on Your Terms
13:48 – Overcoming Fear and Embracing Uncertainty
16:48 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts
💬 Tune in to hear Caroline’s empowering story and learn how embracing the unconventional path can lead to a life filled with creativity, authenticity, and purpose!
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