Meet Valerie Mead | Professional Artist

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

Hi Valerie, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I have learned that being a business owner is about taking risks, doing something that you are afraid to, may not fully understand, and putting yourself out there. When I first started Exhale Art Studio, we were just coming out of Covid Quarantine, my husband was sick and we were financially drowning. I opened my doors with only $48 to my name. I was afraid of how my art would be recieved and if I was good enough. I was afraid but determined to make my life long dream of being a professional artist a reality.

One year later and I have upgraded my first studio, have an amazing community of supporters and an awesome kids club program. I even had my first Art Expo at The Glass Outhouse Gallery in Wonder Valley.

I still take risks everytime I have a new idea to implement and sometimes they are successful and sometimes they are not. I have learned to look at each failed attempt as a learning opportunity. Each failed attempt is a chance to re-evaluate my business, to change and to grow. To me, being able to add new services allows me to keep my job interesting and moving forward. Risk equals change!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Growing up, I have dreamed of being an artist. My artwork blurs the lines of reality and mystical worlds. My goal is to create artwork of empowerment and inspiration that connect with the divine. However, being told to grow up and find a “real” job thas been tough. There was a lot of discouragement when I was younger. I actually gave up on my dream and stopped creating art for 10 years. But without art nothing was fulfilling, and I meandered through life without a purpose.

Now, I own Exhale Art Studio where I host paint and sip classes and have the opportunity to pursue my own art while connecting with local artists. I am continually exploring new things in my art and constantly trying to grow as an artist. I have never been happier and hope to encourage people to pursue their passions. Don’t let others tell you who you should be or what you should be doing because doing something you love is truly a blessing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Twentynine Palms, CA is an awesome place for adventurers, artists, and art enthusiasts. I would recommend staying at any of our Air B&Bs because they truly make your stay personal. They have unique themes, art, and decor. You can hop in a cowboy tub and enjoy a BBQ or lay under the Stars. You have to try the Cactus Trail Restaurant, they have the best coffee and food, in my opinion. My second favorite place to eat is at Campbell hill bakery if you are looking for fresh, out of the oven pasties. Sometimes the morning lines are long, but worth the wait. I would encourage you to check out the art galleries, Saturday Farmers market, and local sculpture and murals around town. Last, I would recommend a sunrise hike thru Joshua Tree National park. There are several hiking trails and campsites to stay at as well as some great climbing areas. We also have yoga at the park to unwind!

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?
I have to give a shout-out to my husband for always supporting my crazy ideas and to Moriah Beattie for pushing me into the Art profession and giving me the courage to try. I am also blessed by so many people in my community that have helped behind the scenes to keep me moving forward when times were tough. There are way to many people to name here, but my success is built on their continued support.

Website: www.exhaleartstudio.com

Instagram: @exhaleartstudio29

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exhaleartstudio29