Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Smith.
Hi Rachel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up drawing. When I was little and people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said “an artist”. As I grew older, the term “starving artist” was drilled into my head, so I chose to go to school for Child Psychiatry. My dad literally begged me not to be a doctor – “You will hate it. You’re too empathetic to see that side of children. Don’t be a doctor, baby. Be an artist!” He was right. So, I went to college for Interior Design. I liked watching HGTV. It’d be fun, right? And at least I wouldn’t be a starving artist.
My first month in “the real world” was depressing. I felt like a wild bird that had been put into a tiny cage. Co-workers told me, “Ha! Get used to it. This is adulthood.” I spent the next three years growing more and more resentment and regret for my degree choice. What have I done? Is this all we are born to do? Is this what my next 60 years will be!?
Over time, I built up a little bit of savings and would constantly talk to friends about how I’ll quit my interior design job, I dunno, a few years from now? Then one day, I ran across a note that said, “Visualize your highest self, then start showing up as her”. I thought to myself, “If not now, when?” I promptly opened Microsoft Word to prep my exit speech, recited it to myself a couple of times in the bathroom, then asked my boss if we could talk. When I told her interior design wasn’t my dream job, she laughed and blurted out, “DUH!”, so we tackled my escape plan together and I cleared my desk to prepare for a new life.
To be completely honest, the transition was challenging. Losing a comfy salary and benefits was terrifying. I became the “starving artist” I was always afraid of, but to be honest, I wish I would have done it way sooner. I took a chance on myself to chase my childhood dream and it has made all the difference.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I hit some mental blocks along the way. “Who am I kidding? I don’t have what it takes to be an artist!” “What about benefits?” “What will my family think?” “Leaving a stable job is insane.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a multifaceted artist, so I specialize in ceramics and painting. I’m most known for my ceramic Nose Pot. This is my “money maker”. I love seeing those little guys ending up in people’s homes. My top favorite thing to create, however, are murals. They’re absolutely exhilarating. I feel on top of the world when I’m painting something at such a large scale. I think my background in design has helped a lot in setting me apart for ceramics and painting, as it taught me the importance of form AND function and how to smoothly attain it.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I thrived outdoors and loved drawing more than anything.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@rchlsmth.com
- Website: www.rchlsmth.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rchlsmth_
