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

Hi Carrie, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always been a sensitive woman. When I was younger I was even worse! I grew up with a stepdad who’s an action packed kind of guy! He loves adventure and doing dare devilish things! For me, although I love my step Dad, this was so difficult for me. He’d try to get me to learn things that I was just too scared to do, like dirt bike riding and waterskiing. Needless to say after many tears as a child, as an adult I learned to take risks even when I was afraid. I’m grateful my Dad raised me this way, even though at the time it was difficult, i’ve learned that in life, there is always going to be a level of risk in everything we chose to do. The key is to be wise about where and how we’re taking risks in this life. Weighing our options is important, don’t jump the gun and remember to analyze what you’re about to jump into and ask yourself honestly, is this right for me? So many times in life we get pulled in the wrong direction for the wrong motives. Learning who you are and being self aware is a very important part of learning where you can risks in life. Remember to stay flexible and if it doesn’t work out the first time, get back up and make a new game plan. Think of it like this, it’s not rejection, it’s redirection! Just because something didn’t work out doesn’t mean you have to quit. Maybe there’s a better or different way to go about doing something.

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.
I make paintings and design and sew leather handbags. What I make isn’t always pre-thought of. I really just grab fabric or paint and I make something. I analyze it as I work through it to see what it can become. I enjoy the process of painting, making handbags and crafting together ideas that others haven’t come up with yet. It’s a lot of trial and error but that’s what I love so much about creating!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d probably take them to Ragamuffin – the best coffee house in the world! Then I’d take them hiking or to the beach to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors. For dinner we’d go to Thai food! And I’d have to have a night of going to a musical show of some nature. Hopefully something fun and wholesome like bluegrass music. 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I’d thank Jesus Christ for coming into my life and saving me five years ago. I am only where I am in life because of God. I’d like to thank my family for always believing in me. I’d also like to thank my friends who have heard me claim many ideas of businesses I’d like to start and never did. I appreciate their openness to hearing me out when my mind is in creative mode! I’d like to thank Andy Stanley for giving me the best advise in the world and I’d also like to thank Dr. Henry Cloud for teaching me how to heal and be a more whole human being!

Website: Carriejeanfineart.com
Instagram: @Carriejeansartistry
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-jean-walker-0b46978

Image Credits
Haley Berardinelli