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

Hi Lisa, how do you think about risk?
I feel risk-taking is vital to a life worth living and a successful business. Without risk, there is no growth. Success in any way takes risk and growth. They go hand in hand. There are no expectations, so it allows you to be open to possibility. My life would look completely different without risk. Without risk, I would still be living in the small mid-western town in MO that I grew up in doing what most everyone else did, stay put. I would also be living with regret for the life I missed out on. Not every risk brought success immediately, some quite painful at the moment, but as I look back, those experiences allowed me the success I have today. I took a risk when I left a job with a nice income 4 years ago that was making me sick and ONLY serving the owner of the company. I took a risk when I started my network marketing company not having a clue what to do. I stayed with it until I did. I took risks when I shifted my art career and saw my voice appear in it, also when I built a brand and found a way to combine everything into something fun and creative for me, and more importantly helpful and inspiring to others. Probably the biggest risk I took recently was last October when I moved to Italy with my dog Tulli. I moved there to expand my business by tapping into the creative possibilities of a European business and to grow my brand globally. This risk was all about exploring the unknown and stepping out of my comfort zone and believing in myself. I never doubted that anything was possible. I had value and I was worthy, something I struggled with. When I came home this past February 29th, I returned a different person and my business had grown substantially. I had more clarity and direction as well. Taking risks open you up for many things, but most significantly, it inspires others to take that chance in their own lives as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
MY ART: “Textural 3-D paintings that capture the viewer by jumping and sweeping straight off the canvas in synergistic overtures of visual delight.” WALL PRESENCE! My art is abstract, powerful, deep, edgy, and intellectual. It changes the energy of a room just by being in it. I am a sculptor by nature but am increasingly drawn to the challenge of combining the 3 dimensional feeling of sculpture with a painting to the canvas. I do this by sculpting medium right onto the canvas and while elevating the emotional impact with strong colors. I sculpt with color and texture on canvas to create magnetic, inspirational works. Blurring the lines between a painting and a sculpture and combining the two forms frequently is exhilarating to me. I like to have the ability to move, manipulate, and expand until I feel it’s finished. My art expands the mind, feeds the soul & removes all boundaries. I resonate with artists such as Laddie John Dill with his flow, Jackson Pollock’s raw edginess, and Miro’s powerful, defining colors. Creating art is spiritual for me. Source works through me to produce uplifting art with Wall-Presence! It draws you in while at the same time explodes in front of you with mystical movement. For years my art defined me and my artistic voice became rock-solid. However, I struggled financially and emotionally. I felt constricted in life and didn’t feel of value or valued. I was confused and torn. There was a big separation within me and I resisted the 9-5 life but didn’t know what to do. I knew that there was more than just creating visual delight inside me. I wanted the freedom to live anywhere and do whatever I chose. For as long as I could remember my soul was drawn to the sound of the cello. So, I decided to begin learning the instrument. If I didn’t do it now, I knew this would be a regret. Then when I joined my network marketing company because I loved the holistic power of essential oils and products, things began to align. Over the years of experimenting and learning, the joy that combination has given me is more than I could have imagined. Through combining business and marketing with the high vibrational, holistic energy from my network marketing company into the creative side of my art, I have been able to find a sense of balance within and develop a powerfully creative brand that, to me, is limitless. Truly be balanced in all ways. I have found a way to thrive spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially for the first time in my life. This myriad of creative genius has been gifted to me because I took risks, was open to divine intervention, and said YES when opportunity called in an unusual way. Anything is possible when you are open to the signs and fearlessly take the steps even when you don’t know the destination yet!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Finding unique things to do and see are what it’s all about. I have taken many friends on adventures around the area. I live in Long Beach across from Rosie’s Dog Beach and can’t imagine living anywhere else in LA county, so I will begin my tour there with lunch at the Belmont Brewing Company. The restaurant is on the beach and has a great patio view of the coastline and the food is fantastic. Get the Brussel Sprouts! Then the afternoon would be spent with a little beach time at doggie beach. Tulli loves to sit along the water and observe, she’s not much for getting in, LOL. That evening we would hit 2nd St. for a nice stroll and dinner at a great french restaurant, La Creperie, and listen to some live jazz while we eat. The food is simply divine. You cannot come to LA without going to Griffith Observatory and seeing the amazing view. Then on our way back down the hill, we would stop at ruins of the old zoo in Griffith Park for a hike. This is absolutely one of my favorite experiences in LA and NOT the norm, which means not so touristy, just fun! We would do a quick drive down Hollywood Blvd. because you have to see all the interesting goings-on and stop for a vanilla ice-blending at Coffee Bean before making our way west. Our next stop on this whirlwind trip would be a drive through Mt Olympus. This housing area has some of the best views of the city and houses that are breathtaking to look at. And if you are lucky, there may be an open house for you to tour, so much fun! 😀 The streets are named after Greek Gods and Goddesses too, which make for an exciting drive through! Next on our agenda would be Greystone Mansion and park. Love coming here and walking around this magnificent old estate built by a founder of Beverly Hills, Doheny. There has been over 300 movies filled here. If you are lucky, the mansion itself will be open for an event or tour when you go. After that, a quick stroll down Rodeo Dr., cuz you gotta. 🙂 Finally, we would have dinner at The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier, YUMMY! Tomorrow is another day… I would go south this time and go to Laguna Beach for a relaxing stroll through the artsy city and check out all the art galleries. Have a quick lunch at GG’s Bistro, then trolly ride to more galleries and drinks, apps, and dinner at the Rooftop Lounge for a great sunset. GET A MOJITO or 2… (they have one of the best I have ever had)! Today we will stay around Long Beach and have breakfast at Chucks Coffee Shop, best old-school breakfast ever with a view of the ocean. Bring cash, they don’t accept credit cards. Then off to the Queen Mary for a fun day going back in time exploring the old world ship. Take a ghost tour, walk through the metal pathways deep inside the Engine Room, and discover the rest of the ship on a self-guided walking tour. Then grab a late lunch at Chelsea Chowder House and relax over a drink at the Observation Bar. Get a mojito here, (Raul makes the other best mojito ever) Our last day is a busy one! Up early for a morning Stars Tours through the Beverly Hills and West LA area with map in hand. Then lunch at Gladstone’s on the water and reservations for an early afternoon entry to the Getty Villa Museum. Make sure you sign up for a garden tour. After we leave here, we stop by the Self Realization center just off PCH on Sunset Blvd. This is a mindful walk to unwind, meditate, and commune with your inner self. Our last stop on this unique and fun trip is dinner at Dukes Restaurant, the crab legs are amazing! YUMMM My lovely friend’s last experience in beautiful Long Beach, CA is lunch at Sushi on Fire before a quick drive to the Long Beach airport for a flight out. What a spectacular trip. Just writing about it makes me want to do it again! Have fun and enjoy the unique, off-the-beaten-path places I have discovered!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shout out has a few different facets. Firstly, I would like to thank my Mom and Dad, their parenting pushed me into the being I am today. I want to thank my friend, mentor, and business partner Jackie Sharpe for supporting, guiding, and cheering me on always while at the same time being brutally honest when I need it and not letting me get away with any excuses, as they never serve us. She has helped me grow and expand my business as well as be a sounding board for new ideas. She has been a great gift in my life. I would also like to thank Olivia Perez Biera, a spiritual healer, business associate, and friend. She keeps me out of my headspace when I often go there and brings me back to my heart space. She makes business more fun and is always there to support me if I need someone. The spiritual guidance I would like to give a shout-out to are the teachings, books, and YouTube videos of Abraham Hicks, Ernest Holmes, and Eckhart Tolle. I constantly wake every day with love and appreciation in my heart and trust in my spirit because of this guidance. When my mind isn’t telling me good things or I am scared, I am reminded of the Source within every time I pick up any of these books. This has been crucial to my being, creativity, and my businesses. I would also like to thank my wonderful friends for their timeless friendships and to all my friends that have believed in me and supported me always. I am blessed by them all.

Website: http://creativelylisa.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatively.lisa/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisabrugger/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CreativelyL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativelyLisa/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsm932BhyMaMNpO0PO3XtCA?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Veronica Mohr, Karen Duckles

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