Meet Rachel Moody | Bead Artist

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

Hi Rachel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work life balance has evolved over time. I used to be a workaholic at the expense of enjoying my life fully. Whether it was sacrificing my daily exercise, preparing a beautiful meal and taking time to enjoy it or meeting up with a friend I quite often would prioritize my work over these important things. A few years back I started the practice of assessing what my end goal was. Feeling good in my body, having a relaxed lifestyle, spending time with those I love became the priority. I made decisions along the way, like not taking on a loan but working within my means, so that I could avoid extra stress and have time for simple life pleasures. I love my work and do have times I prioritize it because I have a deadline, I’m inspired or need to make money. I think I am a happier person for the practice of evaluating what is most important and working with that in mind.

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 think that my love of nature, color, light and healing gemstones comes through in my beaded jewelry and mobiles. My dedication to my art has refined it through the years. Sometimes I surprise myself with a finished piece I could have never imagined. In the showing up to my desk anything is possible. Sometimes it takes time to sink into my creative flow but once I’m on a roll it can be so enjoyable and I think that comes through in my work. Business logistics from book keeping to managing a website and an online store is a challenge for me. I keep persevering on these fronts by hiring people that are better at that than me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Big Sur I probably have a different itinerary than someone in LA. I would most likely take my friend on a gorgeous hike, possibly to a mountain top, beach or river spot with a picnic. Enjoying our home and view is what we do often, BBQ and pool time, drinks at sunset etc. We work hard to live where we do and enjoy sharing the beauty with our friends. Favorite restaurants would include Nepenthe, Big Sur Bakery and Poppy Hall if we happen to drive north to Pacific Grove.

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 want to dedicate my shoutout out to my family. I would have to give my parents credit for encouraging my creativity. My father’s dedication to being an oil painter and spending his days in his studio at the easel laid the foundation for me to become an artist myself. I experienced the peace that could be found in a studio. I could always go pull up a stool and talk to him about whatever was going on in my life. There was the familiar smell of turpentine and usually classical music playing on the radio. I now realize I was entering my dad’s creative bubble and in that, his alpha state, a wakeful relaxation that occurs when we enter our creative flow. My mother was a weaver and highly creative as well. She encouraged whatever form my creativity took. My sister has been a lifesaver with helping me transition from a brick and mortar store to an online presence.

Website: www.bigsurinspirations.com

Instagram: beadworkbyrachelmoody

Facebook: Beadwork by Rachel Moody

Image Credits:
Image of strand of rainbow beads by Sari Singerman.                                        Image of beaded curtain by Jennifer Buckland.