We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rachel Woodbridge. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Rachel, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think people assume ARTWELL is just about doing art projects, when in reality, the art is the vehicle. What I’m really focused on is social and emotional development (for both kids and adults!); helping to build confidence, express themselves, navigate big feelings, and connect with others in a safe, supportive space. The paint, clay, and collage materials are tools, but the true meaning is growth in creativity, empathy, resilience, and self-awareness. It’s not just “art class”.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Rachel Woodbridge, the founder of ARTWELL, a creative brand designed to inspire curiosity, play, and emotional growth through art. My own love for creativity started as a child (art was how I made sense of my feelings, though I didn’t know it at the time!). That passion eventually led me to study at Parsons School of Design, work in creative industries, and, years later, rediscover the power of art while navigating the early years of parenthood.
ARTWELL uses process-based, open-ended art experiences to help children (and adults) build confidence, self-expression, and connection. It’s not about perfect projects, it’s about exploration, joy, and developing social-emotional skills.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Becoming a parent completely transformed my perspective…. especially becoming one in 2020 during Covid. You go from experiencing the world as someone’s child, to seeing it through your own child’s eyes (as a parent). I’d like to say it made me more aware of the small moments, more protective of time, and more intentional about creating environments where curiosity, play, and emotional safety can thrive… but it’s definitely a challenge!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When you have a family to care for, there are naturally moments when you question if you can keep going. Building something from the ground up is deeply rewarding, but it’s also exhausting…especially when you’re pouring your heart into work you care about so much. There are times when the logistics and workload feel overwhelming, and you wonder if you’ve taken on too much; how much easier it would be to just walk away.
What’s kept me from doing that is remembering why I started, and also recognizing how fulfilling this work is for me personally. Even if no one else notices what I am doing, the process of building a brand has been incredibly positive for my mental health. It gives me something meaningful to focus on that’s bigger than myself. Every time I see a child light up with pride over their creation, or hear a parent share how much their child’s confidence has grown, it reignites my commitment. The ripple effect of this work is far greater than any single hard season, and that’s what keeps me moving forward, even when it’s not easy.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say I care most about integrity/ honesty, family connection, and creativity… not just in art form, but as a way of approaching life.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
100% doing what I was born to do. I’ve always been drawn to creativity and to helping people express themselves and feel confident in who they are. ARTWELL combines those passions in a way that feels completely natural to me. It doesn’t feel like following a prescribed path; it feels like the culmination of my own experiences, values, and instincts. Even on the hard days, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.discoverartwell.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artwell.la/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565922478171
Image Credits
Kelly Victoria (headshot)
Niiche Media
