Today we’d like to introduce you to Stevie Nelson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Stevie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I did not originally want to be an actress/tv host/photographer/artist. When I was two-years-old, my mom would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up and I would always respond, “underwear model” which is both alarming and wonderful. I never quite fulfilled that dream (still open to it if someone wants to make it happen) but started pursuing acting after college. I have done lots of commercials and TV shows and currently host a show on Nickelodeon called “Crashletes”. As for photography, I had always loved doing photography and started a side business as a way to pay for things.
I also always loved to paint and do art as a kid though, that has been a part of me since I was born. I still paint every single day. I mostly paint abstracts but two years ago, I created Pocket Compliments and Pocket Mantras. Both decks of cards and boxes were designed and hand-painted by me and then I got them reproduced. I created a list of compliments and mantras that spoke to me but also asked for suggestions on social media, so tons of people contributed to the actual words on the cards which is my favorite part about the project. Pocket Compliments are tiny uplifting notes that you can give to others or keep for yourself and Pocket Mantras are words of affirmations to inspire positivity. I sell them on Etsy and in LA County Store.
I think my short answer would be that I got to where I am today by following my passions and with the help of many people.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been anything but smooth but the one thing that has remained constant is my passion. I don’t think I even look for it to be smooth anymore. I like the challenge of it zig-zagging and think that it’s a valuable part of the process of being an artist. The biggest struggle for me personally, is keeping the faith and narrowing my focus. To combat the struggle, I try my best to remember to celebrate the little and big wins.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am an actress/tv host/photographer/painter which is far too many jobs but all so fun. I think I’m known for being a renaissance woman, my dry sense of humor and my creativity. I’m most proud that I follow through, I think that’s important for a business and as humans. Following through has given me self worth and is a reminder to myself that my ideas are worthwhile. But at the end of the day, I think I am most proud that I’ve enjoyed my life because I pursue things that bring me joy.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
While I think it’s fun to pursue so many things, I think my plan for the future is to narrow my focus a bit. I just started working with a life coach to help me feel less scattered and figure out where I want to go next.
I’m really looking forward to reproducing another set of Pocket Mantras, creating a new deck of Pocket Compliments and traveling a bit more and doing a little bit less.
Pricing:
- Pocket Compliments/Pocket Mantras – $15/box
- Headshots – $400 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamstevienelson.com
Image Credit:
Sophie Hart (main photo), Brinson Banks (the rest of the photos)
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