Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Karrick.
Hi Molly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Toledo, Ohio to a family of four kids. My dad is a music professor and my mother a teacher. I’ve always been incredibly fascinated with self-expression, mainly through art and music. From a very young age, I was painting and drawing, often keeping to myself as my world was much more interesting than what was happening on the outside. Luckily both of my parents are huge supporters in the arts and assured that all of my siblings could sing and/or play musical instruments. In college, I decided to pursue painting as my main focus with a minor in psychology. Unsure of what my life path would lead to, I always knew that I belonged in LA. Los Angeles, CA was always going to be the pinnacle of art, music, love, and all things open-minded. In my heart, there was no other place. While living in Cincinnati and bouncing from bands to 9-to-5s, a startup company called “SoLo Funds” came across my radar.
Founded in Cincy, but soon to be relocated to Sunny California. This was my chance to join a movement bigger than myself and ride the wave. After a few crash test living situations, I now reside in Studio City with my two cats, Eddie Van Halen and Ozzy Osborne. Throughout the past two years in LA, I’ve remained with the indispensable SoLo, an app that just closed series A at $10 Million. With investors like Serena Williams, SoLo is quickly becoming a main resource for people living paycheck to paycheck. For my personal artistic endeavors, I paint ardent acrylic pieces and write alternative grunge-pop music. I just released my first single, “Typical Disaster”, co-written by Mellow Skunk, influenced by Courtney Love and Joan Jett. I’m super excited to release my next two singles, both currently being mixed by a really dope producer I found on Instagram. I’ve also started working as a full-figure model, advocating for the natural frame of the human body.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! I had a ton of doubt in myself before coming to California. When you’re already navigating the rocky seas of young adulthood, it’s even more challenging when social media places a huge magnifying glass on all the parts of yourself that you’re still learning to love. Sometimes taking time to learn about yourself can lead to huge breakthroughs. There is a saying that goes, “People can only meet you at the depth in which they have met themselves.” To me, this means that you cannot rely on someone else to show you your own value. Understand that we are all on a specific path of enlightenment and growth. People often place their own insecurities and fears on you, especially when they see you are taking risks that would scare the heck out of them. Learning to put up mental blocks to shield yourself from someone else’s negativity is very important, especially in LA.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I paint expressive pieces of all sizes with acrylic and oil paint. My latest work currently in production is 6 feet tall with graphic imagery and neon colors. I’d like to think I am known for my punchy illustrations and garish coloring that hones in on human sexuality, impulse, and risk. My newer venture is creating alt-pop-rock that pulls from inspiration like The Runaways, Sky Ferreira, Hole, and Grimes. I refuse to sit still. To me, striving to always grow and move forward, experiment and try new things is what sets me apart.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Gratitude. Being grateful for the journey – for everyone and everything that has gotten you to this point. Make a list every morning if you must, but expressing gratitude every single day will lead you to real success. Oh, and have faith in yourself ya badass!
Contact Info:
Image Credits:
Jenn Gardner (for Main image and first 2 Images) Alyssa Fioravanti (For 3rd image)
