Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Kingwood ?
I was born in Mississippi! My dad was a farmer if you can believe that! He and my mom decided to change careers and moved the family to Texas when I was starting school. We lived in Waco until I was 9 and then moved to The Woodlands where I finished up High School. After High School, I went on to Texas A&M and studied Architecture there. After getting my degree I took my first “real job” in the architecture world in Atlanta, GA where I would meet my husband. After several years in Atlanta, we decided to move back to the Houston area to be near family. We have been back now for almost seven years and in the Humble area for 5.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have three sweet and spicy little ladies ages 5, 4 and 3! People’s reactions to this always crack me up but I promise it is like my dream come true. I wouldn’t have the first clue what to do with a boy. 🙂
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I spent my first year in college as a business major. I was convinced that a creative career was impossible and that I would just always paint on the side as a hobby. After a year of business, I realized that embracing your natural talents was a much better path.
What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?
I love a day of relaxation. Sign me up for a Mani/Pedi with a Topo Chico in hand and you have one happy girl.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
I listen to a wonderful podcast called Unruffled with Janet Lansbury and I picked up a great tip from her! She recommends when things get a little crazy/ stressful/ nuts to picture yourself as a superhero, cape and all. It sounds silly but it really does work and it changes my mindset to problem solver in a hurry!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am an artist and my work is about exploring color and composition with heavy inspiration from the power, renewal and beauty of water.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
So many friends and neighbors have supported my work over the years in our area! It has been a joy to come into peoples homes, consult them on artwork and make friends along the way. We were fortunate that our home did not flood during Hurricane Harvey but I was looking for a way to do something positive in those weeks after the flood. I painted a large piece of artwork and asked people to purchase raffle tickets in the form of donations to JJ Watt’s fundraiser and could not believe the response! This one painting raised almost $13,000 and much of that was from local neighbors in the area.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering,
working, etc)? I think incorporating your kids in what you are doing as much as you are able to is such a gift to them and to you. When they see you are passionate about something they naturally want to be a part of it and join you in it. If we are able to bring them into our passions I think we can move away from the mindset that we are juggling separate parts of our life and just think of it as normal life! When this isn’t possible, and of course it isn’t always possible, I think having a plan is key. I find for myself if my studio is ready for action and I have a gameplan for the day I am much more efficient within my time constraints.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
I am going back and forth here in my mind with a laughable statement like “enjoy those 4 hour leisurely trips to Target and the Mall while you can”… or perhaps I would tell myself, “you are wasting so many hours at Target and the Mall…you could be getting so much more done!” I don’t know for sure what I would tell myself here but one thing is for sure…I love my life with kids. 🙂 I think one thing I would tell myself in all seriousness is to not hesitate to pursue your passion. Find something that you are willing to wake up early or stay up late into the wee hours of the morning for and give it all you’ve got!
What is your proudest mommy moment?
This is such a tough question to answer! I feel as a mom like there are a million little paydays along the way that fill you up and help motivate you to be the best version of yourself. A sweet moment where you see your child help a sibling, or encourage you saying “Mommy, this is the most beautiful painting…you are the best artist in the world!”, or at the dinner table, the night after Mommy sold a painting when the three-year-old folds their hands and says “Dear God, thank you for all this business you give us.” I just can’t name one…there are too many to count. No matter what my hands make over the course of my lifetime, the hours I pour into my girls will no doubt be the most important and meaningful thing I create.
What is your favorite thing to do in the HKA area?
We love the family activities this community has to offer. From the community theater to the parades, Farmers Markets, holiday events and beyond we like getting out and participating in all the fun!
Check out her website
Follow Rylie on Instagram @ryliecaldwellart