Finding My True Calling… Others: The Joy of Discovering a Business That Fits
As a live wedding painter and guest portrait artist, I’m fortunate to be in a space where I get to do what I love every single day. But it wasn’t always this way. Like many of us, I’ve had moments of trying to force something to work—whether it was a business, a career path, or even a passion project. I’m here to tell you that finding a business that fits you like a glove isn’t just a game-changer for your career; it’s a game-changer for your entire life.
There was a time when I felt like I was pushing myself to make something work that didn’t quite align with who I was. I tried a few different ventures, each with its own set of challenges, but I could never quite shake the feeling that something was missing. I wasn’t excited to wake up in the morning, and I wasn’t feeling the kind of fulfillment I knew I was capable of. The hustle felt more exhausting than inspiring, and the passion just wasn’t there.
Forcing something that isn’t meant for you can be discouraging. You find yourself hitting roadblock after roadblock, trying to make it all fit, trying to create a business or career that doesn’t quite resonate with you. And after a while, that feeling can be draining.
Then, something clicked. I realized that the business I had been searching for was the one that would align with my creative soul and bring joy—not just to me, but to others. I had always been drawn to the arts, and the idea of capturing life’s most precious moments through painting felt like a natural fit. It felt like a deep, soul-satisfying calling rather than something I was forcing myself to do.
When I began my journey as a live wedding painter and guest portrait artist, everything changed. I didn’t feel like I had to “make it work”—I was doing something that fit. And the beauty of it? It never felt like work. I found that sense of excitement and fulfillment I’d been missing. Painting a couple’s love story or capturing the joy of guests at a wedding gave me a sense of purpose I hadn’t experienced before.
The joy of finding a business that fits you is indescribable. It’s like walking into a room you’ve always belonged in, where everything finally makes sense. I love waking up each morning knowing that I’m creating something meaningful for others while getting to fully embrace my creative passion. The energy I pour into my work is reflected back to me in the love and joy of my clients. I’m able to create art that lasts a lifetime—capturing memories, emotions, and stories that will live on forever.
It’s not just about the painting itself; it’s about the people I get to work with. The connection I make with couples and their guests brings a sense of fulfillment I never thought possible. And the best part? It all flows naturally. I’m not forcing anything anymore.
If you’re in the process of building your own business or figuring out your true calling, take a step back and reflect on what truly excites you. Sometimes, we’re so busy forcing things to work that we forget to listen to the deep pull of what feels right. Finding a business that fits you isn’t just about success—it’s about joy. And once you find that, everything else will fall into place. - Also kinda like how at age 30 I realized how much I enjoy writing as well, I knew I did but this venture has truly opened up my true calling (note how my first 3 blog posts are done in the same night.)
My background is in photography and don’t get me wrong, I still absolutely love photography but it’s too easy for me to get caught in the moment in which you don’t pull the camera out (which honestly helps with painting a shockingly beautiful piece because you see in colors that are not there and feel with words that are not spoken) I can not wait to sit down and process your special day and watch your face fill with joy as you feel seen. That was always my favorite, but now it excites me even more. I really have to give thanks to everyone who has been to our house and in shock say “did you paint this? JANELL you need to start painting again!” or ….. I am notorious for painting over my other pieces and I have quite a few pieces where people where mad at me when I said “meh, I just wanted something new and wasn’t feeling it so I painted on top of it.” awkward smile and they say “what! I seriously would have bought that piece and now I don’t get to see it again?!”
I have been the queen of self sabotage and imposture syndrome, not thinking anything of it….. last year I learned what that truly stemmed from but then learned the way to combat it. To focus on others. There really is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving!
I’d love to hear your own journey! Have you ever experienced the joy of finding something that truly fits? Or maybe you’re still searching—drop a comment below and let’s talk about it!
