Amanda Rootsey - Inspiring Creative Stories
Welcome to another chapter of "Inspiring Creative Stories," where I'm thrilled to share the creative journey of my good friend, Amanda Rootsey.
Mandy's story is a beautiful mix of art, friendship, and business, and it's been one of the blessings of my life being part of it.
From the days of painting in my old studio, sometimes in silence to remember a friend we lost, to more recent sessions by the beach or up on a lookout, our art adventures have been as varied as they are memorable. We've not only shared canvases but also ideas and laughs, especially during our mastermind sessions that have kept us connected for almost a decade.
Amanda and I have spent years supporting each other in our business ventures, including three fun-filled three years running the Gentle Business Mastermind with our friend Naomi Arnold. These days our weekly Zoom calls, usually a mix of business talk and showing off our latest sketches, are something I always look forward to.
It's been amazing to see Mandy embrace her creative side.
She used to doubt her artistic abilities (I know, it’s hard to believe!), but now, she's embraced this part of her self expression, exploring everything from painting to sketching to mixed media and more. Her transformation is a reminder that it's never too late to tap into your creativity and make it a part of your life.
I love how she’s found being creative has supported her to be more bold and trust herself and her decisions in her business, too.
Amanda's journey with art and creativity is not just about picking up new skills; it's about the joys of friendship and discovering parts of yourself you never knew existed. As we dive into her story, I hope you find as much inspiration in her journey as I have.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I would love to know what led you to pick up a paintbrush.
Hiiii!
I’m the founder of Shine From Within where we support teens and the adults around them. I believe every teen deserves a mentor and love training folks to hold space for young people.
What led me to pick up a paintbrush was when my friend passed away a few years ago. Thanks for asking this question - I hadn’t realised until now that this was the moment. So, I feel like I’m late to the creative party!
My friend, and yours, had just passed and you, beautiful sweet Nicola, invited me over to paint as we both grieved our friend.
I hadn’t played with paint prior to that and I grew up believing that I simply wasn’t creative.
What do you love most about being creative?
I love how immersive it is - I find it such a wonderful way to nurture the spirit, recharge and think differently.
I also love the feeling of playfulness and joy I get from playing with paint, sketching, cooking, taking photos, etc!
And what are some of the challenges?
I think starting with a new medium and feeling so out of sorts and like you’ll never get the hang of it is challenging. And allowing time and gentleness for that to evolve.
How do you like to set up for a creative date?
Ooo I love to go out on creative dates!
Thanks for introducing me to these in your Creative Hearts Community. I set myself up by packing a backpack with a bottle of water, a towel, a little travel palette of watercolours, a pencil case with some watercolour pens, coloured pencils and pens, a little art journal and usually my swimmers.
Sometimes, I’ll set out for a hike in the National Park behind my house and sit down wherever I feel inspired to. Other times, I jump on my bike and head to the beach.
I find it especially soothing and nurturing when my head is no longer working so well after a day of being on the computer.
What surprised you most about expressing your creativity?
I think what surprised me most about expressing my creativity is that once I started to play, I felt more creative in all aspects of life and business.
I took chances in my business. I found creative solutions to challenges. I felt more comfortable letting go of my inner critic and put things out into the world. I felt more patience and felt more comfortable sitting with things for a little longer, instead of spiralling and wanting to burn things to the ground. :)
What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to someone wanting to deepen their relationship with their creativity?
Find someone who can cheer you on and guide you, a little community of other creatives having a play without judgement and watch some YouTube videos. Give yourself permission and space to simply play.
That was perhaps more than one?! 🧐 😅
Thank you so much for sharing your creative life with us, Amanda!
I hope you enjoyed reading about Amanda Rootsey’s inspiring creative life.
If you would like to make creativity a priority in your life this year, I would be honoured to paint with you and support you in making that intention come true. Flourish: The Art of Creative Living is open for registration now. I invite you to explore more about my fun-filled, supportive, year-long creativity school, right here.
Inside Flourish, we explore painting with acrylic, oils, and watercolours, plus photography, collage and writing projects to fuel your creativity.
You are also invited to join me for the next Art of Creative Living Retreat, this time on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef on Lady Elliot Island. I warmly invite you to check it out and send me an email to reserve your place.
Finally, you are welcome to join the Creative Hearts Community, where you’ll connect with more creatives from around the world, like Vanessa, and enjoy supportive workshops, live events and recordings to support you in carving out time for self-expression and self-care.
I’d love to support you in your creative living adventures.
Be kind to yourself and nurture your creativity.
With my warm wishes,
Nicola xx
About Nicola Newman
I'm a Creative Business Coach, Award-Winning Artist & Mentor for Creative Hearts who want to flourish, flow & prosper.
My approach combines self-care, playfulness, and mindfulness to support sensitive, values-driven creatives to navigate self-doubt and cultivate deep self-trust so they can truly enjoy the creative process, bring together their body of work, make money doing what they love and leave a creative legacy they’re proud of.
As an award-winning artist and creative mentor, my free resources, online courses, coaching programs, and retreats support Creative Hearts to embrace their passions, prioritise their creative expression, and build loving relationships with themselves.
Let’s pour a cuppa and get to know one another, shall we? :) Read more about my story here.
