Meet Karen H. Baxter | Coach to Creatives & Professional Crafter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen H. Baxter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen H., how does your business help the community?
My mission is to help people connect with their inner selves through the therapeutic benefits of creativity and crafting. Research has shown that doing creative activities can significantly improve mental well-being, promote inner peace, and boost self-confidence.

As someone who once struggled with self-confidence, I can personally attest to the incredible benefits of creativity. It empowered me to change my mindset, gain self-assurance, and ultimately build a business doing something I love.

This journey led me to become a coach for aspiring creative entrepreneurs who want to build their own businesses. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many success stories of individuals who have shifted their mindsets, empowering themselves to build thriving businesses aligned with their passions. This transformation has allowed many to overcome challenging situations and take their businesses to new levels. It’s incredibly rewarding for me to know that I’ve played a part in their growth.

After the pandemic, I felt a strong urge to create a physical space that embodies the sense of community I had built online. I envisioned a place where people could gather and find inspiration to create art and projects they could take pride in. A safe haven where individuals could reconnect with their creativity and, in turn, their confidence. Creating something you’re proud of, especially when you initially doubt your abilities, is an empowering and confidence-building experience.

Confidence, once gained, not only benefits you but also those around you. My studio serves as a tranquil escape from the busyness of the outside world. Come in, leave your worries behind, and immerse yourself in a space where you can relax, create, and re-establish your connection with yourself and others.

In today’s challenging times, I believe that such a space is more important than ever. If I can provide a place where people can find happiness, build confidence, and share smiles, I consider it a significant impact on the lives of others.

What should our readers know about your business?
I absolutely adore what I do! Every single day, I have the privilege of diving into my true purpose and pursuing my passion wholeheartedly. What sets my studio a part is its focus on the tangible results of creativity and not just the act of creating. My studio provides a haven for fostering self-expression rather than encouraging imitation. Our goal is for every visitor to leave not just content but excited and joyful with a sense of achievement. Our mission is to help you tap into YOUR creativity, not someone else’s.

My daughter and I have carefully curated the space to make sure that it is always positive and peaceful. We believe in infusing fun and an uplifting energy into every part of the studio.

I am most excited about witnessing the powerful transformation of self-discovery. I’ve been fortunate to witness the sparks of brilliance as a coach to creative entrepreneurs and now I see that same spark in the people and kids that come to our studio.

Equally exciting is the growth that I see in my daughter. I firmly believe that my journey of resilience and perseverance has been a source of inspiration for her in her own entrepreneurial path. I’ve watched her confidence soar, and her business, Paris Dior Beauty, a makeup, skincare, and fragrance venture, is blossoming beautifully. As a mother, there’s no greater joy than seeing your children grow and thrive.
Getting here has been quite the journey. I began crafting to find peace during a particularly stressful period in my life. It became my mental sanctuary. Eventually, I decided to share my creations on Facebook, and to my surprise, someone expressed a desire to purchase my work. I was taken aback but thrilled. Though my self-confidence was growing, it was still hard to believe that someone valued what I created with my own hands. This marked the start of a thriving handmade business, and I soon found myself teaching others what I had learned. It was this journey that ultimately led me to establish my studio.

Entrepreneurship is one of the hardest personal journeys you will ever go on. It requires you to expose parts of yourself that make you feel uncomfortable and that is hard. You want to retreat to your comfort zone and try to run your business in anonymity, which doesn’t work. Overcoming your own mindset blocks, managing imposter syndrome, and making sure you have the right, well-intentioned people in your environment, are a few of the must haves for a building a successful business.

I want people to know that you deserve the best, but you must want it for yourself more than other people want it for you. You can’t rely on other people to birth your vision. It’s not their responsibility, it’s yours. Make a commitment to yourself to be your best. Be committed to excellence and lead with a servant heart. Doing this in my experience, will help you build a real business with longevity.

Both my coaching and my studio are rooted in the strong desire to serve and empower people through creativity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would plan it around an event that we both want to attend. The first part of the week we would stay at an AirBNB, that is has an eclectic vibe somewhere in the city. We would eat at place around the city that we haven’t tried. Take a day trip to the wineries in the mountains and make wine. We would shop at vintage and funky spots, get lost in the city so that we could find amazing spaces only the locals know about.

The second half of the week would be spent booked in a lux hotel overlooking the city. We would get in room spa treatments and get a personal shopper to dress us for the Sade, Masego, Maxwell, Hiatus Kaiyote concert (I can dream right? LOL) We would then be chauffeured to the event and be escorted to the private section where the artists sit. We would get to meet the fab artists and enjoy a night of making memories.

Honestly, me and my bestie on a beach with a drink in hand is all I really need. 😉

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I can’t just choose one.

I have to first thank Jehovah God for giving me the gift of creativity and the strength to use it to help others.

My parents, Joseph & Lillie taught me how to treat people and how to be a good person. They always encouraged me to help others, love myself and to put God first.

My two heartbeats, my kids Kyle and Niya taught me how to be strong and unconditional love. When I felt lost they gave me direction.

My best friend and sister, Janeen, for keeping in line (lol). My craft sisters and of course my online tribe, The Creative Boss Collective.

It truly takes a village and I appreciate everyone that has sent me good vibes, well wishes and love along my journey.

Website: www.ArtisticFusionCraftStudio.com and www.mscreativeceo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artisticfusioncraftstudio/. and. https://www.instagram.com/mscreativeceo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtisticFusionCraftStudio/ and. https://www.facebook.com/mscreativeceo

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/artistic-fusion-craft-studio-fayetteville

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenBaxter

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mscreativeceo

Image Credits
I own all the images free and clear