We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Chantal de Weever and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole Chantal, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting Art Saves Lives Foundation which is a non for profit organization based in St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean- the thought process came from my deep desire to make a difference in my community by creating programming that encourages cross-cultural exchange between youth in need and experienced practicing artists who seek to use their art/talent for positive change. Each summer the foundation coordinates Summer Intensives which caters to about 200 students. This collaborate project selects renowned artists from around the world who use the arts to introduce participants to global and local traditions and empower them with the life skills necessary to effectively deal with the challenges of everyday life. The organization also provides guidance for young artists with aspirations in pursuing a career in the arts. Being from a small island like St. Maarten growing up as a creative youth, I had the support as well as access to leave home to take programs abroad. This is not the reality for most young people. I wanted to provide this opportunity for the young people from my country and the region, by creating Art Saves Lives Foundation. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

The thought process behind starting Art Saves Lives Foundation which is a non for profit organization based in St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean- the thought process came from my deep desire to make a difference in my community by creating programming that encourages cross-cultural exchange between youth in need and experienced practicing artists who seek to use their art/talent for positive change. Each summer the foundation coordinates Summer Intensives which caters to about 200 students. This collaborate project selects renowned artists from around the world who use the arts to introduce participants to global and local traditions and empower them with the life skills necessary to effectively deal with the challenges of everyday life. The organization also provides guidance for young artists with aspirations in pursuing a career in the arts. Being from a small island like St. Maarten growing up as a creative youth, I had the support as well as access to leave home to take programs abroad. This is not the reality for most young people. I wanted to provide this opportunity for the young people from my country and the region, by creating Art Saves Lives Foundation.

Social impact:: Art Saves Lives Foundation (ASLF) uses art as a bridge to education, we seek to facilitate personal empowerment through creativity by engaging, developing aspiring artists with the training, education and guidance needed for the successful pursuit of careers in the creative arts, entertainment and education. We seek to cultivate the talents of our community by providing well-rounded programs that stimulate their bodies, minds and spirits. We believe it is imperative to teach and create value for the Arts as well as the artists creating the art. Our long term goals are to highlight the inherent value of art and culture in our society and promote an appreciation of the collective contribution of different art forms to our cultural identity. We have expanded international and regionally inviting delegations from the United States of America and the neighboring islands in the region, which encourages cross cultural exchange a key component of Art Saves Lives Foundation’s mission.

Risk taking: Taking risk is the nature of the business in the entertainment industry. You can only imagine it is all about betting on yourself everyday. I like to think about risk in a different way than probably the average concept. I don’t see risk in a negative light, the energy that comes along with taking a leap giving it all or nothing is where I am most comfortable and in most cases, this is where I thrive. The bigger the risk the bigger the gain, I give all or nothing.

If you are a parent, what do you think is the most important thing you’ve done as a parent in terms of the impact on your children? I am not a parent, but I most definitely feel a great sense of love and responsibility for the young people I mentor through Art Saves Lives Foundation.

The most important factor behind the success of the Art Saves Lives brand is the outcome and the success of the participants. We have seen the benefits of the program in the lives of the talented former students that are now thriving in their various creative careers. I believe that speaks volumes of the work that is being done. As an organization we also have merchandise which displays the theme of each program and it is always wonderful to witness how the community wears the merchandise with such pride. I truly believe that what we have created is a movement.

The motivation and fuel to keep going directly comes from the way in which I see the positive changes in the lives of the students. Yes, the happiness and joy I see on the faces of my students and parents alike reassures that we are on the right path. The breakthroughs and positive changes in their behavior as well as witnessing some of the students evolve from being timid to having great self esteem and confidence. Over the years being able to see their goals are being accomplished, which is determined by very clear results. We are producing talent that are having successful creative careers. This most definitely gives me the drive to keep going.

Work life balance: To be completely honest I have had a difficult time through the years creating balance. At the moment I am working a full time corporate job in the Finance industry, studying for my Masters in Business and running my non for profit Art Saves Lives Foundation. Creating balance in order to produce on at the highest level has definitely been challenging, but I have seen how imperative it truly is to delegate. In order to sustain a balance life, I have has to definitely figure out how to make myself a priority. I am no good in the service of others if I don’t take care of myself.

Traveling brings me so much joy and happiness. I absolutely love to travel. I like to travel to places most would consider off the beaten path, off the grid and unfamiliar. Alone travel is where I find my bliss, it has become my tradition. Every year I take a trip alone to a place I have never been. There is something so liberating about the experience of going somewhere, not knowing the language, but engaging with people from different cultures, traditions and customs. It is actually where most of myself reflection happens. In those moments I have also come to the realization that we are more alike than we are different.

I pursued an artistic career path because I believe it was absolutely important to honor my passion in life. I have felt most alive when I was performing and now that desire has shifted to providing and inspiring young people to do the same. In my humble opinion a life well spent equals doing what you love.

Success for me is being able to wake up in the morning feeling proud of all I have accomplished, as I continue to stay motivated, fulfilled and energized by the simple things, like being able to afford my life and to be able to help as much people as I can.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love live theater and attending concerts. I would say I am also a big foodie. If I was hosting or entertaining a friend I would take them to see live music. Living in New York City the venues to see live music are endless, one of my favorite places at the moment is Milo’s at Hudson Yard and then a Broadway show a straight play or musical.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would definitely like to shoutout my family and my community in St. Maarten and New York City. I would definitely not have been able to accomplish my goals and dreams without the support of my village.

Website: artsaveslivesfoundation.org

Image Credits
My headshot was taken by photographer Nick Fond of The 1029 Group. Photographer Cameron Hyman took the Art Saves Lives Foundation pictures. Group image outside Alison Gaines

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