Emily Nielsen
Read her story below
How’d you get your start?
My whole adult life, I have worked within the field of art, and I also worked within the music industry - touring on the road since I was a teen. So when Punk Rock & Paintbrushes came together, it was a marriage of my two passions and it made sense. People sometimes want to own their own business because they think it is less commitment and hours... Well... it is now a 24/7 job; I am constantly working. If I’m not thinking about my work, every step I take within the day - whether it be meditating, surfing, spending time with my artists - adds to the goals I have and wish to achieve. I only want to grow and move forward by pushing my artists I work for forward with me. We want to share our message with the world!
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“Whatever creative field I have worked within, I had a vision and goals and did not take 'no' for an answer. I did not have a Plan B and still don’t.”
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Describe your day at home or in your workspace?
When I am home working, a perfect day starts with coffee and a run. I am very active, surfing and running are an integral part of my success and my state of mind for my company. Throughout my day, I am shipping art, curating shows, choosing where to bring PRPB shows, and emailing clients or booking our shows and tours. I am on the phone and email a lot, but I also spend my time with my clients. For example, today I am off to watch an artist compete in a surf contest. I support the artists not only with their art but in their life.
To what do you attribute your success?
I attribute my mind and attitude to my success. Anyone can do anything, but they must devote themselves and their mind. People give up too easily and make excuses. Rejection and failure are the biggest parts of success.
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"My work space is very organized, and luckily, I live alone so my entire home can be dedicated to my company. I do have a separate office in my home but... My entire home is command-central for PRPB."
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What holds more value for you: creativity or knowledge?
Creativity absolutely! Formal training can help. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from San Diego State, and I am glad, but I learned a lot in my other classes, not just what I received my degree in - time management, organization, learning from professors, mentors, and more.
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“My perfect day is to surf, drink coffee, and pet my cat!”
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If you could move to any other place in this or any universe where would you go?
Funny question and my question is: why does it say if? I feel like I could move anywhere I want tomorrow (okay pre covid), but honestly why do people say if I could? I wish I could? Then do it! We make our own choices, no matter what. I was not born with a golden spoon. I was homeless at 19 years old and had many other challenges in my life, although I still have some, they look different. I have plans in the near future to move away from the 'crowds' and into a peaceful place such as Washington Woods or the big island of Hawaii... I am a surfer so Hawai'i sounds great but to be with owls and frogs sounds pretty nice too. I would rather play in nature than in the city.
