In this episode, I sit down with Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, abstract painter, life coach, and host of the Painting Your Path podcast — for a rich conversation about how she reclaimed her own creative identity and how she coaches her clients, usually women in midlife, to do the same.  We talk about overcoming self-doubt, and building resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.

Clarissa shares her winding journey from retail management to graphic design to finding her true calling as an artist and coach, and how a diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia — a rare neurological voice disorder — forced her to reimagine her work and reconnect with her deepest purpose.

We also discuss:

• How well-meaning discouragement in childhood can silence our creative instincts for decades
• Practical strategies for processing rejection as a creative person
• Why "giving yourself grace" is the foundation of any creative practice
• Clarissa's work supporting the Altadena community in the aftermath of the devastating 2025 Eaton Fire through art

Whether you're an artist, a creative in midlife, or someone rebuilding after loss, this episode with Clarissa offers genuine wisdom and encouragement.

00:00:12 — Introduction to the show and host Pam Uzzell

00:01:10 — Podcast updates: new schedule and hiatus explanation

00:01:53 — Introduction of guest Clarissa Castillo Ramsey and her background

00:02:37 — Clarissa's diagnosis with spasmodic dysphonia

00:03:08 — Clarissa's resilience and involvement with the Altadena community after the Eaton Fire

00:04:03 — Interview begins; Clarissa introduces herself

00:05:57 — Clarissa's life coaching work with women in midlife

00:07:13 — Growing up and receiving discouraging messages about pursuing a creative career

00:09:33 — The journey back to art: from retail management to graphic design to painting

00:11:40 — Discovering painter Rassouli at Agape International Spiritual Center

00:16:22 — Clarissa's spasmodic dysphonia diagnosis and how it affected her work

00:21:12 — Pam shares her own experience with myotonic dystrophy and voice challenges

00:24:56 — Theories on resilience and what keeps Clarissa going

00:27:55 — Dealing with rejection as a creative person; the TEDx talk rejection

00:36:16 — The Altadena community after the Eaton Fire and the healing power of art

00:39:11 — Where to find Clarissa and her podcast, Painting Your Path

🎙️ Find Clarissa on Instagram: @clarissacastilloramsey.art 🎙️ Listen to her podcast: Painting Your Path. Clarissa's Website.

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