Painting Your Path

What’s the idea you keep coming back to?

Maybe it’s written in more than one notebook. 😂
Maybe you’ve talked about it for years.
Maybe you keep telling yourself, “Someday…”

Here’s what I’ve been thinking about lately: Some of the most meaningful things in my life started much smaller than what they eventually became.

And I definitely didn’t know where they were going when I began.

In this episode of Painting Your Path, I’m sharing a few stories about what can happen when we stop waiting to see the whole path and simply give an idea a beginning.

If there’s something you’ve been carrying around for a while, this one is for you.

And if you’re ready to take one of those ideas out of the “someday” pile, join me for my free masterclass:

From Someday to Started September 30th

Bring your idea(s). Bring the messy notebook. We’ll start there.

Connect with Clarissa:

• Sept 30th Free Masterclass From Someday to Started Masterclass: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/from-someday-to-started
• Join the Painting Your Path™ membership waitlist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissacastilloramsey.art
• Self-Paced Vision Board Workshop: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/visionboard
• Painting Your Path Guide: https://clarissastudio.activehosted.com/f/7

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This season is dedicated to Eaton Fire Survivors, caregivers, and the community groups supporting Altadena and Pasadena. Even though Michelle isn’t from my area, her mentorship has been a steady, grounding presence as I’ve navigated my vocal condition, the grief of losing my dad, and the impact of the fire on my community.

In this conversation with abstract artist and mentor Michelle Armas, we explore what it really means to paint your path:

• How Michelle went from a high-pressure graphic design job at Landor to building a long-term abstract painting career, one small step at a time.
• Why she believes art is mostly inner work, and how that perspective has helped me keep creating in the middle of grief and uncertainty.
• The heart behind Paint Week and Catalyst Academy, and why those spaces feel so welcoming for people who’ve been told their creativity isn’t “practical enough.” 
• How making art can become both a sanctuary and a mirror when you’re healing from loss or moving through big life shifts.

I share a bit about how joining Michelle’s community and doing Paint Week gave me structure, play, and a sense of possibility at a time when so much felt heavy.

If you’re curious about abstract art, craving a creative community, or wondering if art could actually support your healing, this episode is for you.

👉 Listen now and, if it resonates, consider joining me for Michelle’s next Paint Week to explore your own creative path.

Connect with Michelle:

• Join me and Michelle in Paint Week Sept 21-25
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellearmas007

Connect with Clarissa:

• Sept 12th in-person Movement + Meditative Art at Buzzworthy Beverages in Claremont, CA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movement-meditative-art-tickets-1999131560312
• Sept. 20th in-person vision board workshop at The Hive, South Pasadena. Only $55. RSVP by email: [email protected]
• Join the Painting Your Path™ membership waitlist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissacastilloramsey.art
• Self-Paced Vision Board Workshop: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/visionboard
• Painting Your Path Guide: https://clarissastudio.activehosted.com/f/7

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In this episode of Painting Your Path, I  sit down with award-winning arts educator, photographer, and advocate Gayle Nicholls-Ali.

Gayle shares her 33-year love story with Altadena, how her creative path evolved from oil painting and graphic design into photography, and how the Eaton Fire changed everything—destroying her home, studio, and a beloved collection of cameras.

From that devastation, Gayle founded Altadena Photographers, building community through resource sharing, creative education, and wellness-focused art practices. She talks about photography as a wellness practice, why she always makes sure there’s a therapist in the room for workshops, and how her zine-making sessions have helped fire survivors process grief, memory, and hope.

We also talk about community organizing—like taking a bus of Altadena residents to Sacramento to advocate for fire survivors’ rights alongside leaders such as Joy Chen, Founder of Every Fire Survivors Network—and what it means to rebuild a home and a life with intention.

This conversation runs longer than usual, and that’s intentional: these stories of hope, resilience, creativity, and wellness deserve time and space.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Gayle’s journey from Barbados to New York to Altadena, and why Altadena became home
• How she moved from oil painting and graphic design into a deep love of film photography
• The impact of the Eaton Fire on her home, studio, and extensive vintage camera collection
• The origin story of Altadena Photographers and what it offers the community
• Why Gayle sees photography and zines as therapeutic practices
• How zine-making workshops support healing, storytelling, and resilience for fire survivors
• Gayle’s advocacy trips to Sacramento and the fight for fair compensation and protections

About Gayle Nicholls-Ali

Gayle Nicholls-Ali is an award-winning arts educator, photographer, and advocate with over two decades of experience. A key architect of California’s arts education standards, she has received the CAEA Lifetime Achievement Award, NAEA Leadership Award, AME Leadership Award, and the 2025 Judy Chu Congressional Woman of the Year honor.

Following the Eaton Fire, Gayle founded Altadena Photographers to support photographers and artists through resource recovery, creative education, and wellness-centered programming. She co-chairs the Eaton Fire Collaboratory’s Arts & Culture Coalition of Altadena and facilitates community zine workshops that promote healing and resilience.

Connect with Gayle:

• Instagram: @altadenaphotographers
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Closed group “Altadena Photographers” (request to join)
• Sept 18-20th Retreat & event info: https://forms.gle/2y3EjKN6vBnaWRRk7

Connect with Clarissa:

• Sept 12th in-person Movement + Meditative Art at Buzzworthy Beverages in Claremont, CA: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movement-meditative-art-tickets-1999131560312
• Sept. 20th in-person vision board workshop at The Hive, South Pasadena. Only $55. RSVP by email: [email protected]
• Join the Painting Your Path™ membership waitlist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissacastilloramsey.art
• Self-Paced Vision Board Workshop: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/visionboard

Mentioned in this Episode

• Altadena Photographers – community-based photography and arts organization
• Every Fire Survivors Network – founded by Joy Chen, supporting fire survivors and advocating for just policies
• Eaton Fire Collaboratory / Arts & Culture Coalition of Altadena
• “From Ashes We Gather” exhibition and community event
• Marinell nuns sanctuary in Monrovia – site of Gayle’s creative wellness retreat

Support the show

In this episode, I sit down with Reshma Syed, co‑founder of Amanah Senior Living, a six‑resident senior care home in Altadena, CA. We talk about how a lifelong commitment to service, family, and community turned into a calling to care for older adults.

If you’ve ever wondered what “good” elder care can look like, or you’re navigating care for an aging parent or loved one, this conversation will speak to your heart.

What You’ll Hear About

• The personal path that led Reshma and her husband to create Amanah Senior Living
• Why the word “Amanah” holds so much meaning for the way they care for elders
• How their small, home‑like model changes the experience of aging, for residents and families
• The role community has played in bringing Amanah to life in Altadena
• A powerful story about one special elder who’s already shaping the heart of the home

Plus, in a fun rapid‑fire round, you’ll get a peek into Reshma’s everyday life, from her favorite morning drink to the colors that inspire her creativity.

Connect with Reshma:

• Visit & virtual tour: https://amanahcares.com
• Location: 400 East Calaveras Street, Altadena, CA 91001
• Social: Instagram & Facebook – @AmanahCares

Connect with Clarissa:

• Sept. 20th in-person vision board workshop at The Hive, South Pasadena. Only $55. RSVP by email: [email protected]
• Join the Painting Your Path™ membership waitlist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissacastilloramsey.art
• Self-Paced Vision Board Workshop: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/visionboard

Support the show

What if clarity isn’t about finding a brand-new idea?

What if it’s about finally paying attention to the one that keeps coming back?

In this episode of Painting Your Path, I’m sharing a realization I’ve been having lately about some of the things I’m creating: from my Movement + Meditative Art sessions to the new Painting Your Path membership.

Sometimes the ideas we brush off as too small, too simple, or not “important” enough are actually trying to tell us something.

In this episode, I invite you to think about the idea, dream, or curiosity that keeps tapping you on the shoulder.

In this episode:

• Why some ideas keep returning
• What I’m learning from finally trusting a very simple desire
• The difference between a passing thought and an idea worth paying attention to
• A question to sit with this week

Connect with Clarissa:

• In-person Art + Fashion Pop-Up: Friday, August 21st 11am to 5pm. Atelier Pasadena, 3330 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA. Street parking all around.
• Join the Painting Your Path™ membership waitlist
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissacastilloramsey.art
• Self-Paced Vision Board Workshop: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/visionboard

Support the show

What If Joy Was the Strategy?

Have you ever looked around your life and realized you’ve become really good at efforting?

Working harder.
Trying harder.
Healing harder.
Achieving more.

But somewhere along the way… you forgot what brings you joy.

In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the launch of the new Painting Your Path™ membership and something unexpected that emerged from reading every member survey. Their words reminded me that so many of us aren’t looking for another productivity hack; we’re longing to reconnect with the parts of ourselves we’ve quietly set aside.

I also share a simple story from years ago that planted the seed for the community I’m building today, and why I believe creativity, play, and joy may be more important than ever.

If you’ve been feeling tired, disconnected, or wondering what’s next, I hope this conversation feels like a gentle invitation to pause… and remember what lights you up.

In this episode, we’ll explore:
- The often-overlooked foundation beneath every dream
- How creativity reconnects us with ourselves
- One simple question that might change the way you approach the rest of your year


🎨 Interested in joining the Painting Your Path™ membership?
Our founding members have begun their journey together, and I’d love to welcome you when doors open again this fall.

Join the waitlist here


Connect with Clarissa:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissacastilloramsey.art
- Self-Paced Vision Board Workshop: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/visionboard

Support the show

In this episode of Painting Your Path, I sit down with two dear friends: filmmaker/musician Owen Dara and actor/writer Jessica Lancaster to talk about building a creative life in Altadena, making their own films, and how surviving the recent fire has reshaped their sense of home, gratitude, and art. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about community, resilience, and saying yes to inspiration even in the hardest seasons.

We dive into:

• How Owen’s winding journey from Ireland to Los Angeles led him to an unexpected creative home in Altadena
• The surprising way Owen and Jessica began making their own feature films (and what they learned the hard way)
• What it’s really like to live and create in a community deeply impacted by the Altadena fire
• How survivor’s guilt, gratitude, and community support are reshaping their relationship to art and daily life
• The small, practical ways they keep saying “yes” to inspiration—especially when the industry and the world feel heavy

Connect with Clarissa:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissacastilloramsey.art
• Join our Painting Your Path™ Founding Year Membership: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/join-founding-year-membership
• Self-Paced Vision Board Workshop: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/visionboard

Support the show

What if the life you want is simpler than you have allowed yourself to believe?

In this episode of Painting Your Path, I share the deeply personal story behind my new Painting Your Path™ membership.

I reflect on my own years of chasing credentials, professional accomplishments, and the next milestone, only to discover that today’s big achievement often becomes tomorrow’s business as usual.

At this stage of life, I’m choosing something different.

This episode is an invitation to consider the parts of yourself you may have talked about, dreamed about, or quietly loved—but never fully allowed yourself to embrace.

Learn more and join here: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/founding-year-membership-painting-your-path

Connect with Clarissa:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissacastilloramsey.art
• Self-Paced Vision Board Workshop: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/visionboard

Keep dreaming, deciding, planning, being brave, reflecting—and painting your path.

Support the show

Welcome back to the Painting Your Path™ podcast. I’m your host, Clarissa Castillo‑Ramsey. Today you’re getting a special behind‑the‑scenes peek at something very close to my heart: The Becoming Experience.

If you’ve ever felt like life is moving way too fast, like you’re juggling all the roles and still wondering where you fit into the picture, this episode is for you. I’m joined by two incredible women, Melissa Smith and Tori Allen, who are part of this virtual retreat—and together we’re talking honestly about overwhelm, transition, and what it really means to cherish ourselves in this season of life.

We’re going to touch on big themes—mind, body, and spirit—and you’ll hear real stories about motherhood, career, identity, and rewriting your next chapter… but I’m not going to give it all away here.

So, if you’ve been feeling a little nudge that there’s more for you, hit play, settle in, and enjoy this intimate conversation from behind the scenes of The Becoming Experience. The retreat is happening next week. Link to register in the shownotes it’s free!

Connect with Clarissa:

• The Becoming Experience Virtual Retreat July 13–15 A free three-day virtual experience for women who are ready to reconnect with themselves, explore what’s next, and take a meaningful step toward the life they’re becoming. Join here
• Free In-person movement + meditative art session in Altadena July 14th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movement-meditative-art-bloom-tickets-1993093631705
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissacastilloramsey.art
• Self-Paced Vision Board Workshop: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/visionboard

Support the show

What if the thing you’re holding back is the very thing that could create connection?

In this episode of Painting Your Path, I reflect on a recent art fair experience that reminded me of something we often forget: visibility isn’t about seeking attention. It’s about allowing ourselves to be seen.

Whether it’s a creative project, a dream you’ve been postponing, a conversation you’ve been avoiding, or a new chapter that’s quietly calling your name, growth often begins with a small act of courage.

Join me as we explore the relationship between visibility and becoming, and why the next step on your path may not require certainty, just willingness.

In This Episode:

• The surprising lesson I learned at a recent art fair
• The cost of hiding 
• The difference between seeking attention and showing up authentically
• A simple reflection to help you identify your next brave step

After you listen to this episode, if it resonated with you, please share it with a friend who may need a reminder that they don’t have to wait until they’re ready to begin.

Connect with Clarissa:

• The Becoming Experience Virtual Retreat July 13–15 A free three-day virtual experience for women who are ready to reconnect with themselves, explore what’s next, and take a meaningful step toward the life they’re becoming. Join the waitlist.
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarissacastilloramsey.art
• Self-Paced Vision Board Workshop: https://fromemployee2entrepreneur.live/visionboard

Support the show