She Left Corporate to Follow Her Dream | Marlene Steele on Art, Faith & Creative Courage

*What if the next brushstroke changes everything?* In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange*, I sit down with contemporary mixed-media artist, furniture artist, creative educator, and DIY Paint retailer **Marlene Steele* as she prepares to retire from a 30+ year corporate career and step fully into her dream of becoming a full-time artist. Marlene's journey is one of faith, courage, creativity, and trusting the process—even when the path isn't completely clear. Working from her studio at Front Street Artist Studios in Dayton, Ohio, Marlene has spent decades developing an intuitive painting practice centered on curiosity, hope, and creative freedom. Through her colorful paintings, transformed furniture, workshops, and her *Trust the Mark* creativity card deck, she encourages artists to quiet self-doubt, trust their instincts, and simply begin. In this conversation, we explore: ✨ Trusting yourself as an artist ✨ Overcoming imposter syndrome ✨ Why taking one small action creates momentum ✨ The courage to leave a successful corporate career ✨ Building a creative community that supports your growth ✨ Intuitive painting, color, and creative confidence ✨ Finding sanctuary in your creative practice One of my favorite moments came when Marlene shared a phrase she often tells herself: *"If you don't like it... it's not done."* At first, it sounds like advice for painting. But by the end of our conversation, you'll realize it's also a powerful philosophy for life. Whether you're an artist, creative entrepreneur, or someone standing on the edge of a new season, I hope this conversation encourages you to trust your next step. --- Connect with Marlene Steele 🌿 Website: https://www.marlenesteeleart.com 📷 Instagram:   / marlenesteeleart   📘 Facebook:   / marlenesteeleart   ▶️ YouTube: Marlene Steele 📧 Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) --- About Marlene • Contemporary mixed-media artist based at Front Street Artist Studios in Dayton, Ohio • Creator of the *Trust the Mark* creativity card deck • Instructor of *Start Small, Leave Confident* furniture painting workshops • DIY Paint retailer • Exploring intuitive painting inspired by sanctuary, hope, and imagined landscapes • Transitioning from a 30+ year corporate career into full-time creative work If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe to *The Motivatarian Exchange*, leave a review, and share it with another creative who needs a little encouragement today. Because sometimes the masterpiece isn't finished yet... It's simply *not done.* On this channel I share conversations, painting sessions, creative encouragement, and behind-the-scenes moments from my work as an artist, author, and founder of The Turquoise Iris. If you're a creative woman, artist, or entrepreneur looking for inspiration, community, and practical ideas for living a meaningful creative life — you're in the right place. Subscribe for new videos on creativity, mindset, art, and building a life around what you love. ✨ Explore more here: 🎨 My artwork & creative resources https://www.theturquoiseiris.com 📚 The Turquoise Iris Journal https://www.theturquoiseirisjournal.com 🎧 The Motivatarian Exchange Podcast Conversations that spark courageous expression, curious exploration, and connected growth. 💌 Join my weekly newsletter for encouragement and creative insights https://www.theturquoiseiris.com Thank you for being here and supporting creative work. Stay curious, Dionne Woods Creative inspiration for artists, creative entrepreneurs, and women building meaningful businesses through art, storytelling, and connection. Topics on this channel include: creative mindset • art studio life • painting tutorials • creative leadership • artistic expression • entrepreneurship for artists • personal growth through creativity