Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Caldwell
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in the UK and grew up between London and Barbados. After marrying my husband, Tierre Caldwell, in 2022, I relocated to Minnesota, and I brought Oya Arts with me on this exciting new chapter
My artistic journey began unexpectedly during a primary school math class. I was, shall we say, not the most focused student, and my teacher, instead of reprimanding me, provided me with colored pencils and encouraged me to explore my creativity. To my surprise, I produced something I was quite proud of. The teacher was impressed and even had the entire class participate in a similar activity. This experience instilled in me the power of artistic expression.
Even though the art bug had been ignited in me, I was too scared to pursue a full-time creative path. Instead, I channeled my passion for understanding human behavior by studying sociology at university, earning both my undergraduate and master’s degrees. This led to a fascinating and varied career. I spent 10 years with the Metropolitan Police in London, the first five as a homicide analyst and the last five in marketing and public relations. Following this, I consistently held senior management marketing roles across various corporate and non-profit settings in London and across the Caribbean.
However, it was in 2018, after years immersed in the corporate world, that I rediscovered my passion for art through a friend’s invitation to her studio. I began creating again, sharing my work online, and eventually, people started expressing interest in purchasing my art.
A pivotal moment came when I was designing business cards. I hesitated to label myself as an “artist,” but my husband (who was my boyfriend at the time) encouraged me to embrace that identity. This shift in self-perception led to my first solo show in London and opened doors to exhibitions across the UK, the Caribbean, and the US.
Drawing on my sociology and corporate management background, I founded Oya Arts with a vision to make art not just enjoyable, but also a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. I wanted to create experiences that went beyond simply painting on a canvas.
We offer a diverse range of programs, from individual lessons to dynamic team-building activities for corporations. But our most popular offerings are undoubtedly our immersive art sessions. Imagine a murder mystery where you’re not just solving clues, you’re creating art while you do it! Or an art-based escape room where you have to unleash your creativity to unlock the next challenge. These experiences are designed to be thrilling, collaborative, and truly unforgettable. They foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a way that traditional team-building exercises simply can’t.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m deeply grateful for the unexpected opportunity that sparked my artistic path.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! Starting a business, especially one as unique as Oya Arts, has been anything but a smooth ride. Juggling my artistic passion with the demands of running a business has been a constant balancing act. There are days dedicated to creating, and others consumed by marketing, client meetings, and administrative tasks. Finding that balance and ensuring I’m not burning out is an ongoing challenge.
Attracting consistent clients and building a strong brand has been a continuous learning curve.
As an artist, it’s easy to fall prey to self-doubt. There have been moments when I questioned my creativity, worried about whether my work was good enough, and feared rejection. Overcoming these internal hurdles has been crucial to my growth.
Moving Oya Arts to the United States presented a whole new set of challenges. It felt like starting from scratch. Building a network in a new community was like piecing together a puzzle, one connection at a time. Finding the right studio space that not only accommodated our creative needs but also resonated with the local artistic vibe was a real adventure. And then there was the challenge of adapting to a new market, understanding the local preferences, and finding the best ways to connect with potential clients in this new environment. It required a significant amount of effort, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown, all of which I would not have been able to do without my husband. He was my rock during this time, my mentor, my biggest advocate, and my most honest audience throughout the entire process.
One of the most exciting (and sometimes daunting!) challenges is constantly pushing creative boundaries. I write all the scripts for our immersive themed events, and the variety is truly mind-blowing. One minute I’m crafting a spine-chilling mystery set in an 1800s Victorian mansion, where the disappearance of a mother and child unfolds with all the classic twists and turns of a Columbo episode. The next minute I’m designing intricate escape rooms, weaving together a series of clues, riddles, and even mathematical equations that will challenge even the sharpest minds. It’s paramount to me that every Oya Arts experience is 100% unique and unforgettable, an adventure that can’t be replicated anywhere else
Despite the challenges, I’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way. Each obstacle has made me stronger, more resourceful, and more determined to succeed. I’m incredibly proud of what my husband and I have built, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Oya Arts.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Oya Arts, we believe art is more than just a hobby; it’s a powerful tool for personal growth, team building, wellness and community engagement. We specialize in creating unique and impactful art experiences that go beyond traditional art classes.
We design and deliver engaging art-based team-building activities for businesses of all sizes. These workshops are designed around the principles of organizational sociology, fostering creativity, communication, and collaboration among employees while addressing key organizational challenges. As well as our immersive elements, we utilize art to explore topics such as team dynamics, leadership styles, and change management. For example, we’ve developed programs that improve communication within teams, enhance problem-solving skills, and build stronger leadership qualities.
We offer personalized art instruction for individuals of all ages and skill levels, cultivating a love for art and encouraging creative expression. Our experienced instructors provide a supportive and inspiring environment for students to explore their artistic potential.
Finding a way to knit all my academic and work experience together with art is what I’m truly proud of. It’s been incredibly rewarding to develop a unique approach that combines my passion for art with my understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics. Years spent studying sociology and working in fast-paced corporate environments have given me invaluable insights into how people interact, how teams function, and how organizations can thrive.
By integrating these insights into our art-based programs, we’re able to create truly unique and impactful experiences.
I’m passionate about making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and I’m constantly striving to create new and innovative ways to bring the power of art to life
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways to work with Oya Arts! Here are a few:
Book a Workshop:
For Businesses: Schedule a team-building workshop, corporate retreat, or work with us to develop a series of events that fit your specific needs and goals, whether it’s improving communication, fostering creativity, or enhancing leadership skills. We also offer management training and client engagement programs.
For Individuals:
Sign up for one of our private art lessons or join a group class to explore your artistic passions and develop your skills.
Come to one of our immersive paint and sip events, or book a party for a special occasion – birthdays, bachelorette parties, graduations, kids’ parties, family reunions, date night, or just because!
Collaborate on a Project:
For Organizations: If you’re a non-profit or community organization, we may be able to collaborate on a project that brings art to your community.
Support Oya Arts:
Attend an event: Come experience the magic firsthand by attending one of our immersive art sessions or workshops.
Spread the word: Share our work with your friends, family, and colleagues on social media.
Make a donation: Your support helps us continue to create innovative and impactful art programs and also helps to fund our volunteer program, allowing us to offer more opportunities for community involvement.
Volunteer with us: If you’re passionate about art and community engagement, consider volunteering your time to assist with our programs.
We’re always open to new partnerships and collaborations. If you have a unique idea or project in mind, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oyaartsonline.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oyaarts/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oyaarts
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oya-arts-minneapolis
