Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Reese.
Tracy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a child into my early adulthood, I like many, had to navigate a host of family and personal challenges. Ranging from having a drug addicted father, experiencing domestic violence, being sexually assaulted, pregnant at 15, having divorced parents, and more. But, I found myself married at 25 with two beautiful daughters. In many ways I felt like I was getting glimpses of redemption. I began working for a fortune 100 company before I turned 30. We eventually got the dogs, the SUV, and the house.
However, despite my abilities to help others sort through their “stuff” and the fact that I was building a life that looked like the images; I not had healed from my wounds. I felt like there were parts of me that weren’t being fully expressed. I wasn’t even sure if I knew or felt safe enough to be authentically me. There were so many parts of me that had become fragmented because of my experiences. Real, deep, meaningful, connection was barely possible. It’s a miracle that I confessed to love my husband the way that I did. Yet, I knew there was much missing.
I have always been a creative although I never proclaimed to be. One day I envisioned a piece of art. It was beautiful and I wondered where I could purchase something similar for my home. The moment I started to consider, I heard “you will paint it.” Rarely, if ever had I painted. In fact I was a little intimidated at the thought. But, I went to get supplies and on a rainy day, listening to smooth jazz, with a glass a wine near by, I painted it.
I saw something emerge from me that clearly indicated that I had underestimated my abilities. I couldn’t put words the things that painting said about me, for me, and to me. It was therapeutic and transformational, and people loved my work. I was regaining the lost parts of me. This new discovery would prove to be even more helpful when I went through a painful divorce and then a few years later when faced with walking away from an 18 year career with that Fortune 100 company. I would find my way to therapy and I lend into my faith also. But I knew that there was little I had to say once I place paint to the canvas. I would have to agree with a quote I heard recently, “the art was my prayer” and so much more.
I eventually concluded that if my creative gift could do this for me then surely it could be for others. I became prayerful about how I could use the two things I loved most, helping people “sort through their stuff” and creative expression to move people forward. This is the space where Heart Hues was born.
Heart Hues is the name of my coaching and creative company. What’s unique about my approach is that I fuse traditional coaching practices with varying creative experiences to promote emotional wellness and cultivate authenticity. I’d like to say I help create authentic spaces inside and out. Because I don’t just support my clients by coaching them. I also want to help them create an environment that is a reflection of who they are and that supports their journey towards wellness.
There is an opportunity for my clients/patrons purchase original art piece that I’ve painted. I am available for commissioned pieces, and we can also create art together. There are opportunities to be a part of my group coaching program. Have one on one coaching. I also have a membership that provides community for those who want to connect, create/paint, on a monthly basis and care for their souls at the same time. It doesn’t matter about your skillset.
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?
No, my journey has not be a smooth road. When I started my business this all I had was an idea and I had no job. Which put a lot of pressure on me to produce before all of my cushion was depleted. Let me say, that it did not happen that way.
Additionally, there are a lot of things attached to being a business owner and operator/solopreneur. Many times I find myself working through things that I don’t feel I have the aptitude for. I am constantly being stretched and when I think I have gotten past one thing a new opportunity presents itself. I knew nothing about market analysis, branding, I don’t confess to be a sells person or a social media guru. I am not an accountant, I have no lawyer friends etc. I’m sure you get my point. You have to be very resourceful.
I have gone back and forward about what to devote my time and attention to. There have been many times even recently when I have questioned if I should just go back to a 9 – 5. But I don’t have resolve to let the thing I enjoyed doing the most I ever have in my life go. So, I bare it and keeping taking the steps.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a life coach and a creative (visual artist – abstract paintings). I use creative experiences in my coaching practice as a way to promote emotional wellness and cultivate authenticity.
I believe that we were created to create and at the core of every person, there is an expression longing to find its way up and out. When we learn to consistently integrate those parts of us into our daily lives we can become emotionally well and experience authentic expressions.
I am proud of the fact that I don’t have to compartmentalize or neglect any parts of myself to function in my work. I bring all of the artists, all of the coaches, all of my personal experiences,
and professional training into my work to support my clients in very unique ways. My business model allows me and my clients/patrons a flexible approach to their journey with Heart Hues.
What were you like growing up?
It’s hard for me to recall because I disassociated to cope with childhood trauma. But from what I’ve been told and the parts I can recall; I was inquisitive, observant, a tad adventurous, enjoyed drawing and must have had a lot to say because I was told by my brother that I talked too much.
Contact Info:
- Email: tracy@hearthuesllc.com
- Website: https://hearthuesllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearthues/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hearthues
