Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Saenz
Hi Christine , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2018, my therapist encouraged me to begin a creative journey, at a time when I was battling treatment-resistant depression. I started by simply pushing paint onto paper, and somehow, that small act sparked something deep within me. It was like waking up after a long slumber—I felt alive again.
I’ve always been creative, but life rarely left room for it. Between working full-time, raising kids, and being in an unhealthy relationship, I was simply trying to survive. Not long after I began creating, my relationship unraveled, and art became my anchor, my grounding force. I dreamed of building a creative business and even opened a small art studio in 2019, but COVID soon forced it to close.
Since then, I’ve juggled the demands of a high-stress job while keeping my passion for art alive. This year, right after Hurricane Beryl, I was let go from my consulting position. With the incredible support of my fiancé, I now have the freedom to fully immerse myself in this creative journey and pursue my dream.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been far from a smooth road, but I’m slowly finding my footing. Building a routine and connecting with other artists is a work in progress—it’s tough making friends as an adult, but I’m grateful for the creative souls I’ve met so far. One of my biggest challenges is resisting the urge to fit into a ‘niche.’ My curiosity leads me everywhere: illustrations, ceramics, paintings. ADHD adds its own layer of complexity, making it hard to stay on track, but I’m learning to focus on just a couple of projects at a time. Bit by bit, I’m shaping a creative path that feels true to me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As I’ve mentioned, one of my biggest challenges is resisting the pressure to fit into a niche. If I have a niche, it’s curiosity itself. My work is known for its playful, childlike style—bold colors, whimsical florals, and simplicity that feels unfiltered. What makes my art unique is its connection to inner child healing; letting my inner child run free has been so liberating, and I hope that joy shines through in every piece.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was choosing not to look for another job after my consulting role ended. Instead, I’m investing in myself, pouring everything into my art. Some people think I’m crazy, that pursuing something as ‘frivolous’ as art means I’ve lost my way. But I haven’t lost anything—I’m finally choosing to honor my creativity and step away from corporate America
Pricing:
- Each piece varies but I like to make it affordable
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peppercreates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepper__creates_/profilecard/?igsh=MWxwaXJpMnpyc2Fjcw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/HmSCvW7CVbj4QG7s/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Christine Saenz
