Today we’d like to introduce you to Chaya Toron.
Hi Chaya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
From a young age, I always dabbled in the creative art. I’m curious, so I fed my creativity through various ways such as photography, jewelry-making, writing, etc. I consider myself to be self-taught, aside from the occasional elementary-school art class. I began to explore more during my high school years, but still never aspired for a creative career as it didn’t feel attainable. A few years ago, I pivoted my entire career as a Montessori early childhood teacher, to full-time painter and entrepreneur. I had been painting on the side, with a few sales here and there, but found myself continuously unhappy with my everyday routine. I knew change was calling my name, but I had to work through many fears related to a creative career. The narrative of a starving artist was a belief I carried for years until I had a yearning for deeper fulfillment.
I now spend my days paintings in my sun-lit studio with Taylor swift running in the background. I run a successful Giclee print shop online and occasionally meet up with my fellow artists, clients, interior designs to discuss all things art. I have never been happier.
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?
It’s been challenging, but I’m grateful for those hurdles. Being aligned with your vision, goals, and aspirations are so important for success, and I’ve faced my fears head-on.
Sending in my resignation later was a big one, admitting to myself that I wanted to do this. The next step was sitting down with a notebook and dreaming up a plan for a booming art business (easier said than done). Financially, being organized during the first year or two was always a struggle. I spent more than I made, tracking orders, the little things. I needed to call on family, those close to me, to organize with me. I’m an artist, not an accountant.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m well known within the Jewish Community, as I’m a Hassidic Jew. Much of my work focuses on my heritage, depicting my culture, and other Judaic themes. I work with fluid mediums such as watercolor, ink, and fluid acrylics. Soft, neutral tones inspire me, and those colors find their way onto my paper or stretched canvas.
I’m most proud of some of my recent, large-scale abstract paintings. It’s been fun to explore, let’s lose a bit.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
For me, risk-taking feels synonymous with fear. Fear keeps us alive, awakens our senses, and pushes us to dream, and dreaming is of most importance to me.
Like I mentioned before, the financial risk of leaving my comfortable job was almost unfathomable to me, let alone my peers, or family members. But I took the risk and held myself accountable by working overtime on my dreams. It didn’t feel as hard once I was taking action. If anything, working on my dreams filled me up more.
We’ve got one life to live, and I want mine to be one of alignment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chayatoronstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintsbychaya/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chayatoronstudio/
