Meet Victoria (Tori) Schoeler | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria (Tori) Schoeler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria (Tori), can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve had a passion for art ever since I can remember holding my favorite cornflower blue Crayola crayon in my left hand as a little girl. I learned the fundamentals all though high school and into college where I receive a bachelors degree in education and a minor in studio art.

I was able to combine both of my degrees and passions during my teaching career.  I married my high school sweetheart and have been raising our four beautiful children in Ridgewood, NJ.  I’ve always stayed close to the art world with supplemental classes, but as a busy mom, I temporarily put my art career on hold.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I’m most proud of: I have 4 children that light up when I complete a painting. When I see THEM proud of me and what I have accomplished aside from making dinner every night, doing their laundry and shuttling them from one activity to the next, THAT makes me proud. I have done a few collections for Convey Art Gallery in Ridgewood NJ. The first set of paintings SOLD out in a few weeks and that was exciting!
What truly makes me happy is when a painting is hung in a customers home` and they send me a photo and a text saying how much they love their VTS painting! That fills my heart because I know my artwork has touched someone’s home. I will walk my dog around the neighborhood and I can see some of my paintings through the windows of my neighbors home. It’s really cool to see that! I love the fact that a piece of me is out there spreading happiness through art.
How did I get to where I am today:
. It’s always hard to put yourself out there for the world to see. You doubt yourself, but you have to stay true to yourself and your aestheticism. It doesn’t hurt when you receive positive feedback and overwhelming support! The challenges I face are finding the time to finish commissions that have a deadline when I also manage my very busy household! My four children are very involved in sports, dance, church and friends and I’m constantly and conscientiously trying to make the time to paint. I set aside time throughout the week to work on my paintings and that gives me pure joy.
The lessons I’ve learned along the way:
I’ve learned to “go for it”. If I’m asked to do a commission that may be out of my wheelhouse I will try and Go For it! It’s fun to stretch your limits so I rarely say no to a challenge now. I have always dreamed of having my own business and doing the thing I love best is so gratifying. So the lesson I have learned above all is you can have your cake and eat it too!
My brand: I love painting unique commissions for clients homes. Whether it’s a seascape or colorful abstract I create each piece for that individual and their family in mind. I will measure their space to get the perfect size piece and involve them in the process. I make sure I get a feel of the clients personal style, colors that they love, and vibe of their home.  My art style is always changing. I love being an eclectic artist and experimenting with different concepts. I find it so satisfying to paint abstracts because I get to paint expressively and creatively and use all different colors and tones to create shapes and forms all throughout my paintings. Painting seascapes comes naturally to me because I am most free and happy on any given beach. Just like my taste in fashion, I love trying new art trends and see what works for me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Ridgewood NJ, very close to the city so I’d say we take a champagne roadie and some French macarons from my favorite bakery in town Sook on the train and head straight to New York City. We’d go to the MET and cruise around admiring my favorite pieces by Van Gough, Monet and Manet and then head over to check out the Costume Institute. After we’d have our museum fill we’d have lunch at Sant Ambroeus and indulge in the most delicious wine, salad and pasta. We’d take a Uber back home but make a pit stop at the Garden State Plaza. I am a true Jersey girl that loves a good mall for some serious shopping!
Next day we’d walk my King Charles Cavalier Spaniel Winnie into our downtown. Along the way we’d look at the beautiful, charming homes of Ridgewood. Once in town we’d stop in the cutest tea shop, Spicer’s Natural and pick out the perfect tea. My personal favorites are the Mango Green tea, Camomile Medley, and decaf tropics. We could have breakfast at the Daily Treat if we’ve in the mood for classic diner food or White Maple Cafe for more of a gourmet breakfast.
After that we could walk to the next town over HoHoKus and hop into Katie Diamond for some beautiful jewelry and gifts and get a mani/ pedi at Princess nails. We’d have lunch at the historic HoHoKus Inn. The French Fries are the best and so is their Day at the Spa cocktail. Speaking of Spas, I love the Fountain Spa for a great hydro facial and massage.
You cant come to NJ without a ride to the Jersey Shore. Spring Lake is a great place to hit for a day trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ashley Verhasselt at Ash V Photography

Website: VTSchoelerArt.com

Instagram: @VTSchoelerArt

Image Credits
Ashley Verhasselt