Meet Constance Ivana | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Constance Ivana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Constance Ivana, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work life balance has changed drastically over the past 15 years. For so many years all I focused on was being a good mom and being the best teacher that I could be. I found moments of happiness but I was not fulfilled. My art career was jumpstarted when I took classes to become certified as an art teacher. I have always enjoyed creating but art became my lifeline and outlet as I navigated through trying times. Over the years I have worked hard to maintain a work life balance that allows me to take care of my girls, earn a living and pursue my passion. I work hard to make sure that the majority of thing that I do in life align and interconnect. By doing this, I find myself spending more time with my girls while still feeding my need to create and help others. When I decide to do things I think about the value that they add to my life and to the lives of those who I care about. This makes it much easier to prioritize and decide who and what gets my attention.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I recently switched careers. For more than 20 years I have been a classroom teacher. I was definitely experiencing burnout and anxiety for my last few years of teaching. I knew that I had to make a change. Leaving the classroom was one of the hardest things that I have ever done but I knew that it was best for me and my family. I currently work as an HR Recruiter at a small women owned business called Ripple Effect. Learning a new set of acronyms, different platforms, and new procedures and processes has been quite challenging. I told myself that I was up for the challenge and I set my fears and apprehension aside. I am settled in my position now. I still have a lot to learn but I am realizing how transferrable my teaching skills were. My mind was scattered during the last few months that I taught and I found it very hard to create. My creative flow is coming back and I am very optimistic about what the future holds. I represent perseverance and hard work. I want the world to know that change is necessary for growth. You have to be uncomfortable and step outside the box to reach goals and create new ones. Often times, that means that you leave things and people behind. Constance Ivana Art encourages everyone to accept yourself where you are, make the necessary adjustments, and find your passion and purpose and live in them fully each day!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a simple person. I love being out side. I would take my friend down to the river by the Broward Center for Performing Arts, I would take them out on a boat to tour Fort Lauderdale and Miami. We would go to Wynwood and Fort Lauderdale beach.

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?
I would like to give a few shout outs. Fort Lauderdale Volunteer Leadership Coalition, Broward Center of Performing Arts, Art Prevails Project, Art Lyfe Production, Noir Infusion Arts, Art 13, Keisha Grey, YMCA, Sharon Hughes, Boys and Girls Club, Vicki Rosenthal, Heal the Planet all of my supportive friends and family, and everyone who supports me by purchasing my art work and artistic services.

Website: www.constanceivanaart.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/constanceivanaart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-mcknight-13a95b6/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/constanceivana/