Meet Leonela Waltrick | Visual Artist, Wellness Coach & Student

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

Hi Leonela, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want my legacy to be one of light, resilience, and faith. I hope to be remembered not only as an artist but as someone who used creativity to bring healing and hope into the world. Whether it’s a child’s smile upon seeing their room transformed by a mural or a quiet moment of reflection sparked by devotional art, I want every project to be an offering of grace, inspiring others to believe in beauty, in kindness, and a higher truth.

One of my deepest goals is to eventually direct a portion of my profits to meaningful foundations that protect children and combat human trafficking and abuse. My art is a gift from God, and I want to turn that gift into blessings: not just through paint and design, but through impact.

Above all, I want people to remember me as someone who used her God-given creativity to speak truth, to pour love, and to plant messages of hope in others’ hearts. Whether it’s a mural, a commission, a business card, a website, or seasonal decor — even the smallest creation — I pray it whispers, “You are loved. You are not alone.”

If my work continues to bless others and leaves a trace of God’s truth and love long after I’ve laid down my brush, then I’ve fulfilled my calling well.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a reflection of resilience, renewal, and purpose. I came to the U.S. from Brazil in 2003 with nothing but a suitcase and a dream. With no support system and limited English, I had to rebuild everything from the ground up — language, identity, and direction. Those early years taught me perseverance and faith, which now flow through every mural, commission, and creative project I take on.

Before art became my full-time path, I spent years as an athlete and wellness coach. Sports instilled discipline, focus, and the courage to keep pushing forward. Those qualities still shape me — not just in my creative work, but in my approach to motherhood, studies, and community outreach.

Today, I’m a self-taught muralist, visual artist, and full-stack web development student. I balance raising two children as a single mom, supporting family back in Brazil, and building a brand that’s still growing. It hasn’t been easy, and I’m not yet where I want to be. I have many dreams. But each challenge I’ve overcome has deepened my passion to create art that heals, encourages, and reminds others of their worth.

What sets my work apart is the intention. I want every brushstroke, every design, every minute spent as a volunteer or praying over someone, to whisper, “You are loved. You are not alone.”

My murals — when not customized to a client’s request — often carry elements of spiritual symbolism, reflections of childhood passions, or a quiet strength born of experience.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Real success isn’t found in accolades, but in the lives you touch along the way. My story is still unfolding, and I continue walking it with hope, prayer, and heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit South Florida for a week, I’d make sure they felt the sunshine, creativity, and culture that make this place so special.

Day 1: Nature & Outlets in Palm Beach County
Start with a peaceful morning walk through John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach — the trails, mangroves, and ocean views are perfect for grounding. After that, head to Palm Beach Outlets for relaxed shopping and coffee, with plenty of outdoor space to roam and chat.

Day 2: Arts & Soul in Fort Lauderdale
Spend the morning visiting the NSU Art Museum or Bonnet House Museum & Gardens for local flavor and historical charm. In the afternoon, stroll along Las Olas Boulevard, where you can shop, grab coffee, and dine at places like Louie Bossi’s.

Day 3: Miami Magic
Begin with art at Wynwood Walls, followed by a cozy lunch in the Design District. Then spend a few hours at Pérez Art Museum Miami. Close out the day at South Pointe Park, where the ocean breeze and skyline views!

Day 4: Family Fun & Whimsy
Visit Zoo Miami for a fun, colorful outing — whether you’re with kids or just enjoying nature. Grab a bite to eat locally afterwards.

Day 5: Spiritual Pause & Japanese Serenity
Spend a calm morning at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach — it’s poetic, peaceful, and perfect for reflection. Afternoon beach time in Delray lets you soak up diverse culture, music, and delicious food all in one vibrant setting.

Day 6: Slow Farewell & Soulful Wrap-Up
Keep it light and restful with coffee on my backyard porch by my lake in Lake Worth, talk about life’s plans and dreams. Spend the afternoon relaxing and barbecuing, celebrating friendship,

Day 7: Worship & Community
Join a prayer service or Sunday gathering at The Journey Church, where faith, outreach, and spiritual growth come together. The prayer team and community connections create the kind of mission work that moves the heart. Enjoy a local brunch in Boynton Beach by the intercoastal.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My deepest shoutout goes to God. The Bible has been my life manual — a source of guidance through both the storms and the sunshine. It’s where I’ve found purpose, healing, and courage to walk in faith even when the path felt uncertain. Alongside scripture, the book Overcoming Every Problem by Joyce Meyer has deeply encouraged me. Its message reminded me that no challenge is too great when we walk anchored in truth, and that growth often begins in the places we feel stretched.

I also want to honor my family and the close friends who have walked with me during this 20-year journey in the U.S. Some are new blessings, others are lifelong companions who stood by me through every move, phase, and chapter. Their support — emotional, spiritual, and practical — helped me rise as both an artist and a woman of faith.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to The Journey Church, where I’ve grown spiritually and discovered deeper truths about God’s love and Jesus’ story. The prayer team and community outreach became one of my favorite parts of the week, reminding me that mission work is often found in our everyday acts of service and compassion.

And finally, I feel called to give back, whether through my time, art, or future earnings. Organizations like the Tim Tebow Foundation inspire me to continue that mission, particularly their work supporting children and fighting human trafficking. It’s a cause close to my heart, and one I hope to contribute to more in the future.

Everything I create — murals, websites, custom designs — is touched by the grace of those who poured love into me. I carry that legacy forward with every brushstroke and every act of service.

Website: https://www.leonelasartstudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonelas_art_studio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonelawaltrick

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/leonelas-art-studio-greenacres?osq=Leonela%E2%80%99s+Art+Studio