What happens when you channel your grief into something beautiful and share it with the world? Claire Buckley did just that. After leaving her career in fashion marketing, she followed an unexpected path into painting full-time. Now, her ethereal, prism-like work resonates deeply with anyone who’s experienced loss, longing, or the quiet magic of everyday life. In this episode, we talk about making the leap into entrepreneurship, navigating self-doubt, how to price your work as an artist, and the real power of community and mindset. Claire shares how her art helps people connect with the other side, why marketing is just as important as talent, and what it actually looks like to build a creative, purpose-driven career in New York.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 From fashion marketing to full-time artist

01:00 Painting as escape and unexpected success

02:45 Leaving a startup job during the pandemic

04:50 Selling her first pieces and finding the courage to leap

06:20 Balancing creativity with financial pressure

08:00 Using marketing skills to build her brand

10:15 Why artists must learn to self-promote

11:45 “I’ve always been slightly delusional”

13:00 The shifting art scene in New York

14:30 Making work about grief and spiritual connection

16:00 Receiving daily messages from people who’ve lost someone

17:30 Her painting process: no plans, just feeling

19:00 Gallery representation vs. doing it yourself

20:00 Pricing artwork and claiming your value

21:30 The role of community and creative friendships

23:00 How traveling (and skateboarding) influence her perspective

25:00 What she needs now: partnership, brand deals, and expansion

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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