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

Hi Valerie, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
It helps me to reflect on my goals, resources and the feedback I am getting. I ask others in small businesses for advice and seek support from mentors and peers. Visual-focused platforms is crucial for the diamond paintings I create. It helps to show the diamonds shine in the lighting of the photo. If I could get videos created it helps to show the shine of the “diamonds.” The quality of the photo or video I think will help show the best image of the painting. If I’m spending more money on creating these paintings than I am selling it is time to stop until I get a better plan to sell my product.

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.
I’m a single mother who earned an Associates Degree in Drafting Technology and a Bachelors of Applied Technology in Industrial Management. I worked full time and went to college and took online classes to complete my education. With a child it was difficult but I had family and friends who took care of my son as I completed my school and began work. I began working in the Oil and Gas industry since 2010 as a Piping Drafter and Designer ultimately in Document Control. I have been working, as a contractor, at Energy Transfer since 2023 as a CAD Designer and Document Control. I have learned to take what I learn from each job and implement what I learn with the next job and have accomplished my goals and I have succeeded where I want to be in my life to be able to take care of myself and my son. Hard work pays off when I put my head down, focus and get it done.

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?
I live in Seabrook, Texas. I would take my friend to dine in downtown Houston at Gotti’s restaurant form some Italian food and show her Marriott Marquis Houston with the Texas shaped pool on the top of the hotel. We would check out Dome Nightclub and have drinks and dance the night away! Next day we would go fishing and have a picnic beach side on Galveston Bay and have lunch at the best taco truck named “Shack Shack” they have the best burgers and milk shakes in town! The next day I would take her to NASA and see the museum and show her around the facility where the astronauts train. During Christmas time, at night we would go see the Galaxy Lights provided by Reliant. NASA has a light show you can drive thru with your car that is amazing to see! The next day I would take her to the Museum of Natural Science and the Butterfly Atrium and go eat at Tookies in Kemah for her last night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My father passed away a year ago and he was my biggest supporter in my paintings! He would want so many of my paintings my a mom ran out of room displaying them in their home! I will always cherish his support in me and the dedication he showed me to support small businesses, Always!

Website: https://bijouxbyvalerie.etsy.com

Image Credits
Credit to Diamond Painting Pro, Official Diamond Art Club and Paint with Diamonds for creating my custom made paintings.

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