At The Art of Entrepreneurship—an insightful gathering of women entrepreneurs, artists, funders, and supporters held in Vancouver's beautiful Parker Street Studios—renowned artist Carla Tak shared her remarkable journey of transformation, resilience, and creative awakening. Carla's story powerfully illustrates the parallel paths of artistic and entrepreneurial courage, which defined the central theme of the event.

Read this to learn more about The Art of Entrepreneurship and how it explored the courage to be seen and the importance of recognizing your calling.

"At twelve years old, I became absolutely obsessed with Picasso—with his massive paintings, his huge studio. I thought I would be him when I grow up," Carla shares.

But her path to becoming an artist was neither direct nor easy. Her early years were marked by significant trauma and family upheaval, which forced her to step into adult responsibilities much earlier than typical. By fourteen, she had already made the bold decision to quit traditional schooling and pursue art—an early sign of the entrepreneurial spirit that would later define her career.

Like many entrepreneurs, she faced significant setbacks in her first attempt. "Almost immediately, I felt overwhelmed and completely out of my league. I couldn't believe I had ever thought I could become an artist," she reflects. This initial setback caused her to reassess and eventually led her down various other paths—from commercial real estate to retail store ownership.

Throughout these years, Carla found strength and clarity through therapy, which became her lifeline during challenging times. "Every challenge taught me resilience, every therapy session brought me closer to understanding myself," she shares. This commitment to personal growth and healing would eventually create the foundation for her creative renaissance.

The turning point in Carla's story came at age 48, when what seemed like a business idea—bringing Vancouver artists to New York galleries—also became a catalyst for personal transformation. It was her Reiki master who saw what Carla herself couldn't yet see. "You have to paint!" she insisted, giving her homework she initially resisted.

"That weekend, I bought oil paints and two small canvases. When I finished these pieces, I looked at them and thought, 'Wow, these are good! I can do this.'" This moment of recognition—where she clearly saw her own potential—resonates deeply with many entrepreneurs' experiences of discovering their true calling.

Two years later, at 50, Carla secured studio space and began painting full-time. She's established herself as a truly respected artist, coming full circle to fulfill what her twelve-year-old self somehow knew was her destiny.

During the intimate discussion moderated by Fine Art Consultant Brenda Bradshaw at The Art of Entrepreneurship, Carla's story sparked rich conversations about vulnerability, authenticity, and the courage required to bring your vision to life. Her journey exemplifies how entrepreneurship isn't just about business, but about having the persistence to follow your calling, even when that calling takes decades to answer.

"I'm so grateful for the determination I had to heal and to finally come to deep peace," she shares.

Carla's inspiring story shows that success rarely follows a straight line, and that some of the most meaningful entrepreneurial journeys begin with the courage to reimagine ourselves.

Follow @Carla_Tak on Instagram, or visit CarlaTak.com to learn more about Carla and see her available work.