Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Truitt.
Hi Cara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My purpose of helping others embrace their authenticity began when I started my career in the beauty industry in 2005 as a makeup artist and skin care consultant. Almost every woman who sat in my chair (including professional models) would apologize to me for a part of her face. They would say, ‘sorry about my wrinkles, my blemishes, or that one eyebrow is shorter than the other, etc. I realized that how I responded in those moments would have a lasting impact one way or another. I chose to speak intentionally to them about embracing their authenticity and I knew then that my chair was designed for more than just makeup. It was for helping women grow in self-love. I wondered what could change for the world if all women could genuinely feel like a work of art. I added photography to my business, and in 2015 Art of You was born. Then in 2017, I became a Licensed Qoya Inspired Movement Instructor and began leading classes and retreats. At the same time, I served as the Director of Operations for Be Yoga Charlotte and became the owner of that studio in 2019. During the pandemic, I founded Be Yoga Collective to support yoga teachers and students virtually. Now, I lead my growing Art Of You community in private sessions and transformational retreats, and women’s circles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The challenges of running a community-based brick-and-mortar business during the pandemic were endless. We were one of only a few studios in our city that pivoted to stay in business for the entirety of the pandemic. I’m grateful we could support our students when they needed us most. I learned a lot about adaptability and how to help our community feel connected when physically separated.
My journey has also been filled with opportunities for growth through grief. We all have turning points in our lives. The times that make you question everything and force you to follow your inner wisdom. For me, 2011 was that year. Over one week, I filed for divorce – escaping an abusive marriage, filed for bankruptcy, and lost a beloved 23-year-old sister in a car accident. I lost my previous job, home, possessions, and community that week. Just two months later, I was in an accident that landed me on my back for several weeks and totaled my car. I wanted so badly to switch places with my sister. When I got back on my feet, I allowed my world to go dark and got busy with the work of not feeling.
It was not until 2014 that I slowed down to feel again. Unsteady, I walked into Be Yoga Charlotte for my first-ever Nia class. That day was life-changing. The movement, music, breath, and collective love in the air awakened something in me. Something that I thought was gone. My body whispered, ‘stay,’ and I listened. The Be Yoga community held me and became family. It is where I found yoga, Qoya, and slowly found my true north. It is where I discovered the healing potential that exists in a community of kindred spirits. My experiences during that time have greatly shaped how I support others now.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When you see yourself as a work of art and move through the world from a foundation of self-love, it has a ripple effect on everyone around you as you radiate that love to others. Through my women’s circles, retreats, private sessions, and the unique Art of You Photography Experience, you’ll embrace your authenticity, grow in self-love, and be supported in a community.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
- Rose Plesz was my first business mentor. She showed me my worth and believed in me when I did not. www.roseplesz.com
- Wendy Swanson gave me a safe place to land at Be Yoga – trusting me with her community and teaching me the business. www.wendyswanson.com
- All the teachers of Be Yoga Collective supported my leadership as we navigated the pandemic together www.beyogacollective.com
- Rochelle Schieck, the creator of the Qoya Inspired Movement, changed my life with this practice, and I will be forever grateful. www.qoya.love
- I have had many teachers, coaches, and mentors over the last 20 years. Every coach, artist, yogi, and dancer I have practiced with has imprinted their wisdom on my heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ArtOfYouRetreats.
com - Instagram: @caratruitt
- Facebook: @caratruitt
- Linkedin:@caratruitt
Image Credits
SweatNET Charlotte, Colleen McFiggins Art Of You
