Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Ricalde.
Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Of course! I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. I started out painting alongside my dad and following along with Bob Ross on TV when I was about 8 years old. I am blessed to have been born with a natural ability and come from a long line of artists in my family. But turning creativity into a full-time career came from taking a significant leap of faith and trusting that my talent could also sustain me professionally. While art was always a constant in my life, building a business around it required combining creativity with strategy, persistence, and a willingness to truly bet on myself.
I began painting murals professionally in New Jersey, creating custom artwork for homes and local businesses. As demand grew, so did the scale of my projects, evolving into larger murals designed to transform spaces and create meaningful connections within communities. One of the moments that truly shaped my path came early on while I was painting a mural, when a passerby was moved to tears by what the artwork meant to them. That experience reinforced for me that murals can do far more than decorate a wall. They have the ability to create emotional connection and meaning within a space, and it confirmed that I was doing exactly what I was put on this earth to do.
After relocating to the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina, I focused on establishing Jersey Girl Art locally and becoming actively involved in the community. Today, I specialize in creating murals for businesses, public spaces, and private clients that reflect local identity while enhancing the overall atmosphere and experience of a space. I try to balance creativity with thoughtful design, so each mural feels impactful while still making sense for the space and the people it’s created for.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was learning to fully step into the role of both artist and business owner. While I came into my career with strong skills in marketing, client communication, and project management, I still had to build on those abilities within a creative industry that operates very differently from traditional business environments.
My greatest challenge was learning to price my work with confidence. As many artists experience, placing value on something deeply personal and creative can be difficult at first. Over time, experience and results helped me recognize the true value murals bring to a space, allowing me to approach pricing with greater clarity and confidence.
Relocating to South Carolina also meant rebuilding my network and reputation in a new community, which required patience and persistence. Looking back, those challenges were incredibly valuable. They pushed me to grow not only as an artist, but as an entrepreneur, and ultimately helped me build a stronger and more sustainable business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in designing and painting custom murals for businesses, public spaces, and private clients, with a focus on creating artwork that enhances how people experience a space. Much of my recent work draws inspiration from the coastal environment and local culture, and I’m known for creating murals that feel vibrant, welcoming, and connected to their surroundings rather than simply decorative.
What I’m most proud of is the lasting impact my work can have within a community. A successful mural often becomes more than artwork. It creates a sense of place, encourages interaction, and gives people something meaningful to connect with and share. Seeing a mural become part of a neighborhood’s identity or a business’s story is incredibly rewarding. My recent murals in the Town of Atlantic Beach, SC are a perfect example. The murals have brought so much pride and joy to the community there. That is what makes my work so rewarding.
What sets me apart is my approach to both design and collaboration. I view each mural as an integrated part of its environment, taking into consideration the architecture, the purpose of the space, and the people who will experience it every day. By balancing artistic vision with thoughtful planning, I’m able to create work that not only stands out visually, but also feels intentional, authentic, and lasting. At its core, my goal is to create murals that not only transform a wall, but become part of the identity and experience of a place.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
There are so many resources that have influenced both my personal growth and my career journey. Books like The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins, and Start with Why by Simon Sinek have had a lasting impact on how I approach mindset, discipline, and purpose in both life and business.
During a challenging personal chapter, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero helped me maintain momentum while continuing to build my career as an artist.
Professionally, Mural Money by Andrea Ehrhardt and her Artist Academy Podcast gave me many of the fundamentals I needed when starting my path as a mural artist. I was later honored to be featured on her podcast shortly after leaving my corporate career to pursue art full time, which felt like a meaningful full-circle moment.
I also revisit Art Money Success by Maria Brophy regularly, as I strongly believe in continuing to learn and refine both mindset and strategy as my business evolves.
Pricing:
- Murals are highly customized projects, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all pricing model. Each project is unique, and investment varies based on several factors, including:
- Mural size, design complexity, and overall artistic scope
- Interior or exterior application, wall condition, and surface preparation requirements
- Site accessibility, installation logistics, project timeline, and location
- Because every space and vision is different, I typically work with clients through a consultation process to develop a design and scope that aligns with both their goals and budget. Murals can often be scaled or adjusted to accommodate a range of investment levels while still creating meaningful impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JerseyGirlArt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerseygirlart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyrtleBeachMuralArtist
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellericalde
- Other: Michelle@JerseyGirlArt.com
