From Fear to Flow: Chris Vabre on Art, Color, and Creative Confidence

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel sits down with artist, designer, and watercolor coach Chris Vabre for a heartfelt conversation about creativity, fear, inspiration, and the healing power of art. Chris shares her journey from a creative childhood to working in retail and fashion, and how she eventually found her way back to her artistic voice through watercolor.Together, they explore why so many people believe they are “not creative,” how to reduce the friction that keeps us from creating, and why inspiration is often rooted in joy, memory, and action. Chris also shares practical beginner tips for getting started with watercolor, how color connects to emotion, and why creative expression matters more than doing it “right.”This episode is an invitation to stop waiting, release perfectionism, and reconnect with the part of you that simply wants to make something beautiful.Full show notesWhat if creativity isn’t something reserved for “real artists,” but something every human being already has?In this episode of Joy Unfiltered, Rachel welcomes artist, designer, and watercolor coach Chris Vabre for a rich conversation about creativity, confidence, color, and self-expression. Chris shares how she returned to her creative roots after years in more traditional careers, and how watercolor became both a healing practice and a way to help others reconnect with themselves.They talk about the fears that keep people from creating, the limiting beliefs many of us carry from childhood, and the powerful connection between inspiration and joy. Chris explains how creativity can calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and help us process emotion — and she offers simple, practical ways for beginners to get started without pressure.Whether you see yourself as artistic or not, this conversation will encourage you to notice what lights you up, trust your inner spark, and take one small step toward creating again.In this episode, you’ll hear:Chris’s journey from creative child to artist and watercolor coachWhy so many adults believe they “aren’t creative”How fear, shame, and limiting beliefs block self-expressionThe connection between inspiration, memory, and joyWhy reducing friction makes it easier to createHow watercolor became a calming, grounding practice for ChrisThe emotional and personal meaning behind colorBeginner-friendly watercolor supplies to start withHow to reclaim your creative power without needing perfectionConnect with Chris Vabre:Website: octopusconnection.com Community: The Watercolor JourneyBe sure to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review if this conversation inspired you.Support the showConnect with RachelJoy-Led Leadership ForumTake the Pledge to send 1 Text a DayThe JOY ProjectJoy is THE StrategyInstagramLinkedInYouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.