BASECAMP 2 SUMMIT - Podcast Channel

VICTORIA NIKITINA CHALA Founder, Art-Based Life Coach & Creative Wellness Practitioner  Rising Heart Coaching LLC in Metuchen, NJ "All my life art has been my companion: a magic carpet whisking me away on childhood adventures, a guide toward inner wisdom, a conversation starter when I cannot find the words, a bridge between hearts when making new friends, a light and an oxygen tank in dark and uncertain times. I work to give creativity to everyone, to make this world a better place." Victoria (Vika) Chala (b. 1985) is an artist, certified professional coach, expressive arts practitioner, and owner of Rising Heart Studio in Metuchen NJ. Vika believes that creativity is for everyone and is an essential component of human life. Vika is a self-taught visual artist, who began her journey as a creative practitioner to address personal and professional development challenges in her late 20s. Overtime this pursuit developed into a business. In 2014, Vika founded a creative accountability group in Chicago, which evolved into When We Create™, a creative self-discovery program for women seeking personal connection and empowerment. Today Vika helps people reconnect with themselves through creativity, reflection, and honest conversation.​​ Vika's coaching approach blends deep listening, mindset work, and structured guidance with visual art practices to facilitate client growth and insight. Through a unique blend of visual art and coaching, Vika supports clients in building confidence, releasing internal burdens, and embracing personal transformation. Vika designs and facilitates comprehensive creative programs and teaches art classes to children and individuals with special needs through partnership with local organizations.​ As an illustrator, Vika creates vibrant depictions of whimsical, empowered female figures using both digital tools and traditional media. Her work has been featured across Chicago in venues ranging from yoga studios to art galleries and public offices. ​​​ Vika is the author of Mother Monster Mystery, and is currently working on a children’s book. Her current artistic focus includes mixed-media, digital illustration, and collage. Vika is also a mother of two who enjoys spending time in nature, art museums and quirky cafés.  Education & Experience:  Expressive Arts Practitioner (EAP), WHEAT Institute, 2025 (pursuing) Therapeutic Art Life Coach Certification, The Transformation Academy, 2024 Certified Professional Coach (60 hours ACSTH), Academy of Creative Coaching, 2023 M.B.A., Strategic Business Management, Villanova University, 2014 Philosophy, B.A., Temple University, 2007 Psychology, B.A., Temple University, 2007 Creative facilitator since 2014, leading self-discovery and motivation groups Successfully pivoted from corporate burnout to a creative, fulfilling career Helping clients achieve personal growth, self-awareness, and life balance Self-taught digital and mixed media artist  Podcast edited by Basecamp intern Annashae Davis

Welcome to my 1st Basecamp2Summit podcast, where I talk to local Metuchen artist Joseph Castronova about his creative journey.  Joseph Castronova is an artist and educator. He was Artist in Residence for 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen; faculty at The Institute for Contemporary Art in Bedminster, NJ and former Director of duCret School of Art in Plainfield, NJ. Joseph has shown extensively in our area including: Art Alliance, Rotunda Gallery, Barron Arts Center, Westerhoff Gallery, M Galleries, Above Art and ART150. Solo shows include: Art Alliance, Red Bank NJ; ArtLab, Mendham NJ; End of Elm, Morristown NJ; M Galleries Fellowship, Basking Ridge NJ; Rotunda Gallery, Metuchen NJ; M Galleries, M Galleries PNA, Washington NJ; Studio Montclair, Montclair NJ Commissions include: ArtCycle, Transformations Gallery, Metuchen NJ; RoboKiller, TelTech, S. Amboy NJ; Metuchen Downtown Alliance, Middlesex Greenway, Windows of Understanding.He is represented in collections of the School of Visual Arts, Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences, JP Morgan Chase, First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen and others. Instagram: @josephcastronova [email protected] www.josephcastronova.com podcast editor: Annashae Davis, Basecamp Intern