Today we’d like to introduce you to Peyton Pugmire.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first connected with my own creative spirit as a child in Georgia when I would paint, color, write, cook, dance, sing…AND mount full blown theatre productions in my family’s basement! I was very active in the Atlanta theatre scene. Since then, the strength I acquired through art has fueled my personal journey of embracing my full self. Today, I strive to live as authentically and creatively as possible, and I am passionate about inspiring others to do the same.
I studied theatre in undergraduate school (College of Charleston) and graduate school (Theatre Education, Emerson College). I am a member of the North American Drama Therapy Association, and I am currently studying to become a Registered Drama Therapist. Through this training, I am learning to marry my art with healing modalities for the sake of personal transformation. I have held top leadership positions with The Boston Conservatory at Berklee (Associate Director of Theater), the Watertown Children’s Theatre (Producing Artistic Director), and Wheelock Family Theatre (Director of Education). From 2005 to 2013, I founded and ran Divine Stage Works, a small Boston theatre company. I have taught across generations, including inner-city youth, college students, and adults. I am an actor, theatre director and painter, as well as a certified spiritual intuitive with clients from coast to coast.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been mysterious, exciting, challenging, and loving. Since I was a child, I have always trusted that the world was a good place and that there was love and good things to be had. And, that I was deserving of this goodness. I always strived to follow my heart’s desires – to find my bliss – and be as authentic and as active as possible. I have always benefited from this internal drive, especially now as I start Creative Spirit, a new storefront business! My first real life challenge was facing and accepting my sexual orientation. That journey began as a child when I was very afraid of the possibility of being gay. I did not want to be gay, as a teen. I feared being hated. Throughout grade school I suppressed feelings and was accustomed to bullying and anxiety. Then one day – in the fall of my freshmen year in college – I woke up and somehow felt the courage to accept that I was, in fact, gay. And it felt good, actually! I knew that I was finally taking my first real step towards becoming who I really was and who I was meant to be. The following year was an emotional roller coaster (a re-birthing process, really), but I was blessed by the support of family and friends. I am very proud of that time, and it inspires my efforts today, as I look for opportunities to help others claim their truth and be themselves.
My career path has also been an adventure. My wonderful previous jobs with other employers have led me to where I am now, starting my dream business, Creative Spirit. I am finally able to fuse my passions and interests into one business where others can come and discover something new and awesome about themselves.
Starting a brick and mortar business has not been easy, but it’s been an enlivening ride. I am taking it one day at a time and trusting the Universe. I’m keeping my eyes open to the signs and letting the path unfold intuitively. I’ve been blessed with the appearance of many new friends, participants, other creative spirits, and supportive Marblehead business owners and residents. It’s awesome. A friend told me to view this first year as research, which was a perfect tip. I’m here to learn and give back what the world needs and wants at this time.
Creative Spirit – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Creative Spirit is a studio for creativity and mindful living housed two blocks from beautiful Marblehead Harbor. We offer programs for all ages that nurture our whole being – body, mind, heart, and soul. Together, we boldly explore the topics of creative expression, self-development, mindfulness, and spirituality, all of which inspire us to embody our full potential, live authentically, and create the life we imagine!
Our workshops and classes provide unique, hands-on opportunities for adults and youth to learn, grow and discover new things about themselves. We might do this through an intuitive painting workshop or a community meditation session. Workshops cover creative expression as well as overall health, in a holistic sense, so that people have options throughout the year as to which educational avenue they explore at Creative Spirit.
We’re also a community art gallery! Exhibits are non-juried, and all artists are welcome, regardless of training and portfolio. If you feel proud about a piece of work that you’ve created and you wish to share it with the world (and sell it!), then Creative Spirit’s gallery will help make that happen. I wish for all artists to feel that sense of pride and success. It is also an enjoyable way to promote community and respect for everyone’s creations. This program really is a unique component of the studio because we are both a school, in a sense, as well as a professional art gallery.
Finally, we offer entertaining and intimate events. To honor my passion for theatre, I am planning some future play readings, and one day I’d love to host guest lectures and even small acoustic concerts.
Creative Spirit is unique as it is the only business of this kind on the North Shore. At Creative Spirit, you can be artsy, and you can also get personal AND a little woo woo! And we’re two blocks from the water, so I’m thrilled that participants can dip in, learn, get creative, and also become inspired by the natural beauty of Marblehead, MA – a special and magical spot!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success can only be measured by the individual. It’s a state of mind. I feel successful having found the courage to start a business. Success comes when I make the decision to try something new – when I take a risk – when I follow a dream. When I put these into action. Success comes during the process. It often has little to do with the finish line. Everyday little victories. A completed lesson plan for a workshop or a smiling visitor in the gallery. These days, I’m working hard on defining success on my own terms and not by the reactions of others.
Pricing:
- Gallery exhibit participation fee – $30
Contact Info:
- Address: 80 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA 01945
- Website: www.creativespiritma.com
- Phone: 781-797-0389
- Email: contact@creativespiritma.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativespiritma/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativespiritma/
Image Credit:
Images of Peyton in front of studio window by Kai Chao
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