YOU ARE ENOUGH.

BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO

My very versatile life experience has led me to be a versatile business woman. My main mission is to reach our community in empowering waysto hear your stories through art and celebration. That is why we now have Muck Duck Studio, a creative empowerment studio.

What is the mission behind your creative collective?

Our community empowerment space relies on 5 major creative modalities; Music, Art, Yoga/ Somatics, Environmentalism and Non-Profiteering. Why do we do this? To reach and empower folks to rebuild a relationship with their own creativity. Creativity is a powerful problem solving tool that can support any situation.

What made you decide to open the studio?

It was a beautiful synergy between me and my circumstances. In 2019 I was working/living in Bangkok, Thailand pursuing refugee crisis management and foreign relief aid. After realizing the refugee crisis on the southern border I relocated to Washington D.C as a human rights activist on behalf of detained unaccompanied minors. I was beginning to work closely with the children and the federal courts when our connections were severed due to the pandemic. I chose to come home to Rochester and pour love into our city. After seeing the world

I knew something needed to change. Muck Duck Studio is the conduit for contemporary community solutions.

How do you stay motivated, especially in such a crazy time in the world? When I think about all the situations out of my control and out of my hands- I am intensely motivated to cherish what is in my sphere of influence. There were people I have met in the crazy world who have touched my internal world and changed me forever. For me, life is about relationships. When the to me as a female entrepreneur to be approached and treated respectfully. Also, I am aiming to connect with art funders who want to see the progression of our work in the community expedited. community depends on me, I show up. When I am called to service I respond. It is really simple for me.

What are the three most important words that you feel describe you and why?

Compassionate- My natural temperament is patient with hints of nurturing and care, I am to leave people in better shape than I found them.

Fierce- Everything I do is heartfelt and laced with a powerful intensity, I cannot apologize for my passions.

What are some of the challenges you face regarding the studio and also being a female entrepreneur and how have you overcome them?

Seeing the world through the lens of entrepreneurship and artistry is a beautiful intersect and it certainly presents challenges. For instance, some people confuse creative passion with romantic love. It is very important

Intuitive- I live life in the moment, based on what feels to be true without a need to be assured by conscious reasoning. This allows me to be fluid in my workflow.

What is your favorite part about the studio and collective?

The many beautiful faces I am privileged to call my community. When people return to the studio and deepen their relationship with us, the real magic emerges. Cross Pollination happens when two or more artists come together and share ideas and collaborate. I am honored to be at the epicenter of many of Rochester’s finest artists and musicians and beyond. I get to see the magic of creation happen in real time.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their own business?

It’s okay to expect the unexpected. In many ways I believe we are told to have all the answers at the beginning. I say, leave room for magic. Solutions to problems we didn’t expect often come easily when you trust the process. We absolutely can fill in the gaps as we progress along.

What is the best advice/ information you have ever been given?

The best wisdom is often simple.

1- “Hold the Gold”- Don’t ruin a good thing by going too quickly.

2- “When in doubt, don’t”- This one speaks for itself.

3- “Know the play, take the shot.”- Set up a goal and take a shot at it. Once the shot is taken my job is done. It no longer matters if I make the shot or not.

4- (because) “Failure is never the end.”

What do you enjoy most about what you do? What do you find the hardest part about it?

My favorite part is using my performance art skills at galas and fundraisers. I will create a painting live during an event and auction it, giving 100% of profits to nonprofit causes. I have raised over $13,000 to organizations such as 13ThirtyConnect, Person Centered Housing Options, Gillum Grant Foundation and many others. Knowing I make a difference leaves me feeling fulfilled.

Digital marketing is the hardest part.

My favorite method is word of mouth. We are building a relationship with you from the beginning. You hear about us from people you know, hearing about things you enjoy or may be interested in. You come to us with a sense of curiosity and willingness to try something new, and together we make creative magic.

We also very practically use instagram, facebook, email and meetup. All @MuckDuckStudio

What do you want to achieve next?

Muck Duck has been able to function fully through its own support- we are able to pay musicians, artists, facilitators and coaches to implement their work. We are aiming to become a 501(c)(3). We will reach and accomplish far more of our objectives with financial support from the community.

I don’t like how I’m stuck to a screen instead of making art/focusing on people.

Do you use social media to promote your business? What is your favorite platform? If not, how do you get out there to gain attention for the studio?

Where do you see your business in the next three to five years? In the next 3-5 years Muck Duck Studio aims to have 5 fully synergistic relationships with other non-profit organizations in Rochester, NY. We aim to bring alternative social-emotional programming to local community centers, rehabs, senior centers and schools to help rebuild connection between community members. We aim to implement 50 monthly programs and pay $20,000 a year to different artists, musicians, environmentalists and yogis for their hard work. We also aim to establish a relationship with national spaces like ours and offer “excursion exchanges” as they send touring artists and musicians to us and we to them. Stay in touch as we make our way there.

Where will we see Muck Duck Studio and Casey Maura next?

I will be performing again this summer at events such as jazz fest, lilac festival, corn hill arts fest, lincoln hill farms, innovation theater and beyond. My next big show is on March 11 at 3pm with Cinnamon Jones at her show Lady of Song. Muck Duck Studio has many plans for community engagement through the arts this summer- including a music event with Sobriety Sounds. You can also see us in person, located at 595 Blossom Road, #317, Rochester, NY 14610. Come to our Creative Mixers held every other Tuesday at Muck Duck!