Canvas Rebel recently interviewed CEO Yura Sapi, discussing Yura's work as an artist, creative, and visionary.

Originally posted on Canvas Rebel.

Alright, Yura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Yes, my life’s purpose is an artist and creative; living in this purpose brings an endless well of happiness. After graduating with a theatre degree as an actor, I tried to go down a somewhat “regular job” path, getting another degree, this time in performing arts management. I worked in the office space of renowned theatre industry companies including The Public Theater and then Actor’s Equity Association. While I found the ideas of the work engaging, I quickly realized that the 9-5 office life wasn’t fulfilling for me, even within the arts and culture sector.

I will say, it’s important to note that regardless of the type of artist you are, there’s always a business side to your work. This includes promoting your work, networking, planning, strategizing, auditioning/proposal drafting, applying for grants, managing your social media, or directing those you hire to help with these tasks.

For me, the game changer was taking the leap to start my own company that allows me the flexibility to create on my own terms. Now, I shape the direction of projects I’m involved in, whether I’m taking on a more artistic role or focusing on creative production for events and programs. The flexibility of remote work and collaborating with a global team has been invaluable in allowing me to do what I love while maintaining agency over my career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

What sets me apart is my visionary perspective, deeply rooted in Indigenous wisdom and a profound connection to the Earth. As humans, I see our role as stewards of the planet, and this belief flows through everything I do. All that I do exists at the intersection of social and climate justice, spiritual healing and evolution, and the arts and cultures, which I see as powerful conduits for this transformative work.

As a spiritually connected person, I integrate mindfulness, meditation, energy work, time bending, dharma, and visioning into my practice. Those who work with me often describe the experience as calming, powerful, and defying expectations. As a “Visionary,” I operate in a realm that doesn’t yet exist, which can be intriguing and inspiring for some, while challenging for those not yet ready or resistant to this path.

In my creative and artistic work, as well as in leadership coaching, I help people release limiting beliefs to cultivate harmony and connection within themselves, with others, and with the planet.

I’m particularly proud of being selected as a new 2024 Echoing Green Fellow, a prestigious global impact incubator for social innovators who are solving the world’s problems through their business solutions. I was chosen for this fellowship for my latest flagship project, Protectores de la Tierra, which is dedicated to ending food insecurity in Colombia’s Black and Indigenous communities.

Whether you’re an artist, an audience member, funder, community member, or a client, my goal is to help you discover and embrace your true potential, guided by a deep sense of purpose and connection.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing that non-creatives might struggle to understand is that creativity isn’t just about making art; it’s about consciously shaping our reality and existence. We are the universe experiencing itself through our own life, and with that comes the gift and responsibility to create intentionally. As one of my teachers, Jordan Deer Heart Ix Mazatl Ol-Si (https://canvasrebel.com/meet-jordan-deer-heart-ix-mazatl-ol-si) says, “Energy follows intention.” Every thought we have is an opportunity to direct energy toward what we wish to manifest into our three-dimensional existence.

For example, if you want more to be grateful for, simply repeating the words “thank you” can work wonders. By focusing your energy on gratitude, you’ll start to notice how much there already is to appreciate. This shift in energy not only enriches your present but also attracts even more things to be grateful for. It’s a powerful reminder that we are all creators, constantly shaping our lives with our thoughts and intentions.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A major lesson I had to unlearn was the limiting belief that I shouldn’t put myself out there. I struggled with feelings of inadequacy, thinking that what I had to share wasn’t useful or valuable, that I lacked enough experience, and that I wasn’t worth it. I also feared backlash, being misunderstood, or even being ridiculed.

But I came to realize that these beliefs about my worthiness were simply not true—they were just moments of doubt that could be transformed with a shift in perspective. The fears I had about being seen were not guarantees that those negative outcomes would happen. Yes, some people might not be interested in what I have to offer, but that’s okay because it’s all about finding the right people who do benefit from what you share. Sharing our wisdom is one of the greatest gifts we can offer the world. As another one of my teachers, Sahara Rose, says, “If everyone shared their solutions, the world wouldn’t have any more problems.”

To overcome this fear, among coaching practices to release these limiting beliefs, I’ve taken a social media content class and practiced sharing clips of myself speaking on camera. This process brought me back to my acting training, where I was able to tap into the version of myself that is a leader and the face of a project.

In grant writing, particularly when applying for fellowships, I learned to focus on how I—and my projects—are worthy of these opportunities. I started tuning into the ways in which we align with what these grants or fellowships are seeking, rather than getting caught up in self-doubt. I also became more selective, only applying for opportunities that felt like a genuine match, understanding that alignment is key.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://liberarteinc.org/ & https://yurasapi.wordpress.com/
• Instagram: @yurasapi @liberarte_inc @protectoresdelatierra
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advancingarts.forward.16/ & https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083606194647
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurasapi/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yurasapihttps://www.tiktok.com/@liberarte_inc