April 14th, 2025
Women Who Build: Charissa Owens
Welcome to Le Femme Foundry, where we celebrate trailblazing women who are redefining creativity and reshaping their industries.
This week, we’re thrilled to feature Charissa Owens, a Louisiana-based abstract expressionist artist whose work is inspired by the vibrant colors, textures, and beauty of the world around her. Growing up in Alexandria, Louisiana, in a large, close-knit family, Charissa developed a deep connection to nature, which continues to influence her art today
.Charissa’s unique style blends her love for interior design, fashion, and graphic design, resulting in stunning, dynamic pieces that bring life and energy to any space. Her work is not only a reflection of her creative vision but also a celebration of the rich culture and natural beauty of Louisiana. Through her art, Charissa invites us to see the world through her eyes—bold, colorful, and full of texture.
Join us as we dive into Charissa’s journey, her artistic inspirations, and how she continues to create meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces that transform spaces and spark joy.
Can you remember the first moment you thought, “Oh, this is going to work“?
I knew when I couldn’t supply enough art and it kept selling out. People kept on buying my art and I was ecstatic and couldn’t believe people wanted my work enough to pay for it.
What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done in business?
Retiring from my steady job as an art teacher and pursuing my art business full time and renting a new larger studio space.
If your business were a song, what would be its anthem?
French Jazz all the way!
Did you ever consider throwing in the towel? If so, why didn’t you?
Absolutely not! It is so much fun and I absolutely love doing this. It is a dream I have had since high school, and I am one hard worker who does not give up easy. I always feel like people give up too fast and too easy. It can be hard to press on, even when you are unsure. I firmly believe in creating the life that you want to live and plan your days purposefully to create that life. Anything you want to pursue in life takes determination, ambition, hard work, and patience. Be a dreamer and dream BIG… just GO FOR IT! Don’t wait until it is perfect. Perfection is the death of progress and boggs you down. Put it out in the world and grow with it over time. Believe in yourself and allow yourself to pivot. Be authentic and consistent in what you offer and people will love you for it.
Who has mentored you and how have they shaped your view on business and being a female founder?
So many people have invested in me and helped me on my journey. I have to say having wonderful friends who are also really great female entrepreneurs and business owners has been such an asset for me. We call each other when we have questions and need help. Surround yourself with people who are pursuing great things and not staying stagnant in their life. I also have a wonderful business coach who has helped me. I call them when I need them. My husband and parents have been there all along the way and have given me wonderful advice to follow as well.
What’s one thing about your day-to-day as a founder that would surprise people?
Probably that most of the time my hair is pulled back in a ponytail, I am covered in paint and have the oldest and ugliest clothes imaginable. Painting is not a glamorous job and usually I am a mess. Haha, but I love it. I embarrass my kids all the time when I pick them up from their after school events. I always have ugly clothes on and paint in my hair.
If I have learned one thing about life from being an artist, it is that you must collect moments of pure bliss along the way to fill your cup of inspiration. You cannot be so busy and focused on the output of creating that you don’t enjoy the journey and the whole process. Each of my pieces is thoughtfully created using the elements of art and principles of design, but they also carry notes of simple, yet profound joys of life…watching a cotton candy sunset while you cook a lovely meal, admiring the shadow of a plant dancing on my patio wall from the warm summer sun, feeling the late evening freeze on a walk, sitting in the rose garden enjoying heartfelt conversation with your friends, watching the fireflies dance in the night. These are all things that fuel my art and inspire pieces I create. My art is not only a reflection of my practice in the studio but a celebration of life itself.
How do you celebrate wins, both big and small, in your business?
I get excited and call my husband, parents, and tell my children. They are truly my biggest support group. I call them my board of directors, because I could not do this without their support.
What’s a skill you didn’t realize you’d need as a founder, but now consider indispensable?
Knowing how to grow a business, do my bookkeeping, market my work, make big and scary decisions over and over, and move quickly on decision making. I had to realize that you cannot dwell on a decision for very long. Good business leaders evaluate the options quickly, make a decision, and move on. They don’t linger in it for too long. I have learned so much starting this business. Originally, all I wanted to do was paint, but then I realized to grow an art business you need to know so much more and do A LOT of research.
How do you define and measure success?
I think if you are growing and doing new things that excite you and make you happy, you are successful. If you continue to love what you do and it does not feel mundane and boring, then that is a success. Also, if your demand is bigger than your output, that is something that makes me feel successful.
What’s a business decision you made purely on gut instinct, and how did it turn out?
I am renting a bigger studio space with a storefront. TBD…
What’s your guilty pleasure after a long day of hustle?
I LOVE watching a show on Netflix and eating a homemade dinner in the living room with my family.
How do you set boundaries between your personal life and business when everything feels intertwined?
I am still navigating that to be honest. Not really sure I am great and have achieved that balance yet. I work a lot, simply because I LOVE it and it does not feel like work to me. It is FUN! Sometimes it is hard for me to disconnect. If I put everything away and go for a walk, sometimes that helps. It also helps when I go on a trip with the family and get away. It helps me to forget everything back at home and all the business decisions that need to be made.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating the incredible journey of Charissa Owens and her vibrant contributions to the art world. We’re excited to continue sharing inspiring stories of women who are making waves in their fields—because when women rise, we all rise.
Be sure to follow the talented Charissa Owens to explore her stunning artwork, gain insight into her creative process, and see how she transforms spaces with her unique vision. And don’t forget to stay connected with Le Femme Foundry on Instagram for all the latest updates and empowering stories!
