Elise Okrend with fellow artist Nora Philips at her studioStarting her own business, MixedBlessing, has become a full blessing for Elise Okrend and her family.
Elise’s career started in the corporate world of advertising and design in NYC, but her journey of creativity along with her desire for personal flexibility and freedom led her to open a studio in downtown Raleigh. Here Elise creates and displays her original pastel paintings.
Moving to Raleigh was a choice Elise made with her husband as a way to spend more time with their family while enjoying a slower paced lifestyle. But what made it work was an idea that allowed her to start her own business so that she could
“Floating”, original pastel by Elise Okrend work from home. Elise says, the idea to start her own greeting card business, MixedBlessing, came to her when she doodled a carddesign that incorporated a Christmas Tree and a Star of David for an interfaith couple.
Elise was first introduced to the downtown arts community through First Fridays, where she says, “I loved the the variety of art and music that would feed the evening”. Her studio is located at the Carter Building in the Glenwood South District, a popular First Friday destination, featuring a collection of studios with 60+ working artists.
Like other artists, Elise was drawn to the downtown area. She says, 
“Winter Morning”, original pastel by Elise Okrend“I like the diversity in the community and the activities the downtown area offers.” “As artists, we tend to work alone, and knowing that there are other artists around to share your work and experiences is invaluable”.
Take advantage of First Fridays to stop in and visit with Elise and other downtown artists, who are helping to foster our city’s sense of community.