What means “Doing your Dada” to you?

Following my passions is crucial to find motivation in my daily life. I cannot do something without passion; otherwise, it quickly becomes boring, and I come to a complete standstill. Choosing 1-2 true passions has been a journey for me. But now I’ve found a framework in which I can explore different paths, color outside the lines, without feeling confined to a closed box. 

What challenges do you encounter while pursuing your Dada?

Fear of failure combined with perfectionism. In acting you get rejected a lot, and auditions are nerve-wracking. It requires a heap of courage to start. In ceramics, customers expect almost perfection but don’t want to wait too long. Working against those deadlines makes me sometimes dissatisfied with what I create.

How did becoming a mother change your life?

My children are my oxygen, my driving force, my everything. I want to follow my passions for them, to be an example, to show that anything is possible as long as you pursue it yourself. Nothing is just handed to you, opportunities don't knock on your door with a package. I find this lesson super important. 

How do you hope to inspire/touch others?

I hope that others can see that there is always something to live for and strive towards. The last 7 years of my life have not been easy. I've had very tough periods where I felt I couldn't go on, yet at the same time, I've grown stronger than ever. It's always important to get back on your feet, and it's okay if this takes some time or exploration.

What's your Dada Mantra?

Trust the process (or the struggle). It's normal that not everything goes at the pace you sometimes wish for. A small step forward is still a step in the right direction. If you take a day off or things don't work out, that's okay too. In the long run, everything falls into place

> Check out Carmen’s ceramics: Carmen Rafaelle