Ep. 177: Making Your Own Opportunities with Rachel Castaneda

Written By Level Up

On this episode we interview artist and muralist Rachel Castaneda. We talk to her about her journey from the classroom to launching a mural business, how to leverage referral opportunities while you are growing your style and following, utilizing social media for inspiration, and accepting that success is a moving goal post.

Rachel Castaneda

Muralist | Apex, NC

Artist Bio:

I am a self-taught artist and muralist based in Apex, North Carolina. I am originally from Babylon, New York. Growing up, I was very passionate about art and lettering. I took advanced classes through high school and even into college but I never considered art as more than a hobby. I became a teacher and taught elementary school for twelve years. In this time I continued to create art with my students as well as in the evenings and weekends. I also dabbled in graphic design during this time. In 2016 friends and acquaintances started hiring me for lettering work. This led to a side hustle focused on hand lettered chalkboards and other signage. I painted my first mural in 2022 and that side of my business took off! Once I posted my first mural online I started getting more inquiries. I decided to resign from teaching in June 2022 so I could stay home with my kids and continue painting on the side. I was pleasantly surprised when my schedule started filling up with mural jobs even more than I anticipated. I recently had my third child at the start of 2024 and my 2.5 years as a muralist has been a bit of a roller coaster based on my schedule with my children. Muraling has brought me so much joy the last few years and I am excited to see what the future holds for my business and practice!

Podcast Music By Corey Claxton:

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Ep. 178: Studio Update with Adriana and Jackie
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Ep. 176: Connecting with Fellow Dreamers with Ekaterina Popova