UPTHINKING FINANCE

• [0:58] How Gina transitioned from nursing to art
• [5:14] Why she named her business the “Color of Ashes”
• [8:21] Gina’s unique use of color in her artwork
• [11:58] How Gina chooses to value her work
• [19:02] How Color of Ashes has gained traction
• [22:16] The challenges Gina has faced
• [24:56] Gina shares the meaning behind “Black Sheep” 
• [28:02] How “The Waiting” reflects Gina’s transformation
• [30:31] Gina’s custom painting of a beautiful black lab “Ingrim” 
• [32:30] The beautiful piece that we commissioned from Gina
• [34:50] Learn about Gina’s band “Gina and the Wildfire”

Gina’s brother, Nino, passed away in a car accident at the young age of 18. She was just 14 at the time. She notes that when you experience tragedy that young, it changes your outlook on life. She saw life as a privilege—not a guarantee. She wanted to make sure she lived her life in a way that felt worth it, in honor of her brother. 

So when Gina started her business, she made sure it was something she was passionate about. Art felt like a representation of her spirit. When she named it “Color of Ashes'' she saw an image of ash falling. After everything is covered in gray ash and you sweep it away, there’s still beautiful color and life underneath. The ash falling represents life and how terrible things happen. Everyone experiences pain, loss, and hurt. But through that, we discover something beautiful on the horizon. 

Gina emphasizes that artwork is subjective. Artists price their pieces based on their value as an artist and what the piece turns out to be. What an artist creates is personal. It’s not mass-produced—it’s one unique piece. When Gina prices a piece, she thinks about how much of her time was consumed and how much she loves it. 

Gina set a goal to paint 24 original pieces this year. That being said, to be successful, she can only produce so much. So artwork must be valued at a level where she’s able to let it go. She loves each painting and wants them to be in a home where they’re appreciated. 

Everyone decorates their homes in a way that brings them peace. Your home should be a place where you feel like it represents what you love. Someone who buys a piece has to love it—they don’t buy it because it’s a “good deal.” They buy it because they place as much value on it as Gina does.

Gina went through a divorce two years ago. At the time, she was a stay-at-home mom who was painting as a hobby. During the process, her husband said “Have fun in the real world,” fully expecting that she’d be forced to return to her previous job as a nurse. 

The truth was that she wasn’t making enough to live off of. But his words lit a fire underneath her. So she started producing more and more art. She had to make it on her own. She took a leap of faith and continued pursuing her passion and it worked in her favor. 

Gina’s story is one of perseverance and passion. Listen to the whole episode to learn more about her colorful art and the role that mindset plays in pursuing your passion. 

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

The financial professionals associated with LPL Financial may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state. 

• Purchase Gina’s art at Color of Ashes
• Follow Color of Ashes on Instagram
• Gina and the Wildfire