Happy National Women’s History Month

The best way to finish off the month of March? A feature in Canvas Costa Mesa’s “Women of CNVS” initiative for National Women’s History Month!

CB Creative Founder Clarissa Butler headed the CNVS design project—commissioning 17 artists, designing functional spaces, and hand picking artisan furniture for the corporate campus.

In the interview below, Clarissa shares some of her thoughts about her female role models and barriers female professionals face in the art and design world.

Interview with Canvas

Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you?

I connect with business-minded creatives like Oprah, Barbara Corcoran, Ariana Huffington, Pink, Lady Gaga, Issa Rae, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Chelsea Handler. I like Barbara because she encourages women to follow their intuition and gives them the tools to succeed in business.

“I like Barbara [Corcoran] because she encourages women to follow their intuition and gives them the tools to succeed in business.”

Locally, I admire Denise Morrison of House of Morrison; she has impeccable taste, and all of her projects feel sophisticated, approachable, and elegant. She has a beautiful furniture and accessories line, which I often incorporate into my work. She encourages and celebrates other local designers and is an incredible leader. Her designs and her team are a testament to her ability to lead with integrity.

What are some of the biggest challenges that women face today? How will these change in the next 20 years?

A lot of the industries we run in are still incredibly male-dominated — street art, construction, commercial development — so it’s a constant challenge to feel heard without being labeled aggressive or dominant.

I am hoping our next generation will feel a more equal balance of power. I hope that women will be able to speak their mind the same as men without being viewed as pushy and be valued for their input on an indiscriminate level.

“I hope that women will be able to speak their mind the same as men without being viewed as pushy and be valued for their input on an indiscriminate level.”

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” How does this quote relate to feminism and the struggle for equal rights? How can you use it to inspire your own actions?

This quote makes me think about my mother, a NASA engineer of over 40 years, and how hard she’s worked to get where she is in her career today. Her generation and the generations before her all suffered in ways that I never will because of their ability to not only dream of a better future but to build one. I stand on the shoulders of the women before me, and I hope that I can continue in their efforts and make an impact on younger generations of women.

“[My mother’s] generation… suffered in ways that I never will because of their ability to not only dream of a better future but to build one. I stand on the shoulders of the women before me.”

In terms of my actions, I plan to continue to create opportunities for women, support nonprofits that benefit the lives of women, and speak up for women in the workplace whenever I feel necessary. I’m honored to have the opportunity to create for a living and inspire young women to follow their dreams.

Happy National Women’s History Month to all of the strong females and female advocates in our lives. CB Creative is grateful for you!