Member Highlight: Trisha Halverson
Trisha Halverson is the founder of Raven Projects LLC and a seasoned arts educator with The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Trisha is passionate about gardening, hiking, and spending quality time with her son. She looks forward to expanding Raven Projects and exploring new opportunities.
Read on to learn more about Trisha!
Full Name:
Trisha Halverson
Nickname:
Trish
What do you do professionally?
I am a freshly hatched business owner, launching Raven Projects LLC in Spring 2024. I work with homeowners on various DIY projects like painting, decluttering/organizing, and gardening. I am also a seasoned arts educator and currently present national workshops with The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
What do you want to do (professionally and/or personally)?
Be careful what you wish for. It was probably 2 years ago, summertime, after a nice long session of working in my garden I said to a friend, "I just want to weed people's gardens for a living, is that too much to ask"? In spring of 2023, I left my full time job which ultimately signaled my exit from the nonprofit arts sector and ushered in what is now Raven Projects. I am currently doing what I want to do, both personally and professionally. My business has allowed me to work on projects that provide great joy and relief to people. I've made authentic connections with my clients, and I get to be creative and work with my body almost every day. I am also able to be present for all of the amazing things that my son is doing. Time, for me, is the most valuable currency.
Do you have any passion projects or ideas you want to explore?
Raven Projects was my passion project for a year before I knew it was a viable business model. I worked completely by word-of-mouth and it was almost as if the universe kept saying, 'THIS is what you are supposed to be doing'. I do have a very exciting project on the horizon, designing and building an outdoor classroom for a school in South Orange!
Who inspires you? Why?
My 15 year old son inspires me. He is an exceptional human being; expansive thinker, humorous, and charismatic. Every year he is evolving and changing. He is earnest in everything he does and has become my greatest teacher.
Hobbies / Interests / Things that bring you joy:
I love hiking, camping, and exploring new places. I would like to make time to make art. I have a 'studio' in my garage but can never seem to jump start the practice of making. Gardening ultimately brings me the greatest joy.
Future accomplishments:
I want to grow and expand Raven Projects, build financial security for myself and my son, create a home with my partner, and see more of the U.S. and abroad.
What excites you about being a Creative + Member?
No one gets anything done in their silos. I am a collaborator at heart and thrive on team and collective work. I am excited about Raven Projects possibilities in the Montclair and Maplewood areas, and I love working with Amanda and believe in what she is creating. I'm inspired by the Creative + Space, linking/networking with other members, and discovering ways we can support one another.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given:
I had someone tell me once that the 'work' that I do is within me; that I take my passions and my grit everywhere I go, no matter my employer, no matter the organization. She told me that they were all 'lucky' to have me. I think that planted a seed for me, one where I could see myself striking out on my own, brave, confident, and prepared.
Who is someone you want to collaborate with? Why?
I really want to collaborate with real estate agents and their sellers. Preparing a home for the market can be completely overwhelming, especially for working families, that's where I come in. I would also like to collaborate with senior centers or other groups that work to support our elder communities. I have a growing base of seniors, many who live alone, who are not physically capable of handling what their homes and properties require. Many have communicated to me what a relief it is to have a reliable, honest, and trustworthy woman working with them.
Favorite quote:
I recently discovered this one and it resonated with me: "I will not follow where the path may lead, but I will go where there is no path, and I will leave a trail." Muriel Strode
What does your best life look like?
My best life is one where I have ownership of my time. I spend quality time with my friends and loved ones. I get to travel. And while not necessarily rich (although I would not say no to that), I have enough financial resources so as to not stress from day to day, moment to moment.
Last words for the Creative + Community?
To laugh often, to win the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch....to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. THIS is to have succeeded!" Ralph Waldo Emerson
Trisha’s Socials
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