We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alena Jones-Craven. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Alena, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ince breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I personally feel that the most exciting thing I’m currently building is myself. Throughout the years of building my art business, I’ve always felt like something was missing. One moment, I’m doing great in customer service but struggling with consistency. The next moment, I’m working on consistency but lacking in another area. I genuinely believe it was because I wasn’t adding elements to my business and my art pieces. To truly be proud of my work, I’ve been rebranding my art in a way that aligns with my values. I’ve integrated art and psychology to create an art therapy-focused business. This process required vulnerability and openness, which I usually avoid. The most recent pieces I’ve created are all based on emotions and contain specific elements to convey each one. Working on my transparency has shifted my business in a new direction, and I hope everyone can now see that!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Alena Jones-Craven—an artist, art therapy advocate, and founder of Ruthless Studios. My work is rooted in blending creativity with emotion to provide healing and connection through art. Ruthless Studios started as a personal outlet and has grown into a mission-driven brand focused on making art therapy more accessible to communities.
I create custom, emotionally-driven pieces and teach art therapy workshops, especially to youth in public schools and rehab centers. What makes my work unique is how it speaks to mental health, grief, and resilience—turning pain into powerful visuals. Right now, I’m working on expanding my services to include interactive art therapy experiences in safe spaces, and I’m building toward opening a community-based healing gallery. Everything I do comes from a deep place of purpose, love, and the belief that art saves lives.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
If I had to choose a relationship that has truly shaped me, it would be my relationship with my mother. I was incredibly grateful to have such an amazing parent who embodied the definition of love to the fullest. When I first began my art journey at the age of five, my mother bought my artwork from the school art show and hung it up in every house we ever lived in. I believe that was when I realized that consideration is one of the smallest forms of love, yet it feels so significant to the person receiving it. She was a selfless individual who always encouraged me to understand my emotions, which is how I developed a deep connection to art by associating it with my feelings. I am incredibly proud to say that from this relationship, I first experienced the emotion of love, and that’s why I remain passionate about my craft enough to share my work with others and inspire them to share their creativity as well.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, it happens quite often. I believe that’s normal for any entrepreneur, especially a creative one. There are many others doing the same thing as you, and it can be challenging to stand out. However, that’s when confidence and self-realization come into play. They remind you that even though you may be in the same field as someone else, no one is capable of what you have to offer. By setting yourself apart from the crowd and accessing resources that allow you to monetize your gift, you’ll be more likely to not give up.
I firmly believe in the invisible string theory, which suggests that everyone is connected in some way. Whoever you meet is meant to have a significant impact on your life. I believe this based on the people I’ve encountered throughout my life—whether they were platonic, business associates, or romantic partners—who have deeply connected with me. Their words have instilled values in me that I still follow to this day. Therefore, I believe that everything happens for a reason.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I am fulfilling my destiny. If you stripped me of my identity and everything I’ve ever known, the indomitable part of me that would remain would be someone deeply creative and innovative. Someone destined to guide others in finding their voice through an unconventional means.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.shopruthless.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthless.studios?igsh=ZmRnY2N3a2ZyeTFs&utm_source=qr
