Meet Dede Milkey | Bringing Color and Life into Peoples Homes and Hearts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dede Milkey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dede, why did you pursue a creative career?
Well, as my husband always says, “You can’t help yourself”. When I was younger I was quite shy. I use to be able to express myself through arts and crafts, coloring, painting, sewing, writing poetry, making cloth dolls with blond or brunette hair and blue or brown eyes, etc. It felt rewarding to have someone appreciate something that I would create. It was my way of expressing myself. Then adulthood came. Most of my adult work life has always been in the financial world in one way or another. I became a single mother and was doing well raising my 2 boys, financially as well as emotionally. The jobs I had provided my boys and me with a good life. But my creative side had to be put on the back burner.

Then I met my husband, Jeff. I was in my late 30s. Jeff was doing so many great things that he loved. Outside of his engineer day life, he was working on his music, woodworking projects, recording, designing, and so many other things. He inspired me to revisit my creative side. He taught me that we are allowed to have multiple passions, paths, and interests, And, my life began to have a beautiful balance that I never dreamed it would.

I always knew that art makes us feel emotion. Art can affect our mood in a positive way, making us feel happier, calmer, or even inspired to do something. My husband always says I have a 7th sense….he says that sense is color. I knew I wanted to use color to express who I was as an artist and whatever I created, I hoped it would bring joy to others.

So I bought some canvases and paints, watched some how-to videos, practiced with different mediums and techniques, and finally found my passion. My art began to get noticed. Once again, it felt rewarding. I felt honored to have the responses I did. I began selling a few pieces and in November of 2018, Delia’s Art by Dede Milkey came to life. This has built so much confidence in me and has given me my own individual identity. I have grown so much over the last few years. But most rewarding is when one of my art pieces makes it to someone’s home and gives them joy.

What should our readers know about your business?
My life and career have been a journey of growth. Being shy was difficult for me to get over. To work through my personal struggles, I just had to be brave and go out into the world as if I was an accomplished, smart, talented capable person and before I knew it, I was becoming that person. I was believing in myself more and more and my career and life were growing in a positive direction because of it.

My big break was when I started working for a large bank. The several years that I worked there taught me the value of money, as I saw the best and the worst of money issues. I learned how to deal with others with the utmost respect and validate their feelings. I also learned so much more about myself. I wanted more, career-wise, and felt confident enough to take on more responsibilities.

I then went on to obtain my stockbrokers’ license and worked for Charles Schwab, and I loved it. I was able to build strong relationships with others and find a nice balance between work and raising my sons.

After a while, I wanted to look into a career that I could have some control over, and I decided to become a real estate agent and now I manage our own rental properties. Being my own boss helped me develop strong business and work ethic skills.
Things were wonderful at this point in my life, but I knew I was still missing something.

Then I met my husband and saw how creative and talented he was, and he knew what he loved to do and followed his passions without hesitation, working hard and achieving personal goals. I knew that was exactly what I needed to do as well. I needed to find passion(s), something that helps me escape from everyday life and a way to creatively express myself. Through using color on canvas, I finally found the style of painting that I have learned over the past 3 years was exactly what I needed to round out my life, All those skills I’ve learned over the years have helped me today in running a successful art business. Something I enjoy so much, I feel so blessed!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Pack a picnic and head to Butcher Jone’s Trail for a beautiful hike in and around Saguaro Lake…and possibly see wild horses. Head to the beach and have a picnic and maybe a swim, depending on the time of year. Then jump on the 4 pm Desert Belle Cruise (book way ahead of planned trip on line, they do sell out often) and take the 80-minute scenic tour through some of the most beautiful canyons on earth. Drive back to Mesa and have an Italian dinner at Pacino’s and then a few steps across the parking lot, grab a glass of wine at D’Vine Wine Bistro, and listen to some live music from many of our local talented musicians.

Day 2: Head up to Sedona. The 2 hour drive brings you to the Red Rock Scenic Byway, your introduction to Sedona, and it is so breathtaking. Plan on spending at least one to 2 nights there in Sedona. Try the El Portal Hotel, a cool fun little adobe hotel featuring arts and crafts decor and seating around a fire pit for star gazing at night. Once you get to Sedona, your first stop is at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Villa. Grab a glass of wine and a bruschetta plate at Rene’s, then stroll the many shops. Dinner at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill (make reservations way ahead of visit).

Day 3: Wake up early and grab breakfast and coffee at Coffee Pot Restaurant, then head for an amazing hike at the West Fork Trail that follows Oak Creek. This is a 3-5 hour hike that is shady, quiet, and easy to hike. Afterward, head on back to Sedona and grab a nice lunch at Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant. Then walk off lunch, if you still have the energy, by going down to the Oak Creek between the Amara Resort and L’Auberge Resort. Putting your feet in the cool water is so refreshing.

Day 4: Last day in Sedona. Take an early jeep tour, grab lunch in town at one of the many local places and then a short drive back to the Phoenix area. Head on over for a delicious dinner out on the patio at Red, White and Brew in Mesa!

Day 5: Plan an entire day at the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari. This zoo has Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals. Also fun rides like the Tram ride through the Safari Park where they have all sorts of animals from Africa, the African Safari Train ride, a Skyride above for a relaxing view and even lots of carnival rides for the kids, a zipline, a petty zoo, huge aquarium and places to grab light snacks, drinks or a sit down meal at the famous Dillion’s Restaurant.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be here where I am at when it comes to being an artist if it weren’t for my husband Jeff! He is truly an inspiration and not only for me but also so many others. He is my close-at-hand critic and I appreciate his feedback, his support, and most of all for believing in me when I started this new journey late in life.

I also want to give credit to my mentors Molly in Florida, Veronica in England (where my husband was born), and Mina in California (where I was born). They all have shared so much with me and others about how they do their techniques, mixing color and mediums, and they are all so talented. I have learned so much from them.

My son John is a huge inspiration to me. He encourages me, helps my business grow by sharing my art with his circle of friends, and is pretty darn creative himself. Things I have seen him build just amaze me. He is very creative and thoughtful when it comes to his gift-giving to others. We bounce ideas off of each other and he’s so insightful.

And to all who have purchased one or more of my art pieces for their home, office, RV’s, or as gifts. You are my biggest inspiration. Just the mere fact that you purchased a painting validates what I am doing and keeps me creating. I put my heart and soul into each painting and when someone else sees personal value in one, that is the biggest thank you an artist can receive!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbydedemilkey