We recently had the chance to connect with Elida Capps and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Elida, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Art. Whether I’m creating it or experiencing it. I can get swept away in a museum or lost in my studio. Lately, I’ve been on a paper mache kick. Making silly figures and just playing like I did when I was a kid. No plan, no structure, just creating for fun. Time doesn’t exist in a creative zone.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Elida Capps. I’m an artist and business owner based in North Dallas. I own Canyon Creek Art & Frame, located in Richardson, Texas.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
In the very beginning I would say it was my childhood best friend, Sabrina Ramos. She was the first to as they say ” match my freak”
In the business world it was definitely Jerry Cornelius. He is the original owner of Canyon Creek Art, my mentor, and friend. I worked for him for a few years before taking over the business. When he first suggested I buy it, I thought he was crazy. “I’m not a business person.” Jerry saw something I didn’t. He saw my passion, work ethic, and love for the craft. More importantly, he saw potential. Sometimes, it just takes one person you love and respect saying, “You’ve got this” and you start to believe it too.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of failure. Putting yourself out there and taking risks is scary, and I’ve missed opportunities by letting that fear win.
I bought CCA even though I was TERRIFIED, and I’ve had some major failures happen along the way. Every time was just a lesson learned, and sometimes that “failure” leads to something else that is even better. So now I try to embrace failure. Try something even if the outcome won’t be what I hoped for. You never know where it will take you.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
In the framing world; preservation first, always. The archival method might take longer, but it lasts longer too. And that is what we are all about at CCA.
In my personal world, I have a project I have been working on for 10 years now. I have been little by little chipping away at. It is a children’s book involving characters from my own childhood. I will not give up, and even if it takes another 10 years to 50 I will someday complete this story and you will all get to know these characters.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am one of the lucky ones who found a way to do what I was born to do. Which is create.
As the owner of a frame/ print shop, I work with my hands, collaborate with creatives, and find ways to express my own creativity through design every day. My day job inspires my personal work, which I make sure to carve time out of my schedule to continue to create and produce on the side. Having that balance is important to me, and I’m so grateful that I have landed in a position that allows me to do so.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.canyoncreekart.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/canyoncreekart
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/canyoncreekart
Image Credits
Stephanie Gerhart, Bryan Peterson,
