In this episode of #WorkMomSays: Don’t Be an Idiot, Lori Jo Vest sits down with Detroit artist and creative director Trae Isaac—a multi-disciplinary creator known for murals, fine art, wearable designs, and now, app development. Trae shares his remarkable journey, from amateur boxing to the loss of his brother and mother as a teenager, to building a career rooted in creativity, resilience, and community. He opens up about how art has become both a healing practice and a profession, and why he sees himself as a “creative tailor,” creating work that fits communities, businesses, and cultural needs. Themes discussed in this episode How the discipline of boxing shaped Trae’s mindset as an artist Why continuous learning is the key to resilience and growth The story behind one of Trae’s most challenging mural projects The importance of community for emerging artists How following childhood passions can point you toward your purpose Trae’s leap into app design through the Apple Developer Academy Connect with Trae: TraeIsaac.com Socials: @TraeIsaac on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube Episode Highlights Time-stamped inflection points from the show 0:12 – Meet Lori & Trae – Lori introduces Trae Isaac, a Detroit-based artist whose work spans fine art, murals, and product design.2:13 – Becoming a Creative Tailor Trae shares how he approaches art like a tailor—customizing his work to reflect communities, organizations, and cultural values.5:00 – The Discipline of Practice How boxing taught Trae the importance of repetition, discipline, and being addicted to progress.7:35 – Growing Up in Detroit Trae talks about his close-knit family, his grandfather’s boxing legacy, and the values instilled in him as a child.12:09 – Loss and Resilience The deaths of his brother and mother shaped Trae’s journey, pushing him from boxing into art as a new form of healing and expression.17:39 – Boxing Lessons for Life How the ability to “lock in” during a fight translated into resilience, recovery, and focus in art and life.19:24 – Building a Career in Art From painting clothes in high school to earning mural commissions, Trae explains his path to becoming a full-time artist.21:13 – The Five Ps The mantra that drives his work: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.22:25 – The Godfrey Hotel Mural Story Behind the scenes of one of Trae’s most challenging projects, including negotiating unexpected costs and conquering a fear of heights.30:13 – Finding Your Purpose Advice for young people: follow your passions from childhood, explore continuously, and don’t be afraid to pivot.35:00 – From Murals to Mobile Apps Trae shares his latest leap—joining Apple’s Developer Academy to learn coding and app design.40:00 – Marketing MindsetLori points out Trae’s natural gift for self-promotion and authentic storytelling.42:47 – Looking AheadWhere Trae wants to take his career next—and an invitation to reconnect in a year to talk about his new apps. Transcript [0:00] Lori Jo Vest – Welcome to Work Mom Says: Don’t Be an Idiot. I’m Lori Jo Vest, and I’m here to help you learn to play the emotional contact sport of business—so you can experience a whole lot less drama and a whole lot more success.Today, I’m so fortunate to have my guest, Trae Isaac. Trae is an artist—and I don’t even know how to fully explain who he is. I met him on Facebook of all places, and then I just had to bring it into real life, because I have so much respect for him as an artist and for how he moves through the world. I wanted to share him with you because I know he’s got wisdom that can help you move toward your own goals. [1:23] Trae Isaac – Thank you for having me. Thank you for the love, the appreciation, all the good energy and feedback. It’s all genuine, and I’m grateful.[1:40] Lori Jo VestFair warning—I like to “mom” people sometimes, so if I do that, just forgive me.[1:46] Trae IsaacIt’s all good. I accept