CYNTHIA RAE LEVINE, 40, MINNEAPOLIS
Occupation: Ceramic artist, doula, prenatal yoga instructor
Salary: Variable
Education/Background: Degrees in French and studio arts (photography). For a long time I was waiting tables and just for a minute I did some prepping for photo stylists for commercial photography. I was trying to find something that was going to be able to be a decent time/money equation so that I'll then have time to be in the studio because that's really what I want to do.
You want to do ceramics more than the birthing work? I feel like the work I make in the studio is important because I have things to say and I have things to make. It's in a very quiet and a very subtle way, but the time in the studio also feels really selfish and self-indulgent. I really like the birth work because if feels like a nice balance; a really good way to serve.
What is a doula? A childbirth attendant. It's someone who offers both physical and emotional support during labor and delivery.
Why did you choose that career? I was always fascinated by childbirth. I learned that I could be involved in childbirth but wouldn't have to be in medical school. I didn't want to do that. I'm really happy with my role as a support person and not being in the medical part.
How is your time split up? I spend more time in the studio. It kind of goes in fits and starts as well. Lately, there's been much more time out of the studio because I had a show in the summer and a show in January and there was this back-to-back push and push. Then it was really necessary that I take some time off and get inspired by new things and have a step away from my work. But it's super-variable.
