What happens when creativity, faith, and a shared vision for serving others come together? For Cedarville University alumni Jesse and Carissa Bowser, the answer is Victory Garden Studio, a creative business rooted in their belief that meaningful work can cultivate beauty, connection and growth.
In this episode of the Cedarville Stories podcast, Jesse and Carissa reflect on their journey from Cedarville art students to married entrepreneurs building a creative business in Greenville, South Carolina.
Both 2016 graduates, the couple first connected through their shared passion for art. Their friendship blossomed during informal gatherings called “Drawler Night,” where students gathered in Lawler Hall to draw, create and enjoy one another’s company. Those creative connections eventually developed into a relationship that would shape their marriage and future business.
Carissa shares how trusting God’s direction led her to leave the University of Akron, where she had free tuition, and transfer to Cedarville to pursue studio art. Jesse recalls discovering his passion for graphic design in high school and how Cedarville helped him develop his creative abilities.
After graduation, Jesse spent seven years working at a marketing agency while the couple continued developing their artistic styles. Their complementary approaches — Jesse’s playful creativity and Carissa’s intentional, thoughtful artistry — became foundational to their partnership.
Today, their business, Victory Garden Studio, creates artwork, hand-painted murals, and other artistic products. The name reflects their commitment to cultivating beauty and serving others, inspired by Isaiah 58 and its imagery of a well-watered garden.
Carissa also shares how a renewed understanding of Scripture transformed her perspective on faith, work, and rest. Rather than pursuing every opportunity out of fear or scarcity, the couple strives to trust God’s provision while creating meaningful work.
Throughout their conversation, Jesse and Carissa emphasize the importance of patience, community, creativity and allowing God to shape life’s direction.
Listen as they share how their Cedarville experiences planted the seeds for a marriage, business and mission centered on faith, creativity and helping others flourish.
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