First off, you live in New Orleans – my ideal place to visit {chuckles} is the culture and people as amazing as it seemed in ‘Girl’s Trip’?
Missy, there is so much culture and diversity here. New Orleans is like a delicious pot of gumbo- full of flavor with so many ingredients, that keeps you wanting more. If you visit the city with an open mind to the many facets of entertainment, arts, food, and culture, you will get back in return, an experience that you will not be able to find anywhere else. It is a unique and special place.
Okay – let’s get started now… {chuckles}
You started painting in 2018, what was the inspiration for you to pick up the brush to create?
Art began as a distraction to take me away from an emotionally chaotic time in my life. It became a therapy to help heal me after leaving the chaos and confusion. It continues to heal me, today.
We spoke before and I have to say your passion and drive behind your art is incredible. You mentioned that each stroke basically carries an emotion you felt while painting; are you extremely sensitive about your artwork or are you open to constructive feedback?
Whenever I paint, I get to remember the pain and struggles from the past events that troubled me when I first discovered my gift and passion. Happily, by the time that I finished my masterpiece, I got to experience the freedom, hope, and joy from those storms.
I have a very intimate relationship with each painting that I do. It is extremely important that I express a certain message or feeling to the observer. I always remain open-minded to find ways or take suggestions on perfecting my craft; there are always opportunities to improve and learn, in any facet of life.
Related article: How to Remain Positive in a World Full of Chaos
Last year you created hand-designed fashion masks; are you still designing masks and if so what is the process like for this (sounds time-consuming lol)?
The funny thing is my mother sewed everything for our family and a lot of people in the community when I was growing up. She always wanted to teach me how to sew. I passed up her offer. So, when Covid-19 hit 2019, I watched the market for opportunities to help out and make a profit for doing so. I knew there was a great need for masks. I then got the bright idea to teach myself how to sew. I found myself in the fabric store, getting all of the prints and colors, even embellishments. I bought a sewing machine and went into action, making tons of homemade masks. It was fun but it also gave me a sense of accomplishment. I was so proud to show my mother all that I had done and it made her happy.
I have been contemplating the need to make masks, again; I am currently checking the temperature of the business market for its demand, being that Covid-19 is on the rise again.
Being a woman of color, finding a strong support system can be difficult sometimes – have you experienced this at all? If so, please share your experience and how you overcame this and where you find support.
I am so thankful that I have always possessed a spirit of humility, throughout life, no matter what challenges. I believe that God’s grace and mercy have carried me through my entire life, through good times and bad times.
You are super lucky that you are able to wake up and know what drives you, know what your passion is. What advice would you give other women who are in search of their passion?
Trust and listen to your heart for what drives you and what gives you passion to enjoy life. People will see the joy you have for your passion. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. Just do it.
Related link: How to Turn Your Passion Into a Career: Business Tips for Women
As a newbie’preneur what are some challenges that you face with your business and how are you overcoming them?
I find myself intimidated, at times, by the reality that I have to actively market and sell. I know how it feels to get an aggressive seller. I do not believe that helps to build relationships with the customer to earn their loyalty.
I am learning techniques to be an effective seller. I am also learning about myself more, to help identify reasons for my fears so that I can overcome them.
Your phone cases are gorgeous – how do you decide what you want to create or design at the time?
I love and adore creativity. I incorporate it into my crafts. I like nice, quality things. My creative side allows me to make things unique to the eye. I like to take advantage of mixing colors and patterns together to create something delightful, yet purposeful to the eye.
Do you believe that creating a positive mindset and space will generate positive energy; how do you stay positive and motivated?
I have been fortunate to see positive results and miracles working in my life due to maintaining positive energy and thoughts. I have daily spiritual routines to keep me centered emotionally and mentally. Prayer and meditation are done throughout the day so that I can stay grounded, especially when things get hectic and challenging.
How are you creating the life you want while also turning your passion into profit?
I am learning to have a happy life/work balance. Doing the inside job helps keep me focused and energized to balance both.
Being creative whether through writing, art, music, etc. is a calming method to express yourself when going through any emotion whether it’s up or down; when you’re not creating how do you handle the emotional stress of day-to-day life?
I am an active member of a fellowship that focuses on spiritual growth, which in turn, has holistic benefits. I participate and engage with others daily to gain insight on self-improvement and helping others.
How have you handled life after COVID and the changes it has brought in business and your personal life?
When life gives us lemons, we just make lemonade. As humans, we adjust and make revisions, as needed. I have learned to meditate and pray more, in order to keep a calm, peaceful spirit. I am then able to conduct normal day-to-day interactions with business, workplace, and home.
Life for some has changed drastically and it’s hard to find motivation – what would you advise to keep them moving forward?
Be balanced. Recognize triggers. Learn to relax. Take one moment at a time.
You currently work from home and run your business from home; how do you separate the two while also allowing self-care time for yourself when not working on your passion projects and working?
I recognize the need to prioritize work from home as well as my business. I take into consideration time, energy, and resources for both. I furthermore believe that I cannot give my best self if I do not be my best self. That means, I have to take care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually in order to feel good working for my employer as well as doing tasks for my business. I take time out for myself so that I can balance work and home.
Please share some of the goals you would like to accomplish before the end of 2021 and one goal of 2022 that you have.
2021 end-of-year goal is to prepare and have my business set up properly so that I can increase sales for 2022. I would love to become a business owner, solely, in 2022.
5 Spotlight Questions!
What is your daily self-care routine?
- Give gratitude
- Prayer/meditation/study to grow spiritually
- Journal
- Connect with friends and spiritual mentor
- Do at least one thing special for myself (bubble baths, visit a spa, watch a movie, etc.)
- SMILE
Best advice you received…
Take one moment at a time, one hour at a time, and one minute at a time.
Favorite thing to do when you have alone time…
Reflect and sit still
What would you tell your eighteen-year-old self?
Take healthy risks now for tomorrow
What would be your natural talent if you weren’t doing this?
Being a musician, playing the violin and piano
Related link: Every Girl has a dream . . . I dream