From part-time to full time artist.

As a sixth-grader, I was introduced to the concept of entrepreneurship through a math project. We had to choose a business name, a product concept, create a prototype🎤🎶 , determine how much it would cost, and include guesstimation about sales vs. costs to run the business. It wasn't my favorite project from grade school, but it stuck with me more than others. From it, I understood that stepping into entrepreneurship, if I ever chose to, would feel like diving into the unknown and pulling ideas from thin air. 

My passion for creativity found its voice in 2015, just as I was about to graduate from college. What started as a casual endeavor, sharing my artwork on Instagram and participating in local art shows, has now evolved into a full-fledged business. However, despite my love for art, it remained more of a side pursuit—a vacation home I visited occasionally, rather than my primary focus.

But as the world around me shifts and job opportunities dwindle, I couldn't help but question whether now was the time to give my art the attention it deserved. After years of supporting others' businesses through marketing and promotional efforts, I find myself longing to invest that energy into my creative pursuits, and at the start of a new chapter—a leap into full-time artistry.

I have spent the last few years creating marketing campaigns, engaging emails, and promotional content to make others' businesses successful, all the while wondering what would happen if I could do the same for myself.

What doors could I open, what opportunities could I gain if I had enough time to dedicate myself to what I love?

Art has always been a passion, a refuge I could return to whenever life became overwhelming. But now, after months of job hunting, and generic "unfortunately" emails, I can't help but to wonder if now is the time to give this thing a real shot.

In this new year and new season, I find myself shifting in mindset—a decision to prioritize self-care and self-investment. Too often, as a black woman, a mom, the eldest sister, and as a partner, I find myself pouring into and supporting others, while I sit my dreams and aspirations to the side. I simply no longer want to do that anymore.

So here I am, in a new but familiar space, with clearer intentions and unwavering determination, ready to show up for myself, explore self-expression, and unapologetically myself along the way.

And as I embark on this journey, I know I am not the only one here searching and longing for change.

So to you reading this, I urge you to carve out your path, challenge stereotypes,  redefine what success is on your terms, and to go after your happy. 

This is the start of me navigating the world of full-time artistry as a black millennial woman. I know this will come with its own set of challenges and learning curves. Yet despite unknown and known challenges, there's an undeniable sense of joy and excitement to be here driving me forward.

It could also be delusion, I won't rule that out lol.

But it's more than that. I am embracing my unique perspective, and creating art that speaks to my experiences, carving out a niche for myself and letting it carry me forward.

I am showing up for myself this year, fully, out loud, front and center.

I thought I would return to art once a more "professional" career settled in. When the checks were regular and I could use that money to invest in myself. But I have instead found myself with an abundance of time, with racing and imaginative thoughts that scramble to be finished first. This year, I'm reclaiming my time and my voice, ready to embrace my journey as a full-time artist with open arms.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible adventure. Together, let's make this year one of growth, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression.

-bR!