Ever since I was a young Black girl with afro puffs, I’ve had a steadfast passion for art. Like most children, I eagerly embraced any opportunity to paint, color, or create an art project. I even ventured into the world of pattern-making and sewing clothes for my Barbie dolls in middle school. Journaling, collage, printmaking—any form of creative expression that captured my interest became a canvas for my exploration. Today, when people look at me, they might see a successful individual—a mother, an artist, an advocate, a teacher, and a business owner. The common assumption is that I’m just a polished woman. It can be assumed that I have it all together, didn’t face adversity, and that I essentially “woke up like this.” 

However, what most people wouldn’t guess is that I grew up in poverty. I am a proud DC native, and while many people associate DC with politics and the Nation’s Capital, they often don’t consider that poverty exists here too. I spent my early years in the projects of Washington D.C. Despite growing up in an impoverished lifestyle and often violence-ridden neighborhood, I had a relatively good childhood. My mother was determined to provide us with enjoyable and safe experiences, even if it meant taking us away from our neighborhood. These experiences included attending local camps, engaging in creative programs at school, and connecting me with family members like my aunties and uncle who would go on to teach me creative skills like gardening, sewing, and styling hair. 

My artistic and design journey was shaped by my childhood experiences, from being restricted to playing outside in our neighborhood to spending most of my playtime at my auntie’s house near a college campus. This provided me with a secure environment and the ability to foster creative interactions with friends that shielded me from many challenges in my own neighborhood. 

However, as I grew older, I began to face adversity and witness firsthand the harsh effects of poverty and living in an under-resourced neighborhood. A family member’s battle with drug addiction brought pain and turmoil into our home. By the time I reached high school, I started losing friends and neighbors to gun violence, revealing the harsh reality my mother had sought to protect me from. My unwavering faith and resilience in the face of adversity have been profoundly shaped by my central and enduring relationship with God. 

Throughout all these childhood experiences, art became my lifeline, my peace, and my escape—even though I didn’t fully realize it at the time. Whenever I felt upset, stressed, sad, or overwhelmed, it was the one thing I could consistently turn to. Looking back, I’ve discovered that what I was experiencing was the joy and freedom of entering “The Zone.” 

“The Zone” is a space where artists immerse themselves in the creative process so completely that all external distractions fade away. It’s a state of deep engagement where nothing else seems to matter except the act of creating. It’s like a unique form of escape reserved for artists. 

When I entered college, my fascination with “The Zone” deepened. I fell in love with the creative process for the sense of freedom, peace, and tranquility it offered. The ability to pick up a pencil or start drawing digitally on a computer and suddenly escape into something that held me in its enchantment felt truly magical. It was a way to get away without physically leaving, and it brought me immense joy–a feeling that still holds true to this day. 

Art has allowed me the ability to create and pave my own path to freedom. It’s allowed me to design a life for myself on my own terms. 

Over the years, I’ve devoted myself to teaching children about art and graphic design, aiming to share my passion and the unique connections I’ve made through art. Making art a central part of my life, I’ve been fortunate to pursue a professional creative career. I never anticipated having my designs embraced by celebrities. I had no idea that the same Nordstrom store where I once worked as a cashier would give me the opportunity to showcase and sell my artwork and products at pop-up events. Seeing my designs in DC Metro train stations where I regularly commuted for school and work was beyond my imagination. However, my art has opened numerous opportunities, granting me a life of freedom to explore. 

Today, I persist in seeking solace through my artistry. My creative process is driven by the aim of fostering self-care, discovering inner tranquility, achieving mental clarity, alleviating stress, and nurturing a sense of joy. 

Have you entered “The Zone”? What did you find there?