Welcome back to another installment of the Rooted Minds Blog’s Spotlight Feature, where we shine a light on creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs that are making strides to take their careers to the next level. In addition to that, it is a space where we can celebrate the success stories of members of our community, friends, and newly discovered creatives. I hope that the new year has been good to you so far!
This feature is one that is familiar to the brand and our community. She has submitted to a few of our contests and actually placed in the top 3 of the Rooted Minds poetry contest in 2017. She has been making amazing strides in the Phoenix Area and doing the work to build community and legacy. Her art and performance has been featured all over the Valley and she is connected to a number of different tastemakers in the community. I once played in a charity basketball game hosted by CulturePHX at (formerly) Talking Stick Resort Arena in honor of the life of Phoenix great, Morris Alan - https://www.soultracks.com/story-morris-alan-dies - and Therosia was there in collaboration with the event producer to raffle off her art work for the cause.
Our spotlights are a place for us to introduce our supporters to new creatives and brands that are making tremendous strides in their fields. Our goal is to continue to find stories that we can celebrate and amazing people that we can connect with. I thank you in advance for reading up on Therosia!
BIO: Therosia is a multidisciplinary artist seeking to use her artwork as a vehicle of inspiration and activism for People of Color.
INTERVIEW: THEROSIA
RM: Rooted Minds
TR: Therosia Reynolds
RM: What has been your journey to being an artist OR owning your own business and what has been the most impactful lesson that you've learned?
TR: This has been a journey of identity. I struggled to accept my purpose as an artist because I struggled to accept my identity. As I learned to truly love and embrace me, I learn to love and embrace my identity as an artist. Best lessons that I can share are, "Hold on to yourself." - Dr. Allen McCray and "I'm not a businessman. I said I am a business, man." - Jay-Z
RM: For those that may not know, how did you come up with the name or concept for your business or project?
TR: OutHustle Your Struggle is my company and it was a God concept. I had Pseudo tumor cerebre from age 14 - almost 19. I should have died but God healed me. Faith Outhustled that struggle.
RM: Tell us about your inspiration behind an upcoming project and what do you hope the audience takes away from it?
TR: My upcoming artshow is entitled "Soul Food and Superheroes". It is about using commonly recognized superheroes from comic book and anime lore and reimagining them as portraits of civil rights activists and arts activists. The goal is to honor those whom are truly doing superhero work and inspire people of color .
RM: What have been some effective ways that you've marketed yourself in your space and industry?
TR: My best marketing technique has always been genuine connection and relationships. Building with people has always been the most fun and beneficial
RM: How have you grown as an entrepreneur or creative in the last 5 years and who's been influential in that process?
TR: Whew Chile!!! I have learned to own my own voice and be true to it.
RM: What are some short-term goals that you are working towards, that friends and supporters can help you with?
TR: I want my current single to reach 5000 downloads, my artshow in April to be well attended on the 8th for the cosplay and community night. Lastly, visit my website www.outhusleyourstruggle.com and sign up to be a monthly supporter of the work that I do.
RM: What are one or two things that keep you grounded? How do you practice good self-care or how can you practice it better (if you've been lacking in that area)?
TR: Every Thursday is self care day. I ignore all work. I also take a me day once a month where I drive to some place green to meditate, scream, deep breathe and tune in
RM: What are some words of wisdom or encouragement for upcoming creative entrepreneurs that you'd like to share?
TR: Be ok with being an eternal student.
RM: What has been the best piece of advice you have ever received in reference to your career and industry?
TR: Defend the purity of your message.
Thanks for your supporting and checking out this feature. Therosia is an amazing artist out of Phoenix. She is continuing to inspire and create from the heart. I had the pleasure of sharing a cohort with her, which let me in a little more on her creativity. She is a very thoughtful, creative, and fun person. You can check out her work, positive affirmations, and poetry here https://www.instagram.com/iamtherosia/ Her personality pours through the screen and she definitely keeps her supporters connected and entertained on all of her platforms, from Ad-Lib guessing games to “Working Artist Wednesday,” be sure to follow and tell a friend.
Remember that no matter the obstacle you can #OutHustleYourStruggle
Spring 2017 Poetry Contest Submission:
Ishi by Therosia
Like the tickling sound of contagious laughter in my ear
Like aligned hearts and vision so clear
Like waking dreams fresh from deep rest
Like the first deep inhale after holding my breath
So Let
Him kiss me with the kisses of His lips
I never knew love could feel like this
So much passion and so much bliss
Ishi
Yes
Let
Him kiss me with the kisses of His lips
I never knew love could feel like this
So much passion and I'm all His
Ishi
Like graduation nights and prom kisses
Like He's Mr and I'm Mrs.
Like the first finger tap of hand holding
Like cuddles so long that bodies begin molding
Like my reflection looks better when you're in it
Like you make my heart so rich I could never spend it
Like the moon has lost it's glow because your are what makes my knight shine
Like I got a trillion in you, forget a dime
Love is patient,
Love is kind
Love sees us through even when we're blind
Love is gentle but speaks it's mind
Love is what exists between you and I
Ishi
So Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His lips I never knew love could feel like this So much passion and so much bliss Ishi Yes Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His lips I never knew love could feel like this So much passion and I'm all His Ishi
LINKS to the Therosia Reynolds
Listen to Therosia I Ain't Got Time https://g.co/kgs/ZtGdRL
I Am Root®
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Subscribe to the I Am Root® Youtube Channel www.youtube.com/c/iamrootco1
Peep our last feature with K-U-T Productions
More about Dom Root
I am from Inglewood, California, currently working in Phoenix, Arizona as a Sound Engineer (Live, Recording, and Mixing). I am a Music Producer and Creative Artist looking to build portfolio and for live performance opportunities. I graduated from Arizona State University studying Creative Writing and Philosophy. I later studied audio production technologies at Mesa Community College, before taking on more freelance work.
Dom