We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tessah Montoya. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Tessah, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say I’m walking a path, one that’s not always straight or smooth, but entirely my own. I’ve come to understand that every path has its bumps, its detours, and moments that test your sense of faith & direction. But to me, it’s less about how flawless the journey looks and more about how I guide myself through it. I let curiosity and resilience lead me, trusting that every twist has something to teach me. I may not always know exactly where I’m headed, but I walk with an open heart driven by my goals, yet grounded in the understanding that the path itself is part of who I’m becoming.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tessah Montoya, and I’m an artist & creative entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, California. Art has always been my safe space & my way of finding freedom. When I don’t know how to say what I feel, I let my art speak for me. My work is vibrant, surreal, and emotionally charged; it’s where my thoughts, passions, and love all come to life in color and form. Every piece I create is a reflection of something deeper; a story, a feeling, a spark of imagination that I hope connects with others in a way that reminds them of their own capacity to tap into their creative energy.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my grandpa. He taught me that a strong work ethic isn’t just about putting in long hours or pushing yourself to exhaustion, it’s about being intentional, thoughtful, and deliberate with every step you take. I remember him saying, “The goal isn’t to work to make money, it’s to make your money work for you.” At first, it sounded simple, almost like advice you’d read in a book. But over time, I understood the depth of what he meant: that work shouldn’t chain you; it should empower you. That money, when treated wisely, is a partner, not a master and that work is a tool, not a burden. It’s how you approach it that defines the life you build.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell myself not to be afraid of change. I know the unknown feels scary, but that’s where you’ll find who you really are. Learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable is how you grow. And please, don’t shrink yourself down when people say you’re too much. You’re not. You’re exactly enough. Stay true to yourself, even when it feels like no one understands you, because one day you’ll realize your light was never meant to fit in, it was meant to lead the way.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to building a creative community where artists from all mediums can truly feel seen and supported. I know what it’s like to feel lost in the creative world and unsure where to start, questioning whether your ideas matter, wondering if anyone else feels the same struggles. I want this community to be a place where those feelings of uncertainty are met with understanding, where sharing your story or your art isn’t intimidating but empowering. By connecting with like-minded individuals who face similar challenges, I hope people can find not just inspiration, but also relatability, a reminder that they’re not alone, and that creativity is something we can grow together, step by step.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want the story to be one of courage and my passion for exploring creativity as someone who refused to be confined to one box or title, but instead followed every spark of inspiration wherever it led. More than anything, I hope I’ve built a creative community that keeps growing even after I’m gone, a space that reminds people to create boldly, to connect deeply, and to never hold back from expressing who they truly are. If that spirit continues to ripple through others, then I’ll know I left something meaningful behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paintplugg.com
- Instagram: PAINTPLUGG
- Twitter: PAINTPLUGG
- Other: TikTok: PAINTPLUGG
Image Credits
studio shots by my sister
gallery event photos: @jayceealcala
