Today we’d like to introduce you to Cierra Lynn.
Hi Cierra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been an artist. I got an early taste of entrepreneurship in junior high school, high school, and college. I created hand-painted designs on wearable items for peers, teachers, sororities and fraternities, and many fashion shows.
My journey truly started after being laid off. In 2011, I was laid off from my art teacher job due to budget cuts. After countless interviews, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my business.
I started with girls’ accessories and wearable art to assist with making ends meet and putting my daughter through daycare, she was 2 at the time. This season of my life as a single mom was the most frustrating time.
I stayed consistent after receiving an ongoing interest in my products. Since then, I have never looked back.
Now my brand Cierra Lynn LLC is a global brand, an award-winning brand, and a celebrated brand.
I have found my niche, creating wearable art, and home decor and providing classes that boost confidence and self-expression.
I have elevated myself and my brand as an artistic and empowering influence in the industry by staying true to who I am and my message, and by staying consistent.
I wouldn’t trade any step of my journey for anything.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has most definitely not been a smooth journey.
At a point in my life when what I thought was the best season in my entrepreneurship journey, my mother was diagnosed with dementia.
Juggling single motherhood, entrepreneurship and a caregiver role were extremely difficult for me.
Most don’t know what goes on behind the scenes of an entrepreneur. While watching my mom decline, I still had to fulfill my duties as an entrepreneur. I still had to manage it ALL. At this point, I quickly learned the importance of self-care and prioritizing my mental health.
My mom’s decline was rather fast, and she passed in 2020. Shortly after, my daughter had an unexpected open heart repair surgery.
Both experiences were very traumatic but have taught me several things.
1. In entrepreneurship, life will still happen and you have to be prepared for anything to happen.
2. Make your mental health a priority. You can’t be everything to everyone if you are not taking care of yourself.
3. I pulled inspiration from these experiences. I have a mental health collection, a heart warrior collection, and items to empower caregivers.
Through it all, I persevered.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an EMPOWERMENT ARTIST.
I create items that boost self-esteem, self-expression, and individuality.
I infuse affirmations, bold colors, and imagery inspired by topics such as self-love, faith, and mental health onto clothing, home decor, bathroom stalls, and more!
I am most known for my wearable art, bathroom stall murals, body art, and home decor.
I am most proud of seeing the influence that my art has. It’s an amazing feeling to see the increase in confidence in girls and women when they experience my art. Whether through fashion, an art mural, or a workshop the impact is being made.
My gift sets me apart because I am innovative. I set the trend by staying true to my style and mission.
What makes you happy?
Walking in my purpose makes me happy. Waking up and being in a position to use my gifts makes me happy because I am fulfilled. I don’t have to search for the reason I was created, I am able to live on that reason and own that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cierralynncollection.com
- Instagram: @theartistcierralynn
Image Credits
Alvin Bailey
