We’re looking forward to introducing you to Berta Negari. Check out our conversation below.
Berta, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I paint and create something
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My Journey
I migrated to the United States in 1979, during the Iranian Revolution, when I was just 18 years old. I always had a deep passion for knowledge and creativity. But because of cultural expectations, I married at 20 and soon after became pregnant with my first child.
Even then, my love for learning was so strong that I enrolled at Santa Monica College and began taking classes. The very first course I took was English 101, and my teacher was an incredible woman. On the first day, she told us: “Close your eyes and listen. What do you hear, feel, and sense? Don’t just focus on what is in front of you — be aware of what surrounds you.” She then asked us to write an essay about the experience.
That moment shook something deep within me. It taught me to always keep my eyes and senses open in all directions — to never limit myself to only what I see in front of me, but to notice what is around me as well. That was the beginning of my lifelong curiosity and my desire to absorb everything I could.
From there, I continued my education slowly, one class at a time. I carried with me the belief that every class brought me one step closer to my degree — and that doing something, no matter how small, was better than doing nothing at all.
It took me many years, but eventually I earned my bachelor’s degree. Along the way, I worked as a sales representative for a fabric company, earned my Series 7 license, and pursued other courses and certifications. My thirst for learning and being productive never left me.
I also passed this mindset to my children. I taught them independence, encouraged them to take risks, and reminded them that I was always behind them with love and support.
Still, I often felt something was missing. No matter how hard I worked, there was a void I couldn’t quite define. Then, after my children were grown and had started families of their own, I faced a life-changing moment. In 2019, I was told I needed to create something. I had no idea what that meant until it was suggested to me: paint.
I had never painted before. I knew nothing about art, techniques, or even what supplies to use. But knowing myself, I jumped in with my eyes closed. I went to an art store and asked, “If I want to paint, what do I need?” They gave me a few options, and I chose acrylic paints and paper.
That was the start of a new journey. The more I painted, the better I became — and the more praise I received for my work. Encouraged by friends, I moved on to canvas, and then to larger and larger pieces.
Today, I am proud to say that my paintings are truly one of a kind. Each one invites the viewer to create their own story within it. What began as a leap into the unknown has become a passion that fills the space in me that was missing for so long.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When my father passed away suddenly, I was shaken to my core. I found myself asking: Who am I? What have I truly done in this world? What legacy will I leave behind for my children and grandchildren?
His passing became a turning point — a moment that forced me to look inward and redefine my purpose, not just for myself but for the generations that come after me.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When I started painting, I poured my feelings onto the canvas. Each brushstroke became a voice for emotions I could not put into words. Over time, it lifted my self-esteem and gave me a sense of strength I had never felt before. No fame, no money, can ever replace the power of what I create with my art.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My friends, and even those who meet me for the first time, often describe me as honest, kind-hearted, and driven. I don’t give up easily — when I start something, I make sure to see it through. I work with speed and effectiveness, always pushing forward to get things done.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop my regular job and travel and paint.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://berta.lxyz
- Instagram: bertanegari
