Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Weathers.
Hi Toni, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Art has flowed through my veins since childhood. My grandmother was my art mentor at P.S. 250 in Brooklyn, NY. She recognized my talent at the age of 4 and guided me toward creative success. In those early years, while half my day was spent in pre-K, the other half was devoted to absorbing her teachings in art class. She was my greatest inspiration.
Exploring various mediums, I found my true passion in painting. It became my sanctuary, a realm of liberation where words failed me, but colors spoke volumes. As I matured, my skills evolved, yet I struggled with self-doubt regarding the reception of my work. Instead of expressing my innermost thoughts, I catered to public preferences, feeling unfulfilled.
My quest for artistic direction led me to public art events, where I stumbled upon a sip-and-paint session. It was a revelation. Drawing from my passion for teaching, inherited from my grandmother, this non-traditional classroom setting allowed me to share my passion while nurturing creativity in others. Witnessing individuals bring their visions to life in a supportive environment fueled my mission to foster artistic expression and cultivate generational prosperity.
Fast forward, my journey led to a thriving enterprise centered on creating transformative art experiences, fostering community upliftment, championing mental health awareness, and enhancing global businesses. Originating from intimate home-based classes, my portfolio expanded to encompass live painting, canvas art, and staging services. Each endeavor elicited joy and empowerment in participants. While this also brought me joy, I wanted to broaden my impact. Embracing graphic design allowed me to empower business owners through visual branding. Yearning for growth, I stepped out of my comfort zone in 2020, relocated to Los Angeles amid a tumultuous pandemic. Although I came to LA engulfed in responsibilities from my corporate job in property management, I was in awe of the vibrant mural scene. I became obsessed with the idea of leaving a lasting, inclusive mark on society.
After an encounter with a fellow artist, Shak Smart, through social media, I was introduced to the transformative power of public murals—an art form transcending individual narratives to unite diverse communities. Although I had pivotal moments in my career, such as a live feature on FOX’s premiere show JHud with Jennifer Hudson, the ModaSucker Podcast with Michael Blackson, and other celebrity clientele like Ellen Degeneres, Jason Lee and the Floyd Mayweather family, nothing topped the joy of murals. Despite setbacks, including workplace discrimination leading to termination, homelessness, and depression, I persevered, realizing my worth and seizing opportunities to create meaningful change.
In 2021, I took the leap to pursue art full-time, recognizing the value of investing in my creative vision over corporate conformity. While this was a terrifying decision at first, I received a call that made me realize it was at least worth the risk. Someone discovered me on Instagram and offered an opportunity that would provide homes to the homeless, and, with just a few days of painting, made more than I had in a month working in property management. While there was a lot of uncertainty, I later realized how much property management consumed my life and put my mission on hold. Luckily, the skillset was put to use later on as a developed a studio, Fascinate House, designed to create opportunities for others.
As a young Black woman in the industry, I’ve embraced my uniqueness, using my voice not just to share stories but to inspire others to embrace their potential and challenge conventions. Today, I stand proudly, grateful for the confidence to push boundaries, break barriers, and inspire others to bet on themselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey was far from smooth. Financial instability, identity crises, and the constant juggle of time management were ongoing battles, all while desperately trying to preserve my creative spirit. When I lost my six-figure job, it hit hard. Here I was, fresh in a new city, one of the most expensive ones at that, surrounded by the stark reality of homelessness. Fear, embarrassment, and isolation consumed me. I felt incapable of confiding in anyone, burdened by shame. So, I leaned into painting. Yet, after relegating it to the sidelines for so long, reigniting my creativity and building my brand posed significant challenges. These corporate companies were always a crutch for me, so without it, I doubted my craft alone would be enough. Despite the daily struggle, the unwavering support from my graffiti crew and connections in the entertainment industry provided a lifeline, helping me navigate through the storm while striving to move forward.
As a creative individual, I faced my own set of struggles. Though I excelled in various endeavors, being multifaceted was overwhelming. It felt like I was unable to fully commit to anything. I’d eagerly explore new art forms like a child in a candy store, craving novelty. The more technology advanced the more I explored, I even created an NFT collection of 5,000 units. While it was enjoyable, the learning curve created a level of complexity. It was imperative that I kept up with the times and continued to educate myself as things advanced.
Finding my artistic identity was another hurdle. Despite years of painting, the bulk of my time was consumed by commissions. While rewarding, it hindered me from discovering that special something that defined my style, making it truly unique.
Through deep introspection, I eventually found my path and learned to embrace every facet of my creative journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist, I have a reputation for pushing the boundaries of creativity, specializing in mural art and graphic design. I have a vast spectrum of styles, ranging from the intricate detail of hyper-realism to the boundless freedom of abstract expressionism, and everything in between. Each piece is crafted using a diverse array of mixed media.
Central to my artistic identity is my iconic elephant—a symbol of strength, wisdom, and resilience. This iconic design was born from a deeply rooted desire to empower young black entrepreneurs, urging them to stand tall and navigate through life’s challenges with grace and determination. In each rendition of the elephant, whether it be a mural or graphic, I strive to incorporate these majestic creatures with the essence of wisdom, good fortune, and enduring love.
Beyond the confines of my elephant-inspired creations, portraiture holds a special place in my artistic journey. There’s a profound beauty in capturing the intricate nuances of the human face. When I’m not translating this to murals, you’ll often find me immersed in the creation of my memory pieces. Combining elements of scrapbooking and painting, I weave together cherished moments into intricate collages and paint the portraits on plexiglass. These pieces serve as poignant reminders of life’s fleeting moments, celebrating the legacies of those who have departed and commemorating the milestones of those who remain.
One of the most profound experiences of my artistic career occurred when I had the privilege of creating one of these memory pieces for Jennifer Hudson live on television. Witnessing her genuine joy and emotional reaction as she beheld the finished artwork was a moment of profound validation, reinforcing the power of art to evoke genuine emotion and forge meaningful connections. It’s moments like these that remind me of the profound impact art can have on the human spirit, transcending barriers and touching hearts in ways that words alone cannot express.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most crucial realizations I’ve had is the most valuable investment you can ever make is in yourself. However, what I’ve learned along the way is that this investment isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition; it’s a deeply personal journey that unfolds uniquely for each individual.
There’s no rush, no set path to follow, and certainly no rulebook dictating the steps to take. Each person’s journey is as unique as they are, and it’s essential to honor that individuality in the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment.
This understanding has allowed me to embrace my own journey fully, acknowledging that the choices I make and the paths I forge are mine and mine alone. It’s a liberating realization, empowering me to chart my course with confidence and authenticity, free from the constraints of comparison or external expectations.
In essence, investing in oneself is not just about acquiring skills or achieving goals; it’s about cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness, resilience, and inner strength. It’s a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery, guided by intuition, passion, and a steadfast belief in one’s own potential.
So, as I continue on my journey of self-investment, I do so with the understanding that there are no shortcuts or predetermined routes to success. Instead, I embrace the freedom to explore, experiment, and evolve at my own pace, trusting that every step forward brings me closer to realizing my fullest potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toniweathers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toniweathers_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToniWeathers2
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-weathers-b6a24913b
Image Credit:
David Campbell
