Rising Stars: Meet Debbie Whyte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Whyte.

Hi Debbie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Born as a first-generation American to Jamaican parents living in Brooklyn, New York, I’ve spent my life preparing for where I am today. Art has been part of my life starting as far back as kindergarten. Other kids use to come to me during recess to share their problems. And I’ve always dived deep into the creative world—whether it’s acting, writing poetry, creative writing/scriptwriting, graphic/visual arts to working in cable television production. The creative world is my happy place!

I’ve dabbled in the “industry” of improv and such but put that on hiatus due to getting married at a young age. Have two amazing (now) young adult sons while enjoying the start of a career at Viacom. I had the time of my life! After 20+ years working at Viacom (Nickelodeon, Nick-at-Nite, Nick GAS, and TV Land) in various positions from Executive Assistant to Project & Promotions Marketing Manager and even moonlighted as Production Coordinator for our in-house promotions, had an exciting time there and accomplished so much—as Executive Assistant.

I got the opportunity to produce 7 promos for Nickelodeon Black History Month with Kenan & Kel; I was the Launch Coordinator for a new channel Nick GAS (Nickelodeon Games And Sports) before becoming a Project & Promotions Marketing Manager for TV Land. There, I received a BDA Award and worked as the Project Manager on the life-size bronze statue of Ralph Kramden that resides outside the NY/NJ Port of Authority on 8th Avenue and 40th Street. I even picked the pose!

I decided to change careers and become a Creative Arts Therapist because I felt I could make a difference in a different capacity. As exciting as production can be, I wanted to utilize my degrees. So, true story, I literally googled “art plus psychology” and Google said ART THERAPY! I read the description and I immediately knew that would be the career for me and that I’d want to do it for the rest of my life.

So, with an AAS in Graphic Design, BS in Psychology, and a MPS (Masters in Professional Services) in Creative Arts Therapy & Development—I set out to do just that. After graduating from PRATT Institute, I moved from New York City with my sons to Southern California where I practice as an Art Therapist, Mental Wellness Coach, and Yoga Teacher.

My mission is to enhance the world with art and body wellness one person at a time.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My mother always said, “adversity doesn’t make you rich, it makes you wise”.

I’d like to think I’m wise. [wink, wink] Life always presents obstacles/challenges. I’ve survived domestic violence and face the daily challenges of being a Black woman every day. I have two amazing Black young men whom I worry about living in the world we are in today. It hasn’t been smooth but I’m hopeful and that’s what keeps me going.

My thesis was a self-reflection study on how I use art to go from victim to survivor to thrivor (yeah, I know the word should be “thrive” but I got the ok to use thrivor as it solidifies my journey). I was able to reflect on the steps I took to free myself from the victim of victimization mentality.

I use this information to help others as well. Once I was able to understand my challenges, I try my best to walk the talk in facing them.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Art Therapist. An Art Therapist is a trained Psychotherapist that utilizes art to help a client with various life challenges as well as professional/personal goals.

Currently I’m working with adolescents at residential homes. As a Mental Wellness Coach, I help clients fulfill their goals using positive psychology, utilizing art directives (sometimes) with a mindfulness approach. With yoga, I teach Hatha Flow & Create—focusing on breathing, meditation, gentle poses (for all levels), and creating with art journaling at the end, anything that came up while doing their yoga practice.

What sets me apart from others? I combine and utilize all my training to customize sessions for my clients. My Humanistic and Mindfulness approach is my main way to reach everyone I meet.

My life experience also helps me to find ways to connect with clients and what they are going through.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
To collaborate email me at [email protected].

Follow me on FB, IG, and TikTok for uplifting messages, upcoming workshops, and retreats.

I also teach yoga in-person at Soul On Fire Dance Studio, 622 Main Street, Santa Ana, CA (also via Zoom). You can sign up for my Hatha Flow & Create classes:
www.soulonfiredance.com or from their app or find link on my website.

Pricing:

• $125 Mental Wellness Coaching
• $20 Hatha Flow & Create: In-Person
• $10 Hatha Flow & Create: Zoom

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.artandbodywellness.com
• Instagram: @debbie__whyte
• Facebook: DWArtHeals
• TikTok: @debbie_whyte

Image Credits
Hey Suga Studio: Ehmandah Ramsey Art & Body Wellness