American Artrepreneur Adrienne

 

This week I am featuring US based Artist, who has a passion of expression through illustrations and designs.

Addie refers to herself as a modern inspirational artist, after studying creative advertising at Virginia Commonwealth university and 4 years networking , selling and designing incredible pieces, she then went on to launch her blog Addierawr.com where she shares the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur, artrepreneur and balancing everyday life. As well as where she sees her creative outlet in the near and far future.

I’ve been an artist since I was a young girl. I started drawing and painting in elementary school. I found my passion for letting my art be a voice for the black community until college. I remember going to galleries and seeing painting or illustrations jump out of me and the only thing I couldn’t relate to was that the person was not of colour. All my work is a reflection of myself, either something I actually went through, seen or believe in. When people meet me or know me on a personal level they also see the connection to my reality with my artwork.

I’m inspired by myself in a way, telling my story and letting people into my life through my art. My degree is definitely the foundation of being an artrepreneur. In school I learned a lot about what is visually appealing, how to transfer a message through imagery and how it can be repurposed for other things. If it wasn’t for my studies at Virginia Commonwealth University I don’t think I would have the knowledge, strength and vision to be more than just a visual artist. I do have plans to one day have a physical location for Art & Ambition.

Art & Ambition is my creative agency. My vision is to have Art & Ambition as a multiple use location including art studios, classrooms, galleries & a shop. I see it as place for someone to come to get many different art needs. I will forever see myself as an artrepreneur (full time, self owned creative in the art field) – that includes painting, design, creating and helping others with their artistic ideas. I don’t see myself as a designer and artist separately. People hear “artist” and automatically think painter. 

There is so much more to an artist than just painting. Artist includes a variety of creative careers including music, writing, poetry and more. One big piece of advice I give to any creative is that its not an easy path, its a journey that takes so much internal love and energy but it’s well worth it. When choosing an artistic/creative career you are saying that the internal you has a passion for it, because it’s not all about the money, its about doing something you love. My focus for next year will be getting together a group of artist/creatives for Art & Ambition. I want people to be able to come to me about photography and me be able to go to my list of partners of Art & Ambition and refer them to an amazing photographer. It’s not only me just gaining but helping others around me grow also.

Follow Addie on instagram for more amazing pieces on @Addierawrrr

Addierawr.com

I N T E R V I E W: Natural Hair Blogger & Youtuber UK Afrolista a.k.a Rachael Sealy

Opinionated, Driven and independent. Rachael has made a brand out of her passion for women empowerment and celebrating black culture. She has been recognised by press publications such as Pride Magazine, Essence, Black Hair Magazine and others as a person of influence for the women of colour, and as an individual is a male dominating world.

I caught up with Rachael who is one of my favourite Youtubers and bloggers as she doesn’t only talk about fashion, hair, beauty and all that good stuff, but I enjoying looking at her Instagram feed which is always full of positivity and food for thought.

 

Your platform (Blog and Youtube channel) is a place where you celebrate Natural Afro hair and black culture – When did you decide that you wanted your brand to be catered to this rather than a regular fashion and beauty blog?

When I saw that black women like myself were not being celebrated in mainstream beauty. Representation matters because it helps to inspire and encourage, so when there is none you have to create your own.

 

 

You’ve been featured in publications such as Pride Magazine and Black hair Magazine. What is the message you aim to put out when you have features and interviews with the press.

I do not have a specific message in mind. I am grateful and thankful to be featured in these magazines that help to inspire others.

You’ve worked and collaborated with a number of brands such as Loreal, Palmers, Kerecare, Sheamoisture and many more. What was your favourite collaboration?

I don’t have a favourite brand collaboration as each one has been fun to work with and create great content. I love working with brands who understand my brand’s ethos and why I do what I do. If a brand is only interested in capitalising from my audience instead of helping to create brand awareness and encourage, then I’m not interested in working with them.

 

It’s no doubt that the natural hair community is growing larger and individuals have decided to go back to their roots. Why do you think this is?

Everyone has their individual reasons, but I think a lot of women have decided to become healthier and learn more about their hair texture which they may have never seen before.

 

 You are the co-founder of women empowerment tour iDefine me, tell me a bit more about what that is.

The I Define Me Tour was created by US blogger, Kala Garner, The KG Lifestyle and myself. Our concept to help women of colour connect to their inner beauty. We aim to empower women at our events via interactive activities and panel discussions. Our events are a safe space for women to share, learn and grow.

 

 

You’ve been a Women of empowerment host in a variety of locations such as New York, Washington DC and Dallas. What is the next event that we can expect you hosting at?

We have a lot of great events planned, can’t reveal too much. We have recently launched our subdivision, I Define Me Girls, which is aimed at young women 18 and under. We have so many great events coming up, so stay tuned!

 

Lastly, you’ve used many hair products, but what products and brands are your complete go to?

I have a lot of favourites, its so hard to choose! I really love products by Sheamoisture and Curls.

 

To stay up to date with where you can catch Rachael hosting the next women empowerment event or to just stay up to date with her great work, follow her on all social media accounts @UKAFROLISTA