Today we’d like to introduce you to Deshonna.
Hi Deshonna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story re-started from healing and getting closer to God, which led to loving myself and others more.
So that I can show more grace to myself and others.
The vision was born from my own lived experience as a black woman and as a single mother with trauma. I had to find confidence and comfort in the face of adversity. What began as an act of survival has become a model for dignity-based care that uplifts and empowers in whatever I do. I channel my struggles and emotions into whatever I create, that way I no longer have to hold on to them and carry their weight. I am free.
Today, I am leaning into my God given power, using my creative gifts to create change and impact others positively. So that we can heal, together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. The beginning of this year alone has literally been the hardest time of my life. Since beginning my healing journey 2020, and becoming a social entrepreneur and creator, I have endured so many battles.
The main issues have been costs of living. It cost so much just to survive in this world. You are basically forced to work on someone’s clock just to afford the world around you. When really things like food and healthcare, should be something free or at least more reasonably affordable.
The moment you decide to step away from working on someone else’s time, and more on God’s time, that’s when you begin to suffer. Trials and tribulations will come. But the good thing about God is, through that suffering, it’s teaching you and making you stronger for your given purpose.
So when God shows you why you had to go through something, and you begin to gain so many blessings, you listen more.
Rainy seasons waters your Garden for it to grow, and before you know it produces fruit.
Another challenge has been balancing my life with my business. You really have to not let anyone or anything keep you from your purpose. No matter the relationship. There will be moments where hard decisions have to be made. But you should always take care of you first.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a creative healer, I use my art to help heal myself along with others. I am a story teller, I use my writing, photography, my music, and voice to create awareness and change. As a self taught artist, like in life, I use and honor my mistakes to help me grow and get better. I am so proud of myself for really stepping out my comfort zone, by sharing my art and my story. As someone who is normally shy and keeps to myself or those that I am comfortable with. I have stepped out even more by using my voice and speaking publicly. I actually have a presentation coming up in May at M.O.C.A Museum, where I will be going over my Photography Prints and talking about my personal journey as a creator. I’m nervously excited to be speaking publicly in such a large setting, but I am also thankful for the opportunity.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Honestly, I wouldn’t say that I have a set Mentor. I have multiple people that I can go to. I listen to anyone who I recognize as having knowledge or wisdom in whatever it is I am doing or in life. I will listen to someone no matter if they are younger or older. I believe that a persons life experience can teach you something completely different, if not, be more important than a traditional education setting.
But always have discernment.
This seems to be working for me so far.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.sunflowersoulstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflowersoulstudios?igsh=cWN5aGdmOWRldjN6&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deshonna.buchanan?
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@missunderstood904?si=Yt1rl-qAkALYODHX
