Today we’d like to introduce you to Joi Thomas.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My mother was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when I was in the 4th grade. By my senior year of high school, I had been kicked out five times. My senior year was spent living with eight roommates and working two jobs. Although that was my reality I did not let it define me. I graduated with honors, recognitions, scholarships, and a pharmacy technician job right out of high school. Finally, I was leaving for college. As excited as I wanted to be, my freshman year turned out to be the worst and most traumatizing year of my life. I hit the lowest of the lows. I failed out and came back to Dallas just to come home to my things outside of my mothers home. While living with an Uncle, I enrolled in El Centro College as a Nursing Major. Unable to focus, I began falling off yet again. One night while drying the families clothes at the laundry mat, I began drawing a sketch pad given to me by a friend. It was at that moment I was reminded that art was the only thing that did not let me down throughout my entire life. Dancing and art throughout elementary, art classes in middle school, and now, completely switching my major. After almost six years of focusing on life, I had finally found my place in the world again. In my first two semesters of studio art classes, I had won three awards, two scholarships, and created an art series that traveled to three different colleges. My fire was sparked and there was no stopping me now. I am an artist, storyteller, activist, and non-profit founder.
Great, 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?
Life is not a smooth road. My journey, in particular, has taught me so many lessons that many 21 years olds do not experience until their late 20s. As a storyteller and activist, I have a plethora of issues I am very passionate about. Many formed from real-world situations. Things such as mental illness, sexual assault, youth homelessness, generational curses, bullying, economic exclusiveness, and many more. These topics are shown through my art style, medium, presentation, and stories behind each piece that I produce. In 2018, I created a series titled “Healing Process”. The theme of the series was generational curses and trauma shaping the women in my family. While developing the series I came face to face with so many emotions surrounding my experiences throughout life and that was the hardest part. But once I came to and understanding within myself, forgave the parties involved, learned the lesson attached, and healed from it, I understood the power of a healing process. For any young women in a similar situation, I would say to them, you are someone. Sometimes, you have to disregard blood, love, attachment, and duration of your relationship with certain people in order to do what is best for you. It will be hard and lonely, but as you grow, your happiness will grow. As you receive more opportunities, your confidence will grow. Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because your authentic self is always on the other side.
Lastly, at the end of the day, you’re only responsible for your journey, and everyone else has their own to explore. Make yours worthwhile. Move forward, heal, and don’t live in the past because you will be stuck there, not physically, but emotionally and mentally.
Please tell us about Artuition.
I am the CEO of a Non-Profit named Artuition. The name came from the combination of artistry and intuition. I believe that Art is THE most NATURAL gift that everyone possesses. Through art, yoga/meditation, good food, and thoughtfulness you can improve the quality of your life physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. So far, we have done 3 art pop-up’s where we rented out a space and set up art/creative writing tables. Along with the art tables we have singing and poet performances, vendors, food, photo booths, and lots of family fun! I hope to start the family yoga and meditation sessions by September 2019. My work for the youth and families goes beyond hosting one event a month. I’ve recently been attending Dallas Town Hall Meetings and using the meetings as a platform to let the city and adult peers know what the youth REALLY need and what’s REALLY going to help them thrive as decent people in today’s world. Due to the presence I had in those meetings I have connected with various officials throughout the city of Dallas in hopes to shift the next generation and be their VOICE. I am not a political person, BUT I will do anything to wake people up to the way this world is going. And I will do anything to help the next one’s up, the youth.
Who have you been inspired by?
A few women that inspire me would be Oprah Winfrey and Alicia Keys. Partly because their Aquarius’s (we’re the best) and they share some of the same philosophical views as myself. I feel genuine love radiating from their actions and work in the world. Oprah’s philanthropist ways and Alicia Keys and her art collection inspire me to keep pushing for what I want in life. The power of manifesting will get me there along with these incredible women to look up to.
Pricing:
- Do Unto Thyself – $800
- Healing Birthright – $800
- Flowers in the Attic – $800
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitivestrokes/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Raveen Ridge
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