Today we’d like to introduce you to Zahirah Truth.
Hi Zahirah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got started with a childhood dream, I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I some how forgot along the way of adulting. I was inspired by my mom and my aunt whom were very much into cartoons and illustrations growing up. I also had an amazing teacher in 3rd grade that was probably one of the most naturally artistic people I knew at that time.
But what really started me on this journey was in 2005 when I became a mom. I was a stay home mom and I had a little more time on my hands and I said to myself how can I connect with my son through art. And I began painting as he was exploring using art tools for his age.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I have always been a creative person and art lover. I can say balancing single motherhood and my artistic endeavors has not been easy.
In the spring of April 2017, I was overwhelmed with balancing work and life on a sunny spring day, my life subsequently changed. Unbeknownst to me, I experienced a stroke, which left me partially disabled for half a year. During my recovery time, I was sitting at home thinking about what is most important to me. I realized that was my children and art. So I soft-launched my business in December of 2017. I officially launched zntarts.com in January of 2018 and I haven’t looked back since. For me, this was a significant challenging time but I got reconnected with my purpose and passion.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ZNT Arts nurtures a safe space for healing, inspiration, and education across multicultural generations through the engagement of art.
My curation of artistic talents focuses on creating opportunities for joy through art. Art is expressed by centering blackness from a place of beauty and truth, exploring modalities of painting, illustrations, jewelry design, performance and so much more. I don’t limit my creative expression to one particular art form.
I also use these skills to raise funds for social justice along with educating our communities towards freedom. Sometimes my community work looks like collaborating with students on murals, commission work for social justice organizations and engagement of the community through creative hands on art practices. You will also find me face painting at festivals and block parties too!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
One thing I can say is don’t be afraid to create your own thing, there is enough space for you to have your own niche. It’s ok to stand out and stand up for your art or whatever it is you find of value. It could be music, food, people and experiences. The key is consistency, so be patient and allow your brand to grow. Your people will find you. This is your reminder to do what you love today because your day could change in a moment. Love and Light
Pricing:
- Greeting Cards 5 dollars
- Archival Prints starting at 45 dollars
- Canvas prints starting at 65
- Jewelry starting at 8
Contact Info:
- Email: zahirahnurtruth@me.com
- Website: zntarts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daartistznt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZNTArts
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/daartistznt
