Today we’d like to introduce you to Essence Foster.
Hi Essence, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I decided I wanted to be a full-time entrepreneur about three years ago. Art has always been my preferred method of communication, but it did not become a business until I decided to follow my dreams after the hardest season of my life as a premedical post-baccalaureate student. My art business was started in order to encourage the black community to heal and find joy in each day we are given rather than just the special occasions. I became a model and content creator about a year ago upon realizing how much joy I also found in the many different forms of art and creative expression. I am now doing all of the above full-time and falling more in love the more I learn.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been beautiful yet tough and exhausting. I experienced the greatest amount of burnout I ever have in my entire life. It scared me to not feel like painting or creating in general. I thought I had lost my passion. It’s very difficult creating stable financial security in the very beginning. I found myself looking for examples of creators that were doing all the things I wanted to do and doing them well. I started to feel like I was “doing too much.” As the only member of my immediate to take on a multi-hyphenate career path, it was tough to hear the doubts, questions, and “concerned” comments before I was producing results.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a visual artist, first and foremost. I create psychologically informed depictions of black nostalgia. My intentional visual choices are meant to inspire conversation by creating comfort and curiosity. I am very proud of my relentless dedication to bringing these concepts to life. I truly believe that an art is the beginning of a much bigger picture for my career. I aim to be a vehicle for great change. I am so excited to pour into the hearts and minds of black youth and encourage them to seek their healthiest selves in all that they would like to do.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I really love meeting creatives at in-person events. I am very personable and enjoy conversation (in person, email, or Instagram). Support for me looks like attending events I may be vending at to offer conversation or supporting my social media content. Buying my art is also always appreciated ❤️
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thistuesday.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelymissessence/?hl=ko
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/visnatura_/?hl=en
Image Credits
Jason Hampden
Ashleigh Caoni
Jasmine Tranai
‘Nikon’ Don
Harris Tajia
Lagomarsino
