We had the good fortune of connecting with RI Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi RI, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
So I’m currently reading Dapper Dan’s “Made In Harlem” and as a designer this book is so important because it’s raw. Dan really keeps it real about his journey to success, how he had to seek out the information he needed to succeed, and how he kept his head up through his adversities. I grew up in Harlem as well, in a different era but I can relate to the struggles of navigating through a community filled with drugs, violence, and oppression. I love that he lived in Harlem when it was filled with a community of black people who came to Harlem striving for a better life for their families, who empowered through movement, and the pride Harlem is built on today. This book has taught me to continue my journey within myself to grow, do what makes me happy, and look good while I’m doing it. Definitely a must read if you’re an entrepreneur or thinking about it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well I have a brand that I created to freely express myself. Divine Arte is a wearable art and wellness brand that brings together style and good vibes with gemstone filled designs. Everything is handmade by me and my intent behind starting Divine Arte in 2017, was to be creative and spread good vibes in my community. Divine Arte not gives you unique pieces, but the opportunity for patrons to connect to something that makes them feel good on the inside too. This is not only a brand, but my journey as a creative who decided my adversities were never going to over power my courage. Divine Arte is a extension of my lifestyle journey that I fill with self confidence, consciousness, compassion, self work, inner happiness, and finding my life’s purpose. This is my opportunity to go deep and encourage those who share similar adversities to really feel empowered, and to look within themselves to find everything they need to live well.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok so we’d have to go get cocktails at Establishment, a craft cocktail bar in midtown that I frequent. They make the best Manhattans, and the vibes are always right. We’d have to grab a bite at my favorite Spanish tapas spot at Krog Street Market, Bar Mercado and then walk it off on the belt line to Estrella’s rooftop for a glass of wine, and more tapas because if you’re hanging out with me you love a good view, great food, and a glass of wine. Definitely have to hit up Edgewood up for a good time and some lively night time vibes. This spot called Sound Table has a great late night scene full of creatives. There’s an adventurous side to this trip too. One of my favorite things about being in Georgia is the nature. I love getting out the city to go on hikes, I can share a couple of my favorite. Tallulah Falls, and Amicalola Falls are great escapes from the city with great views, and they both offer a great workout. You have to have balance after all this eating and drinking we’d probably do. Life is short, I like to have a good time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m so thankful to all the communities I’ve been apart in my lifetime. Life is a journey and everything is connected. The community I grew up in literally saved my life. Who knows where I’d be if my mom, who was my grandmother’s neighbor didn’t adopt me after my family fell apart because of drugs. That’s the power of community, making a conscious choice to make it better for someone else and that’s a big part of my mission today as a designer. I’d definitely have to give a big shout out to my only sister who has been the main source of my support system. Having someone who completely understands the journey you’re on is a blessing, and that’s definitely been a light in my life. Today as an entrepreneur I get to connect to a bigger community and do positive things for people I don’t know; I find great joy in that. I started my brand in the art community of Atlanta, they gave me a chance and because of them I continue to grow. I’m so thankful for my patrons, event organizers who let me vend, and other entrepreneurs/creatives who have collaborated with me other the past 3 years.

Website: https://www.divinearteonline.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/divinearteonline?r=nametag
Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DivineArteOnline?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=731827870

Image Credits
Images by @Tanisharenae

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