Meet Teesha Borum | Creative Entrepreneur

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

Hi Teesha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

The idea for my business came together over a period of time, and I believe is ever evolving into what it’s supposed to become. However, in a nutshell it is heavily influenced by my study of Transcendental Meditation, Ayurveda, and Reiki. All of which I studied and received certifications for since 2015.

My personal relationship with Spirit leads me to study these things as a way to heal myself, my bloodline, and hopefully the collective. I’m an introvert, and I love to learn. So I’m either reading, or self reflecting. This makes me highly observant and intuitive. Coupled with my innate creativity, I create with intention.

I don’t particularly care to work under anyone, and I don’t want anyone working under me. I like to do my own thing. Ever evolving, so i’m not akin to the idea of staying stagnant or bound to any particular place or idea. I’m dedicated, but not attached. Being a creative allows my spirit to remain free.

My business, High Vibe Sentiments started off with affirmation buttons and stickers. Shortly after, I started to create affirmation apparel, which finally morphed, to incorporate jewelry (previously done as a hobby, after taking a metal stamping, and soldering class in 2015 or 2016). The shifts happened as a direct reflection of what was going on in my life. I went from having two businesses to phasing out one to fully focus on the other (the current one). 

High Vibe Sentiments is an intentional collection of Affirmation Apparel & High Vibe Jewelry- made/designed in Atlanta, GA.

Recognize your divinity and dim your light for no one!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Creative entrepreneur suits me well. Although I’m also an intuitive artist, I’m focused less on painting and more on my business at the moment. I utilize my creativity as a designer, to make my Affirmation Apparel & High Vibe Jewelry.

I don’t have any formal design education. But “Do nothing without intention” comes to mind. It’s a concept I learned when studying Ayurveda. Everything comes to form from thought. So, no matter what I pursue or create, it will come to life because MY energy is put into it. My experiences, thought process, destiny is different from anyone else’s. I have learned to trust that and go with the flow.

I’ve tried hard to make things work in the past, but had to learn the importance of working smarter, not harder. I’m sure I can still find ways to incorporate this, but I’ve personally found a balance between doing what I love and not being burnt out doing something that isn’t yielding rewards based on my effort. If it doesn’t flow, sometimes you gotta let it go.

Much of the reason why I closed my previous business, making bath & body products is because it took so much effort, with little reward. Making shirts and jewelry is a cake walk in comparison! Mostly because I believe I’m on the correct path and can fully incorporate my creativity, black pride, interest in ancient wisdom, and life experiences that have lead me to discover my self-worth.

My best piece of advice is, do what you can with what you have. At the end of the day, YOU make it pop. You bring it to life and make it accessible to others. You’re the sauce. You’re all you need. You’re enough.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Man, I’m such a loner. I truly enjoy being in my own energy. But I’ll suggest a few places for visitors…Currently, my favorite place to eat is Supremo Taco on Memorial…OMG. Brings this Cali girl so much joy. Churros and tacos, 10/10. Also, Morelli’s is a black owned ice cream spot that never disappoints. My most favorite place of all is Your Dekalb Farmers Market. I’m in awe whenever I go. International produce, freshly made bread and pastries, spices galore…heaven.

In terms of activities- I’m always going to support handmade, so I suggest checking out an artists market or two to support local artists and makers. You’ll find me selling at one, every weekend. An event I suggest in particular is anything put on by Art Crew ATL. They’re always a vibe. You can kill two birds with one stone by walking the beltline and stumbling across an artists market on any given weekend.

I recently visited The New Black Wall Street at Stonecrest Mall. It’s FILLED with black vendors. They have beautiful art, a beauty supply store, a grocery store, and many other small black-owned businesses under one roof. Black entrepreneurship is what I love most about Atlanta.

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 immensely grateful to event organizers that do the leg work to provide space for artists and makers to thrive. My favorites in particular are Shannon & Christy from Indie Craft Experience, as well as Jennifer & Courtney from The Handmade Shops.

Simply approving my applications has allowed me the opportunity to get my work in front of the most amazing people. AND they’ve facilitated successful events at affordable rates! I’m so thankful for these ladies. Especially when, on the flip side, there are many organizers that aren’t so organized, or take advantage of small businesses with outrageous fees. I know that organizing events is not an easy feat. Words cannot express my gratitude enough.

Special shout-out to retailers- I’m S.H.E located in East Atlanta Village, and Modern Mystic located in Ponce City Market, for carrying my wares locally. I love being at events and having customers tell me they’ve seen my work at those locations! I’m blessed.

Lastly, as the self reflective person that I am- I’ve been heavily touched and inspired by a few written works. They are as follows:

“ To realize one’s Personal Legend is a person’s only real obligation.” Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

“ We have calcium in our bones, iron in our veins, carbon in our souls, and nitrogen in our brains. 93 percent stardust, with souls made of flames, we are all just stars that have people names.” Nikita Gill

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman

Website: www.highvibesentiments.com

Instagram: @highvibesentiments

Image Credits
Jerrold Mobley (Pixelegent)