We had the good fortune of connecting with Toya Cheri Cleveland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Toya Cheri, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic and creative career as a way to cope with my mental health challenges and find a sense of purpose. My journey began while I was on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, where I faced extreme occupational burnout and significant personal hardships, including my father’s battle with cancer and his subsequent suicide. These experiences took a toll on my mental health, leading me to seek a creative outlet for healing and expression.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey to where I am today has been anything but easy. I served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. In December 2020, I was selected for promotion to Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank, but simultaneously began experiencing extreme occupational burnout which took a toll on my mental health. I was responsible for over 500 people and had to fill two additional leadership roles due to staffing issues, which led to significant stress and health problems, including hospitalization for anxiety attacks. As a result, I had to go through a medical evaluation board to determine if I was still fit for duty.

In March 2021, my father was diagnosed with cancer. He didn’t want anyone to know, so we went through the emotional process together. By September 2021, he started having suicidal ideations, and I was notified that I would be medically retired from the Air Force. On November 5, 2021, I retired, and on November 22, 2021, my father committed suicide. For the next 10 months, I struggled with deep depression.

At my lowest point, I prayed for help and was inspired to watch the movie “The War Room.” This led me to turn my situation over to God through prayer. I prayed for a creative outlet, to be surrounded by supportive Christian women who would encourage me through my situation and an opportunity to mentor again because I loved doing that in the military. Literally, the next day, I was scrolling through Instagram and stumbled on an eight-week room renovation challenge. I questioned whether I should sign up, but released this was an answer to my prayer so I did. I created a new Instagram account for the process and as an accountability tool for myself. I prayed and asked God what I should name it, He put on my heart “She Moves with Purpose.”

I began to post my progress weekly (per the challenge rules) and ironically finished on the anniversary of my father’s death. The room, now my family’s movie room, serves as my Resilience Room, reminding me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. A few weeks later, a local veteran saw my work and asked me to renovate her dining room, which led to more projects, partnerships with brands, speaking engagements, garnered me an award for Best Home and Interior Design Brand Partnership and eventually led me to being a project manager for that award show last year.

What sets me apart is my dual role as a DIY and Home Design Content Creator and a mental health advocate. My goal is to create “Feel Good and Functional Spaces” that help bridge the gap between mental wellness and interior design. I aim to inspire individuals to embrace the connection between their living spaces and their emotional resilience, fostering a world where every home is a sanctuary for growth and joy. I am a servant leader at my core, so there is no greater feeling than helping someone become the best version of themselves. The fact that my work is therapeutic for me and enhances the quality of life for others is a win for everyone involved.

The lessons I’ve learned include the power of faith, resilience, and the importance of turning pain into purpose. I often say “the task in front of you is never as a great as the power behind you.” I’ve also learned that through creativity and intentionality, we can transform our environments and our lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a very simple person, who doesn’t drink or go out much anymore. I would actually like to create meaningful moments at home if a friend was visiting. But I if I had to create an itinerary I would go to Another Broken Egg, Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, Bussin Jerk ATL, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, The Escape Game at the Battery, Museum of Illusions, Bad Axe Throwing and Lenox Square Mall

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Larry. He is my best friend, my safe place, my sounding board and my biggest cheerleader. He also bought me my first set of tools and taught me how to use each one because he believed in my abilities and my purpose.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shemoveswithpurpose?igsh=MWowazUxNTVpc3lscg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shemoveswithpurpose?mibextid=LQQJ4d&mibextid=LQQJ4d

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