Meet Bethany Henry | Creative Director & Innovator

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

Hi Bethany, why did you pursue a creative career?
Art has and always will be my first love ! When words aren’t enough, I allow my hands to speak for me . My spirit is one filled with passion which often times has been confused with being rebellious. Im not myself when I am tied down within a corporate setting . It shallows me whole . Starting a career in art has allowed me to heal and to escape from the world around me . I’ve been blessed to touch others with my gift worldwide . I’d never give that up

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.
I started art at a very young age . 3 years old to be exact. It was never a chore for me . I remember all of my classmates in kindergarten asking for my assistance when it was time for arts and crafts . They all admired my work and the way that I arranged my colors on paper. I honestly feel like this started me up. From that point , I’ve had the opportunity to participate in my first national art contest at the age of 9. I designed a cassette cover for a country music artist here in Birmingham around that same age .

I dont believe I had a challenge with my art venture until college. I wasn’t encouraged at all to go to school for art. Instead, I was sort of strung along, and pursued the medical field; physical therapy to be exact. I practically failed my first year at the University of Alabama. When I received word that I may be losing my academic scholarship, I had to figure It out . I took a step back and reevaluated my plate.

Long story short, I still ended up in health care because I was too far along to change my track. To cope with stress, I picked back up my brushes.

After college I realized that I made a huge mistake for not following my heart. After jumping from job to job.. I started to take art more seriously.

in 2016, my soon to be husband and I took a trip to Atlanta where I participated in my very first pop up shop. I believe that this changed my way of thinking forever

I’d tell anyone who is just as passionate about art as I was and still am to just keep going and to NEVER let anyone tell you that your gifts wont help you make a living. Those are words spoken from a person who never stepped out on faith .

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 pretty simple person . I appreciate nature and the beauty it has to offer . Itll definitely be a trip to some type of a resort or a week filled with hiking along side a water fall. I love Mexican so we are definitely gonna go for tacos ans daquaris afterwards. that or seafood lol

National parks are gems seriously. if you haven’t tried visiting one id definitely recommend it. I did paddle boats for the first time last month and it was awesome

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to God ! Without him , there would be no reason to create . He gives me vision and has inspired me to do the unthinkable

Shoutout to my soon to be Husband, Trae Blanks. His ambition struck a fire in me 6 years ago that no one can ever extinguish. Hes a motivator, a true go getter, and an amazing partner

My son , Zaiden

The inspiration behind my brand Z17 ( Z , his first initial ; 17 (2017) his birth year. He gives me a reason everyday to keep going.

All of my supporters , family and friends

Instagram: bdhenry1

Twitter: _mac_beth_

Facebook: Bethany Danielle Henry

Other: visit my etsy shop ! Z17 Creations