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

Hi Rakaiya, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change you wish to see” and this has inspired me since the first time I heard it back in elementary school. I have always aspired to be the change I wish to see even as a child and for me that has always meant to be more caring and loving because that is what this world lacks the most. A few months before starting my business Arae’ Of Sunshine LC I took some time to learn more about Gandhi and how he came to be so knowledgeable. What I learned was that he was not always this perfect aspiring man but he realized in order to make a real change in his community and country he first had to make a change within himself. He knew that if he could overcome his struggles and be better person he would inspire others to do the same. When I decided to found AOS it was with the intention of using the divine art of tarot to help others see that even on their cloudiest day they are someones arae’ of sunshine. I never would have been able to have this intention with out seeing myself in my cloudiest days making other people smile and actually finding the beauty in that. Even though my world was not the brightest I was still able to help brighten up other peoples days. Which made realize there are so many people who don’t know that even when they are sad or feeling worthless they are still valuable, because there is someone that truly appreciates and loves their light. Even the smallest interactions can change someone’s day for the better. Also reading “The Four Agreement” by Don Miguel Ruiz truly inspired me to take action and help people find their “heaven on earth” which I truly achieve through the art of tarot. To end my answer to this question; I am going to leave one quote from one of my favorite childhood movies “Akeelah and the Bee” that truly captures why I chose this path. “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.”- Marianne Williamson

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others when it comes to tarot is that I read tarot cards as a story that genuinely resonates with the client. I’m also always very excited and happy to do readings for people to help them gain confidence in life or get them back on the right path. I am most proud of how much I have pushed myself to get out there because that was not easy at first. You know people are coming are confident that I will help them solve everything wrong their life, which are high expectations from a complete stranger. The most challenging thing for me was just fear of not giving a good reading, or having someone felt as though they wasted time or money. I overcame this by just putting my best foot forward I realized that as long as I was being true and genuine with my intentions every read would be a great one. I feel like one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that my self care is more important than anything else. If I’m not giving love to myself first it is completely draining to pour love into an abundance of people. I want the world to know that I Rakaiya Arae’ am dedicated to spreading love and light through my brand Arae’ Of Sunshine AOS. I am accomplishing this not only through the art of tarot, but through my art work, music, podcast, YouTube and AOS Community Garden located at Henderson Farms. There is so much more coming from me and my brand I hope you all stay connected through this journey that I am on.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in the city hands down is Underground Atlanta it is so amazing you never know what you are going to see there on a weekend night. I also really love Piedmont Park it is always a very nice vibe. Atlanta Art events does different kinds of events all over the city my favorite venue they have done so far is definitely The Georgia Beer Garden on Edgewood. Politan Row is also one of my favorite food halls it has an incredible design and ambiance. Revery VR bar is also a really cool spot I just went to recently. I really do not go out that much so apologies if this is not a fire list but when I do go out it is typically going to be one of these places or somewhere new.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I really would love to shout out the whole team down at Underground Atlanta for letting me be apart of everything amazing that happens down there. Special thanks to Maria and Emmcdee Gallery as well for always supporting me and giving me genuine advice and love. I have networked with so many people at all of the different events down and it keeps me very busy. I have also met some really beautiful and amazing people at Underground Atlanta reading tarot and selling my art work. I am also going to shout out Ras Irie for bringing me to underground in the first place. I never would have thought I would’ve thought I would be working down there and loving it more and more each time. I also am going to shout out my friends and family but most especially my mom for supporting me every step of the way. They say it takes a village to raise a child and my business Arae’ Of Sunshine is my baby and I am so thankful for my village. It is truly wonderful to be supported by so many people and having multiple opportunities ahead. Growth truly does begin underground.

Website: Araeofsunshineaos.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rakaiya.arae?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/araeofsunshineaos

Twitter: https://twitter.com/araeosunshinelc?s=21&t=KxJnfAkEdprVzLPUfZy8Uw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/araeofsunshine.lc

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCIk9SVpsE-_XPOPIKcGn5zg

Other: Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/0rJuZ6whj97nmBQgBECpJF SoundCloud https://on.soundcloud.com/cKjQCfX285YPYagb9

Image Credits
https://instagram.com/artofinnerhealing?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://instagram.com/rasirie_originals?igshid=MTA0ZTI1NzA=

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.