Meet Serica Emani Weaver | Author, Visual Artist, Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Serica Emani Weaver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Serica Emani, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I love this question. It’s very fitting for the major moves I’m making in my life right now and allows for deep self reflection, which I always enjoy. Risk requires courage and vulnerability. It also forces me to sit with uncertainty which can be extremely uncomfortable. As daunting as taking certain steps toward my future may seem, I couldn’t live with knowing I didn’t try. Not trying and consistently asking myself “what if?,” would hurt me more than trying and failing. As I grow forward and practice mindfulness, I am learning to trust my intuition. There’s always a nudging in my spirit, a feeling, or soul calling towards people, places, and things that I have been more intentional about listening to lately. So, I choose risk (calculated), even when it’s scary. Risks I’ve taken such as writing and publishing my first book, sharing my art, packing my things and moving to a different state, and choosing to love again after being hurt, have increased my faith and given me a deeper understanding of who I am and what I have to offer to this world. It has also forced me to make room for compassion and grace for myself and others when things don’t go as planned. However, knowing and understanding that not taking the risk wouldn’t even allow for the outcome of success, doesn’t sit right with me. So, I choose risk, even when it’s scary. That’s where the growth lies.

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’m most proud of my growth as a multifaceted creative- an author, visual artist, and designer. Prior to receiving my B.F.A in Interior Design from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) , I attended Spelman College with a concentration in Studio Art. One of my greatest challenges has been figuring out how my passion for writing, mental wellness, visual arts, and, interior design can be interconnected to craft a life that brings me joy. I just recently picked up my piece of charcoal after setting my visual art aside for years to finish school. The importance of balance, patience, persistence, and discipline have all been consistent lessons as I move through my journey as a creative. One way I have successfully brought this vision to life is in publishing my first book, “Love, Serica: A free spirit’s journey to living, breathing, and existing authentically.” The book includes insights on mental wellness, my journey as a creative, self-elevation, the importance of healthy dialogue within relationships, establishing boundaries, and determining non-negotiables when striving to break unhealthy patterns. In all of my work and relationships, the goal is for transparency and vulnerability to live at the core. As a believer of adding light to every dark spot in the world, I strive to use my voice to share my knowledge and experiences across the globe, all while simultaneously creating spaces filled with unwavering love and support.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many exciting places in Atlanta to discover. I tend to gravitate towards any areas with good food, culture, and art. One of my favorite spots is the Beltline. I’d ride my bike through the trail or sometimes rent one from the Atlanta Bicycle Barn, stop and get food, and discover the work of artists in the city. By taking the Eastside Trail, you can access Ponce City Market known for boutique shopping/dining and Krog Street Market in the heart of Inman Park known for its food hall housed in a restored factory. I’ve lived in both Midtown while studying at SCAD- known as the heart of the arts filled with art galleries, museums, and theaters and West Midtown- known for it’s industrial feel, urban lofts, live music venues, and restaurants. Atlantic Station, known for shopping malls, entertainment such as bowling and the movie theater, and home decor stores is also located in Midtown. As for more historic areas, there is Little Five Points on the East side, for vintage stores, vegan eateries, and street art and the West End of Atlanta where The Atlanta University Center (AUC) sits composed of Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse School of Medicine- a strong hub for HBCU’s and Black culture.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many beautiful people in my life that have played a huge role in my success as not only a multidimensional creative, but as a human being on a journey to healing. I am blessed to know and receive support from all of them. God, my mother, family, friends, mentors, therapist, and other beautiful souls I have crossed paths with have impacted me in ways they may not even realize. Their kind words, intelligent minds, giving hearts, and warm spirits have carried me through some of my darkest days, lifting me up from sorrow and celebrating me when there’s success. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Website: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Serica-breathing-existing-authentically/dp/1641379820

Instagram: @sunny_sunflowerr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sericaweaver/

Other: Portfolio: https://issuu.com/sericaweaver/docs/sericaeweaver_portfolio_2021