Meet simmanesia thomas | Artist

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

Hi simmanesia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Because being creative is fun… I started making headband wigs just for the fun of it. I didn’t know it at the time, but I needed something that sparked joy in my life. Everything I did felt dull, repetitive, or just plain boring. One day I had the urge to create, I was happy that day almost euphoric. Ideas started flowing it was difficult to stay focused, but each day I committed to my wigs; designing each differently. when I was finished, I felt the joy I was looking for. To be honest, making wigs may not be something I do forever, but I do know that art gave me what I needed, so for now why not pursue an artistic career?. And so I created Simplewigs.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art: I create unique headband wigs
What sets me apart: All my wigs are designed differently and in my opinion, are unique

What am I most proud or excited about: When people started buying them, I was afraid this was just a waste of time and resources.

How did I get to where I am today: with lots of patience and commitment, at times it was not easy, during those times I kept doubting myself constantly.

How did I overcome my challenges: I started paying attention to how I felt. for example; when I started feeling any negative emotion (frustration, self-doubt) I shift my focus to something else, like playing in the park with kids or cooking. that tactic helped during busy times when orders came in.

what lessons I learned: that you can create anything you set your mind to, as long as you pay attention to how to you feel.

what I want the world to know about my brand: you can buy from me on Etsy.(simplewigs)

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.
I’m a stay-at-home mom, with two young children I barely go out myself. my best friend would have to understand that half of their week’s stay would be at home with me, and the other half I would take them to “bluffers park” in Toronto, the beach is nice there. if they wanted to visit a restaurant, I would take them to scaddabush, they have the best pasta dishes.

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 want to shout out to my mom! for being the best mother she can be, and for helping me out when I needed her. I also want to shout my boo thang Issac, the day we met he said he would support anything I wanted to pursue, and he has. I want to shout out to my aunty ester for being my rock during the lowest part of my life. Lastly the fruit of my womb… my booooys Massiah and Damascus, they gave me purpose and strength.

Instagram: simplewigs

Facebook: simmanesia thomas

Other: Etsy store: Simplewigs