Meet Tetaisha Hunter: Artist, Painter & Creator

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

Hi Tetaisha, why did you pursue a creative career?
I precisely remember when I fell in love with art. I was in the second grade and would always look forward to art classes. I was simply intrigued with creating art, particularly drawing because of the fact I could transform my imagination not only into reality but also into tangible creations. I always aimed to create realistic drawings instead of stick figures or made sure I colored inside the lines, adding more details to my work; I wanted to tell a story and even began making illustrated story books for fun, This fueled an excitement and fulfillment within me which birthed a new sense of courage, knowledge, power, strength and determination, however I wouldn’t realize the power of my qualities until years later. Between fourth and sixth grade, my family moved around a lot and I attended a new school every year which was difficult because I always felt out of place and my usually out-going, chill personality become shy and quiet. My most difficult time came when I entered sixth grade because I began getting bullied. And with bullying came the self doubts that dimmed my confidence, made me insecure and feeling as though I wasn’t good enough for friendships. It also made me uncomfortable in my own skin to where I didn’t feel beautiful or worthy enough for anything or anyone. So, I went within, becoming an introvert as I tried to understand my place in this world and if my life was even worth living. I felt extremely low, battled depression and questioned if the essence my existence truly mattered. It was a dark time for me, but that’s when art reminded me of my inner glow and the magic I was. Drawing helped ease my pain, tears and loneliness not to mention while listening to Michael Jackson and Prince to cheer me on. Their music uplifted my energy and challenged me view my inner struggles as revolutionary gifts and their music has actually inspired my pop-art designs and color aesthetics incorporated in my Amalgam Artpeaces today along with Afrocentric women empowerment, bohemian vibes to embrace the woman I have become now. So, art is what has kept me alive during the darkest hardships and my end goal is to inspire humanity of all cultures, ages, genders and backgrounds to embrace their inner artist no matter how many bruises you encounter along your journey. Because when you keep fighting the battles, the wounds heal to tell the most beautiful definition about the heart of your character. I especially have a connection to young girls who have had similar experiences like myself which also explains some popular products under my brand such as backpacks, planners, lunchboxes, journals plus fashion attire and decor, which inspires them to exude their confidence and individuality fearlessly. My wounds heal in the form of an amalgam of art, hence my brand name Amalgam By Taisha because I create art ranging from drawing, painting, mentoring, poetry, creative direction for music videos and fashion design. I’ve been so blessed for this God given gift and there’s no better way than to stay true to my identity by pursing the creative career that I love, Art. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There’s a quote by Colin Wright that says, “Chase your passions and money will come. Chase money and you may never find your passions”. First and foremost, I’ve always been driven by my love of creating art and simply being my authentic self without conforming to anyone’s an idea of who I should be. That also has it’s challenges because not everyone will understands you, accept you or appreciate your gifts. Another major challenge being a modern day entrepreneur are social media tactics such as algorithms that can definitely have a negative affect on how you view your business or grow your brand. A lot is based on how many followers, comments or likes you have or if you’re attractive enough for your talent to be noticed or even by allowing money to determine your success. However, all of those ‘normal’ modern day standards of fame and fortune have never been a forefront to me which poses challenges as well because I have been overlooked at times, second guessing myself and even found myself thinking I was less talented than other artist. But I had to remember that my art is in an original league of its own and can never be duplicated, so I continued to stay positive by sharing my gift to the world through art shows, mentoring or making custom orders. My journey has taken a little longer to venture down but new doors, more opportunities and recognitions have been and are continuing to happen. This makes me very proud because people are not only paying attention and supporting my brand, but most importantly respect the heart of who I am as a person. Now, my only challenge is challenging myself to accomplish more of my goals and succeeding regardless of societal limitations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re ever in the Atlanta area for a week long trip, I’d suggest visiting The Battery, Ponce City Market, Little 5 Points, Piedmont Park, The West End and Peter’s Street Station. These are some of my favorite spots to chill and have a dope time with good vibes, good people and good food.

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?
There are so many people that have inspired my journey. Of course, my dope family and soul tribe who have given unconditionally support to me and believe in my gifts/talents. My mom and dad, sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins, aunties and uncles, Grandma and Granddad. Rest in peace, to my lovely cousin Tro. My dear friends Amy Graham, Chatyra Harper, Brittani Colbert and Mama2. I love you all so much. I would like to give a shoutout to Torrance ‘Squalle’ Wilcher for pushing my creativity and inspiring me to do new creative projects. I had the opportunity to step out my comfort zone and paint my first mural for his company League of Step (IG: leagueofstep) which is a non-profit organizational that he’s built for the youth to express their inner artist. He is also a hip hop artist (@squalle_shottem) and has trusted me in handling the creative direction for his music videos. I really appreciate his friendship and belief in me and look forward to creating more. I’m extremely proud of his endeavors within his community and the overall man that he is. Please follow and support his program, music and his positive humanity movements. My soul tribes KD (@protectyoenergy), Mareena Pitts (@journey_of_mystical.honey_), Shericka Wilson (@africkasoul), Gina Willis (@getstylebygina), Andrea Mckenzie (@andreas.heart), Artesia Kabore (@artesia.nicole), Tan Smith (@tanotb), Amadi Jae (@amadijae), Elayna Spratley (@heyelayna) and Januarie Diehl (@speaklifetribe), thank you all for your pure friendship, mentoring and support. Thanks for inspiring me and I’m blessed to know you on this walk of life. And thanks to the strangers that I’ve met for a brief moment in time and those I have yet to meet. Your support continues to keep me motivated tenfold. Thank you.

Website: amalgambytaisha.wixsite.com/mysite
Instagram: amalgambytaisha
Facebook: Amalgam By Taisha
Other: Email: amalgambytaisha@gmail.com