Meet Tiare Smith: Mixed Media Artist and Instructor

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

Hi Tiare, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had grown tired of working in the office. I started feeling antsy, not satisfied and my creativity was calling. I felt I could no longer work for someone else. I needed freedom to create, to be, to live, to think, to breathe, to express. 

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
“My art reflects the wonderful women (and sometimes men) who informed and continue to inform my life…my mom, neighbors, teachers, friends, 2nd and 3rd mom. Black women. Strong women. Smart women. Beautiful women. Loving women. Do you women.” It tells the story of our lives as they are reflected within me. They are all a part of who I am. My art honors them all. This is one of the reasons my art has no faces because it honors not one particular person, one look. It allows not only me to honor multiple women but it allows the viewer to add their own thoughts and stories to the piece and see themselves or their loved ones reflected back at them. Creating authentically in this way, without feeling the urge to follow the trends feels good to my soul. Choosing to go the way of art and creativity is not always easy, most want to create but not handle the business of being an artist. Having a degree in marketing and office experience definitely helped along with a willingness to learn the business parts and ask for help when needed, read and/or take a class. My story, is not much different than so many who have decided on their creativity. The one thing that may be a bit different is my desire to thrive online rather than the traditional route of in person art fairs and shows.

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.
We’d hit CNN for a tour, The Georgia Aquarium, a Braves Game and hang out at the Battery and have pizza and gelato at Antico’s. Breakfast out would be at the Flying Biscuit and the Maple Street Biscuit Company. We’d enjoy southern eats at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint and have ice cream at a few fun spots ;The Frozen Cow Creamery, ICHot Thai Rolled Ice Cream and Jeni’s. We’d spend time at some of the local walking trails around town and enjoy the beautiful nature and scenery. Surely, there’d have to be a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, as well. And it wouldn’t be a visit to Atlanta without a black history tour.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Robert Woods. Who allowed me to leave my full-time job and has encouraged me every step of the way to pursue my passion. I also have to recognize the friends, family and strangers who become friends who have encouraged, liked, loved along the way.

Website: https://www.tiaresmith.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamclassygirl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiaresmithdesigns
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/IamClassygirl

Image Credits
All images owned by me.