Picasso Baby: How This Woman Founded A Booming Community For Creatives In Atlanta
Press play, y'all. We're getting a little artsy today.
In its current state, visual art has infiltrated our community through everyday influences, music, and ultimately, the overall essence of the culture. A huge component of this is largely credited to the social media generation--where creativity runs rampant and is often highly encouraged, celebrated, and performed. And although art has always been deeply-rooted in black history, it hasn't always been as embraced in the black community as it is now.
But thanks to high-profile entertainers, such as Jay Z's frequent fine art mentions and exhibits like Andre 3000's incomparable Art Basel collaboration, black creativity is finally spotlighting what we have known for generations: we are art.
"Sleeping every night next to Mona Lisa
The modern day version with better features
Yellow Basquiatin my kitchen corner
Go 'head, lean on that shit Blue, you own it."
Come on thru, Jay.
Someone who has certainly cultivated the importance of highlighting artists is Dionna Collins, owner and lead operator of ComfiArt, an artistic ecommerce and community revolution that brings personalized artwork to everyday wear and home decor, by creating exclusive pieces and curated events in collaboration with Atlanta artists. Think of them as an artistry resource network.
Courtesy of Dionna Collins
Showing off her high-energy and welcoming personality, Dionna flashes a nonstop smile. She exudes a fun regalness that rests at the intersection of 'focused'' and 'tireless.' I take immediate note of her enthusiasm as I review her collaboration pieces. Her keen eye for the skilled and unique design is both impressive and satisfying.
As she talks about her day-to-day and we begin to discuss her business model, it's clear that Dionna is the true definition of a boss. "ComfiArt is comprised of three different components: ecommerce, events and business-to-business," she explains. "Being that my main focus is on art, we at ComfiArt like to collaborate with artists to ensure that people are able to afford beautiful artwork in the small pieces that we offer online. Our motto is comfort through art."
Courtesy of Dionna Collins
"Our motto is comfort through art."
Through those collaborations, Dionna is able to offer one-of-a-kind collector prints and event opportunities without the lofty price tag. "Our goal is to make sure that if you aren't able to afford a $5,000 and upward original piece, you can afford original artwork with us."
And ComfiArt is certainly taking a new approach to how they back independent artists. "To me, art is life. Everything you see around you is art. Most people don't think as literal about it and some people think that creators and artists do not need to be paid for their [work]. As part of ComfiArt, I really want to focus on a community of artists and not have consumers have an excuse to say that they cannot afford it."
Totally intrigued, and beginning to review my own personal art collection in my head, I continue to immerse myself in her world. I research further into her arsenal of collaborations and previous works. After a few hours, I can't help but to reference to myself the timeless quote from literary boss, Sonia Sanchez: "The black artist is dangerous. Black art controls the 'Negro's' reality, negates negative influences, and creates positive images."
And the deeper I indulged, the more I admired the safespace Dionna has created for creatives. My curiosity gets the best of me as I ask about her background in relation to ComfiArt.
"I'm originally from Boston, where I lived close to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. I've always loved art and around seven years old is when my mom started putting me in art classes. [Since then] I've always been in the creative space so my journey was more about finding my purpose and learning how to make a living from it," she says.
And as a degreed graphic designer and marketer herself, Dionna has managed to expand her brand from what it was (a website to purchase artist-based home decor) to what it has evolved into: the artistic community it is today.
"In 2016 is when I figured that out and created ComfiArt. I had another company prior to it, but didn't like dealing with the freelance aspect. Me having a Six Sigma Greenbelt--which focuses on processes in a corporation--and knowing how to do web design, graphic design, and internet marketing led me to create my own company. That's where my transition began."
And whether you know ComfiArt from their online pieces, or ongoing discussion series "Design and Muses," Dionna is making her own colorful noise in the industry.
One paintbrush and digital photoshop stroke at a time.
Courtesy of Dionna Collins
So, how does Dionna visualize her brand relevance to culture? Simple. Think of loud, bold, and in-your-face uniqueness.
"The late 90's to early 2000's, that whole era would have been a dope moment for ComfiArt." she imagines. "I remember Missy and her crazy style, TLC and a bunch of other dope artists around that time. What ComfiArt stands for is what that culture was like during that time."
And despite Atlanta being one of the most saturated centralized meccas of black originality, Dionna has managed to find and understand her niche through involvement with platforms such as Essence Fest, AT&T, UP TV, and more. Her passion for her vision surrounds her like an illuminating light. I take a moment to celebrate her as we discuss the process of how artists can work with her.
"Our focus is really out-of-the-box when it comes to the artists we select to be a part of our community, and when it comes to the approach we take in how we strive to appeal to the masses. When I started as a pillow company, I learned that I wouldn't be able to live off of being a home decor business alone, so I had to rebrand to help grow my income and expand my audience." She continues by describing her audience as art enthusiasts, event coordinators, people that love unique items, creatives, home decorators and people who like to stand out from the crowd.
"When I started as a pillow company, I learned that I wouldn't be able to live off of being a home decor business alone, so I had to rebrand to help grow my income and expand my audience."
I reminisce on how far she's come and we take a quick moment to discuss her favorite artists in Atlanta (Miya Bailey, Dr. Fahamu Pecou, Zarinah Dennis and Marryam Moma), her hobbies, and her overall inspiration (her beautiful daughter, Madison).
As for the ultimate vision for ComfiArt? She lights up again.
"Our main purpose is to help artists find alternative ways to build financial wealth and merge the gap between brands and artists.I want to be the company that brands call to find artists, while simultaneously being the brand that artists can come to to find contracted work and expand their experiential realm."
Yass, sis. Picasso, baby.
For more info, email Dionna and her team at info@comfiart.com to join the movement. And follow ComfiArt on Instagram.
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images