We were lucky to catch up with Blight Hernandez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Blight, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Remember when we were kids and we’d say “ when I grow up I want to be”… My answer was always ..”an artist!” It’s always came natural and through the years been a therapeutic sanctuary that continues to save my life. I am 100 percent self taught in all mediums of creativity. I didn’t start painting until my 20s, and shortly after is when I started sharing my Art with the world. Immersing my entire self into my creative outpour, I subtly evolved my designs into a fashion Brand called “Be The Light”. Going back to when I was a child, I always said one day I’ll have my own shoe brand, I’ve always been into fashion, growing up in Detroit in the 90s, hip hop and street art culture was a big influence. Experiencing Hard times/past traumas that make you question the very reality you exist in altered my perception drastically. Years of self reflection and mental/emotional/spiritual elevation shifted the way I express myself thru my Art. Provoking thought thru fashion with juxtaposed images like the Madonna and Chyld tatted up, holding Ak-47s, Buddhas with YinYang eyes balls and a fragmented head opening up to realized the Light is Within. Everything I create is drenched in Contrast, Light-Dark. Reminding you that You have a choice in this life, no matter who you are or what path you’ve traveled along.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into fashion thru wanting to make my Art wearable for people and myself. I started my brand Be The Light on Sept. 2019. Where I launched my First Design “As above, So below” onto Black Tshirts. I had a few different print shops I worked with the first couple years to print my drops for me. In Dec of 2021 I invested in my own Print press and started printing everything myself. Cutting out the middle man entirely. I also source all my own garments and now that I’ve been doing this a while, I get quite a lot of donations from people. This really enabled me to be way more creative and push out more 1 of 1 pieces. In the Summer of 2022 I started sewing, which added another element of effect to my pieces. Turning blankets into hoodies, belts and skirts into handbags, scraped and screenprinted fabric into face mask/balaclavas. There is truly NO end to the creative process and no piece of fabric is off limits. I love finding something that has seen the best of its days already, and revamping it with my own flare to make it new and desirable once again. I love how the 1 off pieces always fit the buyer like a glove, and I can see the Light in their eyes from not only a materialistic point of view but also due to the message of the brand itself, and what the Art symbolizes. The Light represents all of us here in the weird, crazy/cool, magical place called life. It’s our true essence at the core. It’s that balanced feeling of flow. It’s the interconnection we all have when we get out of our own way. It’s our boundless potential. I must say, I know Light because I’ve experienced the Dark. I’ve been Lost and went on the inner journey to be found. And it’s a never ending process. Thru my Art I highlight contrast of choice. I am able to target all walks of life in this way unintentionally. I am able to meet and connect with so many beaming lights, and also help steer seekers of their own truth into the direction they seek. When my Art can resonate with another, that’s the best feeling I’ve ever felt in my Life.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

That seeing is believing. Because believing is seeing. What you put your focus and attention to will grow. Water your own garden! For years I struggled with depression and self worth. I didn’t even share my art with anyone for most of my life. Once I emerged out my shell and started sharing it with others, I got alot of great reactions. And when I was offered to be in my first group Art Show and sold my very first piece, my eyes opened to a new world of possibility. That has snowballed into vending many events in the community and connecting with other creatives and entrepreneurs for future opportunities to showcase my Art or clothing brand. And just recently in April, I had my first Solo Art Exhibition: “signs and symbolism” at Gallery 46 in Pontiac. Thru experience I know that we truly create our reality. And that ALL is mental, it’s all in the mind. Believe In Yourself even if no one else does, create Art from your heart for YOU. The others will find you.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Homage to Abraham Hicks, Joe Dispenza, Hermetic philosophy, Wayne Dyer, any and all Mind over Matter philosophy that empowers and shifts perception into higher consciousness. To this day, while I’m screen printing I listen to motivational speeches. Setting the tune and affirming your position in the world is vital. And the fastest way to manifest anything in life is thru Gratitude:)

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.bethelight222.com
• Instagram: @stay_within
• Facebook: @stay_within
• Other: You can find me locally at these shops! Luckenbooth Detroit, Old Soul Vintage, and Dancing Eye Gallery in Northville. I also do weekly pop ups all around Detroit. To stay tuned follow me on Instagram.

Image Credits
First pic was my set up at Rustbelt Market In Ferndale Second pic is from my 1st photo shoot. Photographer Jon Weems. In the photo is Escada Darklord Gordon, myself Blight Hernandez and SVNTVNV. Third pic is self with some Art that was in my first Solo Art Show. 4th pic is model Euphemia Wardlaw. 5th pic is me lol 6th pic is a piece I made from an upcycled kids sleeping bag called “Toy Car” sweater and can be found on my website currently. 7th pic is model Cassionia Harris.