We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carisha Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carisha below.

Alright, Carisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

My entire journey as a business owner and artist has evolved because of taking risks. Vulnerability is key for artists and creatives. When we share our art with the world, we risk it all. But, if we don’t put it out there, then how will it ever be seen? Sometimes people will denounce your work or you as an artist. I have had people say all kinds of crazy things to me over the years, including most recently when a local artist told me to my face that my artwork was bland and an acquaintance referred to a collection of mine as amateur. My feelings were hurt and I got angry. I let myself feel it all and was honest about how their words pained me. But, then I tapped back into my power. I could have let those statements deter me from painting or discourage me from creating, but instead I used those comments as fuel. My worth, my value and my artistry are not up for debate. I believe in my work and I leave it all on the court with every single painting, exhibition, etc. My art is not for everyone and that is perfectly ok with me. If I let the comments of those that misunderstand my work, whether unintentionally or on purpose, get to me, I would never paint. Learning and walking in vulnerability in life in general, but even more so as an artist, is liberating for me. My most recent risk was choosing to get an official art studio space. My battle was internal, as I did not know if I was “official” enough to have an offsite studio. But, I knew that it was what I needed to do as a step of faith and as the next step in my journey as an artist. My studio has elevated my creative process and I can already see the change in me as an artist as a result. It has been one of the best decisions of my art career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my company in 2013 with a $5,000 investment and a prayer. I was a secondary public school teacher and basketball and soccer coach. I absolutely loved coaching and teaching, but I knew that I would never do that for the rest of my life. I had been a creative my whole life. I loved to paint, draw, do fiber art, clay, etc. There was no art or craft that I did not enjoy. By the time I got to high school, I added interior design to my favorite things list. I was always redecorating and designing around the house and in my room. My grandmother was a lover of decorating and she taught me so much when I would go and spend time with her. But, as much as I loved art and design, there was this false belief that I had that art was a hobby only and could not be a realistic or lucrative career. So, I actually went to a high school for a pre-law program and studied law all 4 years. I went to college with the goal of eventually becoming an attorney, but two semesters in, I was checked out. I switched majors a few times, but finally landed on English and Kinesiology because I wanted to teach and coach. They did not let art teachers coach at that time so I picked English because I loved it and I was good at it. And to be very honest, I did not want to major in art anyway because that would require me to put my art out into the world and I simply was not ready for that. I did not think I would be good enough. Flash forward all of these years later, and I am finally doing what I always dreamed of doing and it feels good.

For 8 years I owned and operated my company, Ahava Home, and I was blessed to see my artwork and designs land on the shelves of some of the world’s premier luxury home good retailers such as Nordstrom and West Elm. It started off as a furniture redesign and refurbishing business, and then I began making lighting decor and home goods soon after. Ahava Home did all of the things. But, I wasn’t bold enough to introduce my art to the world until around 2016- 2017. I would paint and then store them in a coat closet. But, when I put it out there, the response was unbelievable and in turn gave me the courage to just lay it all bare. In 2021 after successful runs in those major retailers and clients constantly asking “Who is the artist behind these creations at Ahava Home?”, I decided to rebrand and simplify my company. I decided to move from the busy hustle and bustle of designing all around town back to more of what I truly loved -creating and painting. So, Carisha Davis Art and Design was born.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The research and work of Dr. Brene Brown has changed my life. I am the artist that I am today in large part because of reading and studying of her work on vulnerability and taking risks. I wish that I could shout it from the rooftop to all artists, whether novices or experienced artists, to read her work. She taught me how to be unafraid as an artist and creative. Some might hate your work, some might love it, but it is never up for debate. In the words of one of my fave underdogs in sports, Fred Van Vleet, always bet on yourself even when everyone else has counted you out.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

It is ongoing actually- social media. I abhor social media most days and I am a very private person. I don’t have any personal social media anymore because it was slowly eating away at me. I believe in living in the moment and savoring it all- not trying to capture it all for posts for strangers. But, in business, especially as an artist and designer, it is almost a requirement of sorts. I try to be as active as I can, and even when I don’t want to post (which is always), I do it anyway. I want my audience and clients to get the behind the scenes of my work, but it sucks the joy and peace out of creating for me sometimes. I have to handle it cautiously.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carishadavis.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/carishadavisart
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/carishadavisart