Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aubrey Derryberry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Aubrey, appreciate you joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

The most supportive boss I’ve ever had was at my first job out of college. I worked as a Living History Interpreter at the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida.

I got to spend a lot of time alone at the top of the lighthouse, writing in my journal. It was a very healing time for me, as I was just beginning to come into awareness of my traumatic history.

My boss was a smart, confident, insightful woman with a background in art. She recognized my talents and gave me opportunities to highlight them.

Now, over 25 years later, we are still in contact. She’s as awesome today as she was then and continues to relate to me from a place of authenticity which I deeply value.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up in a really frightening, traumatic home. I turned to art, music,writing, and dance in order to survive it.

It wasn’t until I got to college at Appalachian State in Boone, NC that I found a sense of true belonging. I was part of an interdisciplinary studies program called Watauga College where my gifts were acknowledged, supported, and celebrated for the first time.

I found my tribe in the form of encouraging professors and kindred spirits.

It was a magical time, and I continue to carry that vibe with me wherever I go, whether it’s welcome or not.

I went on to earn my Masters in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Tennessee—a solid, yet conservative program.

While I appreciate the clinical foundation this experience gave me, I found my way to a more holistic approach that is better aligned with who I am. My style weaves my clinical knowledge with the arts and spirituality, creating a warm, accepting space where transformation is possible.

My approach fits best with fellow creatives who feel more at home in dynamic, interactive environments rather than office settings.

I offer in-person and remote healing sessions to help people connect with their creative gifts, address stumbling blocks, and align more deeply with who they are.

As a performer and healer, I share the tools that have worked best for me on my own journey. Blurring the line between “audience” and “performer,” I create a container where magic, improvisation, and truth flow.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission as an artist and healer is to shine a light on creativity as a portal to connection, growth, and expansion.

Through the tools of art, music, and theatre, we all have the capacity to heal and create.

These mediums are available to everyone and require no formal training in the arts, just an openness and curiosity to explore.

This is how we connect more deeply with ourselves and each other.

This is how we grow a more authentic, amplified vision of what life and art can be.

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

Fairytales have long been a relatable, hopeful resource for me.

From a young age, I have connected with characters like Cinderella, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White.

Like me, these characters triumph in the face of adversity and maintain their sense of vision and self-worth.

It’s a journey, and I am grateful for the many allies, treasures, and synchronicities helping me find my way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreyderryberry?igsh=czNhOTVhZXcxdzB6&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/aubreyderryberry/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/me?trk=p_mwlite_feed-secondary_nav
• Twitter: https://x.com/aubderryberry

Image Credits

Aubrey Derryberry
Emily April Allen
Peyote Nikolai
Tony Youngblood
E. Rose
Mia
Emily April Allen
Lauren Pierce