Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ayala. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ayala, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
My biggest personal accomplishment is being able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. My artistic journey really started in my performing arts high school. I met an incredible teacher who taught me how to paint. As a first generation kid, my parents were burdened with the task of survival so plans for higher education was never really discussed. My teacher practically filled out my college application for me and I was awarded a scholarship to attend the California College of Arts. I studied in the painting program for 2 years but became discouraged about my future. At the time I was convinced I would need a 9/5 professional career in another field. I began learning a vast number of creative subjects. Eventually I missed painting and to my surprise I received a wonderful amount of support through social media. I am very grateful to be a full time artist and my art shop www.byayala.com has just celebrated a successful one year anniversary!
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’m visual artist Ayala. I explore inclusive beauty through vibrant portraits to empower women. I draw inspiration from a combination of my Native ancestry and representation. My art is an observation of culture and popular iconography.
I got into the industry through the grace of social media and from my studies of Fine Art over the years.
Through my Art Shop, I provide original art, canvas/photo prints, t-shirts and pillows. I plan to provide more sustainable art soon.
I solve a clients desire to decorate their wall space. What sets me apart from others is my sharp eye for detail and use of bold color.
I am most proud of being a full time artist and entrepreneur.
The main things I would like potential clients and followers to know about my brand and work is my passion for my craft and concepts. I am fascinated that an image can capture the attention of the masses. It has the power to connect us regardless of race, ethnicity, age or socioeconomic status.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Several books have deeply impacted my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. I am so grateful to have stumbled across “The Power of Positive Thinking” which led me down an incredible spiritual awakening into other books such as “Rich Dad Poor Dad”, “The Power of the Subconscious mind”, “Breaking the habit of being yourself” and many more. They continue to teach me how to manifest and creating your own destiny.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I come from very humble beginnings. My parents are from a very rural town in Colombia, South America called Ipiales. It is very rare for me to ever come across anyone who shares the same roots. I am first generation of Indigenous ancestry. My family has suffered generational trauma and we continue to witness its affects through mental illness and substance abuse. I grew up in a toxic home that adopted a scarcity mindset which led to poverty and negativity. Art became a form of survival. It allowed me to express my pain and heal in a productive way rather than the destructive ways experienced. I work hard every single day to unlearn and embrace all the abundance this world has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.byayala.com
- Instagram: @artbyayala
- Facebook: @artbyayala
- Linkedin: n/a
- Twitter: @artbyayala
- Youtube: n/a
- Yelp: n/a
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
photography by @photobyayala