We recently connected with Cecilia Foerster and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cecilia, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

As a visually impaired artist and proud member of the disabled and blind community, my mission is to illuminate hearts and minds with a powerful message of inclusion. We may perceive the world differently, but within our souls, we share the same desires for love, joy, and fulfillment. Through my art and advocacy, I strive to tear down walls of misconception and foster a society where empathy triumphs over judgment. Let us embrace the beauty of our differences and create a world where everyone is seen, valued, and celebrated for the unique light they bring.

Cecilia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, I’m Cecilia Foerster, a passionate artist based in Chandler, AZ. My journey in the world of art began in 2014 when I discovered my love for the barber industry. However, my path took an unexpected turn in the summer of 2017 when I experienced a spontaneous retinal detachment in my left eye, resulting in blind spots and eventual vision loss. This setback, though challenging, led me to a new and exciting passion: painting.

Over time, my vision continued to decline, affecting my right eye as well. But I refused to let my visual challenges hold me back. With the invaluable support of Services For The Blind, I embraced a transformative journey of learning Braille, independent living skills, orientation and mobility with a cane, and technology. For about a year, I dedicated eight hours a day to honing these skills while blindfolded.

In July 2022, due to numerous complications, my left eye was removed. I now proudly wear a beautiful prosthetic eye, which I see as an empowering accessory that allows me to express myself. However, my remaining eye has presented its own share of struggles. Since February 2023, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) has infiltrated the optic nerve, causing distortion and flashing in my central vision—a truly daunting experience. While I anticipated further decline in my vision, I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

Despite these challenges, I maintain a hopeful outlook and stay focused on the incredible opportunities I’ve encountered, the remarkable people I’ve met, and the cherished memories I’ve made. I eagerly await what the future has in store for me, even if it means facing further loss of eyesight. Nowadays, I spend my time creating unique pieces of art, drawing inspiration from music to fuel my creativity, and offering support to others on their own journey through vision loss.

Through my artistic endeavor, Sacred Eye Art, I aspire to showcase to the world what I’m capable of as a visually impaired artist. My ultimate goal is to inspire others within the disability community to pursue their passions and to emphasize that they are so much more than their disabilities.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I’ve actually gotten quite a handful of new clients from Facebook and the NextDoor App over the years. Social media in general is fantastic for marketing your business, and these two platforms seem to have given me the most success and exposure! I’m trying to be better with Instagram and TikTok as well when it comes to making reels, TikToks, and everything that involves more than just sharing pictures and words. I’m just so impatient when it comes to editing the videos and such so I just tend to put it on the back burner and forget about it.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Absolutely! My journey began in 2014 when I pursued my dream career as a barber. For six years, I poured my heart and soul into it. However, my vision started to deteriorate around 2017, making it increasingly challenging to continue. Despite my efforts to soldier on, my diminishing sight turned me into a liability, and I had to come to terms with the fact that I could no longer work as a barber.

This was a difficult time for me both physically and mentally. Faced with newfound downtime, I decided to channel my energy into art, something I hadn’t touched since 2011. The simple act of drawing reignited a spark within me, reminding me of my love for creating. It didn’t take long before I started selling pieces of artwork, which led me to recognize the potential to turn this into a business.

In the following months, I established my presence on social media platforms, launching my business called “SadHappy Co.” Initially, the support came pouring in from friends, family, and even mutual acquaintances. As I continued to create and share my journey, my brand evolved, eventually becoming what is now known as Sacred Eye Art. This name change felt more aligned with who I am and what I represent.

A turning point arrived when a close friend interviewed me, focusing on both my art and my experience with vision loss. His story gained unexpected attention and was published by our local media, The Gilbert Sun News. From there, the momentum built, and I found myself being interviewed by various news outlets, including a national feature that highlighted the profound impact of my art and journey.

Sacred Eye Art has become my sanctuary, a source of solace, comfort, and pride. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of those around me. My art has not only been a way to sustain myself financially, especially after losing my barber career, but it has also been a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sacredeyeart.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sacredeyeart?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sadhappyco?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Image of myself holding my cane: Chelsea Conners @i.m.t_media