We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deanna Griffith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Deanna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

If I could go back in time, I think I’d still start my creative career exactly when I did — but I do admit I wish I had believed in myself sooner. I’ve always been creatively gifted, but growing up I never thought it could become a real career. I treated creativity like a personality trait instead of a path.

That shifted when I went to The Art Institutes of New York City. That was a truly pivotal season for me. I had just left religion, I was exploring my own spirituality for the first time, and I was living across the country from my family. I was completely on my own in a new state, figuring out who I was as a person and as an artist. Going to school made me take my creativity seriously for the first time — it pushed it from hobby to calling. Around the same time, I got my first job at Gap, which sparked my interest in visual merchandising and added another layer to how I see and express creativity.

Looking back, I think everything unfolded the way it needed to. The timing shaped me. Those years of independence, identity shifts, and creative exploration built the foundation for the kind of artist and multi-hyphenate creative I am now. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sometimes wish I had started sooner — not because the timing was wrong, but because I finally see how far my creativity could have taken me if I had trusted it earlier.

In the end, though, I think the mix of fashion, art, content creation, and motherhood — and the timing of it all — is exactly what makes my creative identity what it is today.

Deanna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a multi-faceted creative whose work spans custom fashion, painting, and artistic storytelling. While content creation has been my way to put myself out there, my main focus is bringing unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to life — whether that’s a custom jacket, a pair of shoes, or a painting. Each piece is designed to express personality, individuality, and artistry, and I never recreate a design twice, ensuring every client receives something truly exclusive.

I got into this path by following my creativity wherever it led. I studied fashion at The Art Institutes of New York City, and that experience helped me take my work from a hobby to a real craft. Over time, I expanded into custom art and design, blending my background in fashion with other artistic mediums. My content creation journey has been a bridge to connect with clients and followers, allowing me to showcase my process and share my artistic vision with the world.

What sets my work apart is the combination of originality, care, and personal storytelling. I help clients solve the problem of finding something truly unique — pieces that reflect who they are and that can’t be found anywhere else. I also hope my work inspires others, particularly mothers, to hold on to their creative passions while navigating the demands of life.

The thing I’m most proud of is balancing motherhood while continuing to create and build my artistic identity. Even though it’s challenging, I want my children to see me following my dreams and embracing my creativity. It’s important to me that they grow up knowing they can pursue their passions no matter what life throws at them.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work is authentic, handcrafted, and infused with personal meaning. I pour intention into every piece, and every project tells a story — both mine and the person I’m creating it for. My goal is to create meaningful art that resonates, connects, and inspires.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the blend of personal fulfillment and the reactions of others. I love taking an idea from nothing and bringing it to life — that process of creation is incredibly satisfying. But what truly blows me away is seeing my clients’ reactions when they experience the finished piece. I’m a bit biased, so I usually love my creations anyway, but seeing someone else connect with it, feel seen, or inspired by it — that’s the part that makes it all worthwhile. It’s a beautiful combination of making something that matters to me and knowing it matters to someone else, too.

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

The goal driving my creative journey is really a blend of personal growth and making a meaningful impact on others. Creativity has always been how I explore and express who I am, especially balancing motherhood and my artistic passions. But it’s also about connecting with people — giving clients something truly one-of-a-kind that reflects them, inspiring followers to embrace their own creativity, and showing my children that it’s possible to pursue your dreams no matter the challenges. My mission is to create work that’s authentic, intentional, and resonates, while continuing to grow and evolve as an artist and as a person.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://alyssareign.redbubble.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommadeee22
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mommadeee22