We recently connected with Deshonna Buchanan and have shared our conversation below.

Deshonna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Sunflower Soul Studios was birthed out of my love for sunflowers. Initially, I couldn’t identify the reason why I was attracted to them but in time it became clear. During the pandemic I started my own garden,  planting my first sunflowers. The resistance to growth was apparent, but with time and patience they began to bloom. As they transformed, I began to identity with them. A sunflower’s growth is directly related to the amount of sunlight it receives. Everyday I am given the opportunity to build my brand by depositing my light into it. My success depends on my ability to plant the seeds necessary for growth, just like a sunflower. Sunflowers visually explain my brand but the felt essence is grace. Grace for myself. Grace for others. Grace for the planet. As an entrepreneur it is necessary for me to operate in this space because life can be so critical. Its the idea that I may not have it all together but what I have now is what I am giving, and its my best. It gives you permission to accept you may not always get it right but your here, and that deserves some acknowledgement.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Deshonna. Mother to Kason and Owner/Photographer at Sunflower Soul Studios.

Kason is my beautifully spirited eight year old son. He is a mastermind, future paleontologist, and autistic. The inspiration he provides me with on a daily basis is limitless. The love we give each other makes even the chaos, beautiful.

As a photographer, I capture the spirit of the subject; calling attention to the beauty of art. Currently, my portfolio consists of family photos, concerts, events, maternity, boudoir, food, nature, Senior photos, and more.

My goal is to be impactful. I go into every job with the hopes of either making someone smile, love themselves a little more, or to just simply be a light of positivity.

My willingness to use my talent as a vessel to further someone else is what sets me apart. If I can help, I will humbly.

In the future, I desire to highlight the unhoused, autistic, and local artists’ communities of Jacksonville.

At this moment, I am most proud of my perseverance. In the midst of every storm, I have stood my ground.  I decline defeat and chose to grow even through the pain. I rest comfortably in my strength.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The mission for myself is freedom. Financially and emotionally I desire to have no restrictions on creating the life I deserve. I want this for me and the souls connected to me. I want to create generational wealth that heals our brokenness, ending generational curses, and ultimately allowing us to enjoy the fruits of our labor without bondage. My family is rooted in excellence and I want for us to all tap into our light.

My mission is to just do good, and to make some really good money while doing it. I believe the blessings in life you receive are a direct deposit of the change you provided to the world.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

My most valuable lesson to date is the ability to recognize the beauty in the struggle is a superpower. I have to chose to believe that everything designed to destroy me has the potential to build me. In the face of adversity I don’t crumble. I abandon the idea that giving up is an option when things don’t go as planned. My future self is depending on me and I can’t let her down.

Earlier this year I went through a breakup just as my business was  started to gain momentum. In previous seasons I would let that consume me and self sabotage.
But in 2020 I told myself I can’t let someone else control my happiness. I have to be happy for myself first so if it ends, I am still good on my own.  After processing my emotions and picking up my feelings, I continued to soar. My business is really starting to pick up now. I am very thankful to the people in my life who provided support and accountability; propelling me into a life I am proud of.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sunflower_soul_studios
• Facebook: @sunflowersoulstudios