We recently connected with Kamaria Webster and have shared our conversation below.

Kamaria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I was raised by a single mother of 3. It was always my twin brother, my older brother, my mom, my grandmother and I. As a kid I saw my mom work to make things happen, even in times she didn’t think we saw behind the scenes, and the struggle I did. I saw the silent cries, the depression, and the hard times; but, most of all I saw how she fought and made her scars her wings. My mom showed me what it is to be a strong, resilient, ambitious, praying back woman. As I got older, the things I didn’t understand as a kid I grew to appreciate as an adult. The things she gave me was hope, learned faith, a shero, God, even in my trauma she gave me light. The things she thinks she didn’t do right she did, from the decisions she made to better our lives to the wisdom she continues to instill in us today. It has all allowed me to push through the adversities life has thrown my way personally and business wise. It has made me learn to wear my fears, my scars, my depression, my trauma, and my shortcomings as my wings. I wear them that way because it propels me to keep fighting to do and break the things generations before me could not win. It has made me excel in my career even in my downfalls. Even though, my father was not present and has passed away, he left me with good things. He left me with the way he loves, his personality, his resilience, his strength, his laugh, his smile, and his heart of gold. Those things have been held close to my heart, and has molded me into who I am and who I am growing to be. The stories my family tells us about who he was always reassured me that even in his inability to be there he still gave us and people around us love. That’s how I was raised, on love and that was the greatest gift my parents have given me.

Kamaria, 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?

I got into art when I was a really young. It was a way of escape from the real world. I was not aware I could draw until I picked up a pencil one day and started to freehand. It came naturally. I did black and white for years until I was a sophomore in college. I took a course to perfect specific techniques, because I wanted to master my craft. About 4 years ago, I decided to start painting. I had a natural talent for that as well. Of course, initially I was scared because it was new territory. It is nothing like pencil to paper. It is more technique and focus; however, you are free to stroke the brush and create freely. Anything with a paintbrush can be turned into a masterpiece. I instantly fell in love. It has been an addition to my passion for the art world. I use acrylic paints because of the fluidity and room for error. I tried working with oil. Even though, it is more pigmented I didn’t like the process of using it too much. I create different forms of afro art; whether, it be abstract, realism, or just freeform. I create afro art for representation of my culture, my community, and for the voices who have been silenced. My rawness and courage to create pieces that are controversial is what sets me apart and what I am most proud of. My brand creates a space of safety and love for my community (LGBTQ), women, and brown skinned men and women.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have always been a resilient person. However, there have been times I have fallen short. In 2016 and 2017 I hit rock bottom. I was mentally, emotionally, and spiritually lost. I had days where I didn’t speak, I didn’t eat, and I wanted to give up. I isolated myself from everyone and everything, including my family. I lost a lot of people because of my decisions. It was something I had to learn from. I thank God for the family I have, because they did not give up on me. They kept me covered and fought by my side to bring me out of this dark place. This experience made me realize I had more strength than I gave myself credit for. I also learned that my circumstances did not define who I was and who I would become. It only molded me into the person I am today.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn and still learning in certain situations, that I don’t need validation from anybody. Growing up I would ask everyone for an answer I already had, just to validate what I already knew. It came from growing up feeling as if some of the things I was vulnerable about didn’t matter; and, being silently judged for my decisions. That affected how I made decisions for myself in a major way. It led me to being a people pleaser, silencing my voice, being timid, and not living for me. As I got older I started to see things differently. I began to voice how I felt and not worry about others opinions, because that’s all they were, were opinions. My twin brother would hound me about this all the time, until I finally listened. He was and has always been my biggest supporter. He is one of the many reasons I continue to push and not give up. I have grown to use my voice and walk in my purpose because, i’ve learned my voice is heard by those who I didn’t know were watching and listening. My purpose is not only for me but for those who I have to reach. My work is more than a talent. It’s a calling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: harmonic.vibez
• Email: harmonicvibez04@gmail.com