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

Phiona, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents instilled in me the courage to be my authentic self. A part of being authentic to yourself is having the ability to express your thoughts, emotions, and perspective. This self-expression can be through various ways or mediums. I have always been a very outspoken child, and my parents put that spark to great use.

During my childhood and through adolescence, I have been involved in talent shows, choirs, orchestras, poetry competitions, and many other artistic ventures.

One moment I remember was when I was in the 3rd grade and my music instructor had told us we could select an instrument to join their orchestra. Eager to share the news with my mother, I told her I wanted to play the viola. She had no hesitation, except for asking me, “Are you sure you want to play the viola? What about the cello?” Because she loves the cello. I responded, “Oh no, I really like the viola!” Shortly thereafter I came home from school and was surprised with a brand-new viola for me to play in the MCCSC orchestra. I was so grateful.

From that moment on, I found a new love for expression, but this time through musicianship. My skillset had advanced significantly as I continued through my senior year of high school. My parents attended every recital and performance. I ‘walked across the gymnasium floor’ as the former MCCSC orchestra conductor Jane A. Gouker said to the students who returned every year until they would graduate high school. Our orchestra had the privilege of performing orchestral movements at Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. I also had the honor of performing first chair in Chattanooga.

Both my parents’ investment in me at an early age has given me the ability to supersede anyone’s perceived expectations of me. Whenever asked if I played basketball in high school, I smirked and would respond, “No, but I play a mean viola”. Most would be surprised and would ask me about how I got started and I always refer to my amazing mother who saw a young girl with a desire to learn and explore.

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

For those who may not know me, my name is Phiona Raffington. I am an American-Jamaican woman from Bloomington, Indiana. I am a student at Indiana University studying Business Administration. I have various passion projects and talents that I would love to share with you today.

Aside from being an alto vocalist, violist, and self-taught pianist. I am also known in my community as a poet and keynote speaker. I pride myself in connecting with my audience, observing the room, facial expressions, and potential pain points to find a solvent balm through my words and vocal inflections. I discovered that whenever there is a need to provide a venue or event with an added touch of elegance, or sophistication, a poet or motivational speaker is desired.

I had the privilege of partnering with Indiana University’s Kelley MBA Program and the “Africa Business Club at Kelley” to perform an original piece centered on African’s lived experience in the United States as they strive for more opportunities. ‘Afro Vibes Night’ showcased music, poetry, fashion and authentic African dishes.

In September 2023, I was requested to be both a business vendor and performing artist at the City of Bloomington’s annual Black Y Brown Arts Festival. This festival was to showcase the creative arts and businesses of African, African-American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans. During the gallery exhibition I performed three original poems about heartbreak and eventual acceptance. On day two, I had my own booth to sell my handcrafted booklets from my Etsy shop “Regal Vision”. Regal Vision is a digital online store on Etsy created by me to give my customers handmade designs with deep transformative words of encouragement in times of need, reflection, and personal development. I created and professionally printed booklets and affirmation artwork that focused on speaking to the inner strength we all have despite various hardships we may face.

For this year’s Black History Month, my original poetry had been selected to be displayed in an exhibit in partnership with the Neal-Marshall Black Cultural Center’s Library and the Cook Center at Maxwell Hall on IU Bloomington’s campus. This elegant event was established to honor the legacy and words of Black poets within the Bloomington community. I performed “Mother Africa”, “Never Forsaken”, and “Black Rose”.

I also was personally requested to speak as the Keynote speaker for the City of Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Banneker Community Center for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This event was to honor members of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission and the Monroe County’s NAACP. I spoke about the legacy of Dr King from my own perspective of the legendary “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. After my speech, I was introduced to political figures and community members that were moved by the event and my words.

I believe what makes me stand out is that I understand how to relate to others from various backgrounds and experiences outside of my own. Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in one pattern of thinking, until you sit down and speak with someone different than you. With different experiences and perspectives. This openness helped me create diverse art. Being able to connect with a wide variety of individuals has shaped me to be a well-rounded woman.

I am most proud of how my artwork and business has empowered my audience and customers. I believe we have all had moments of needing encouragement, and I know my poetry, motivational speeches, and digital designs have done that.

If you resonate with me and my brand, feel free to support my online business on Etsy “Regal Vision” where you will find handcrafted digital designs and booklets centered on healing and self-discovery. These handcrafted designs are luxurious, accessible, and transformative.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I feel that there are often times a slight judgment from non-creatives who may not understand the artistic process of “shifting”. Today I am coining this term, because I have often shifted in my personal endeavors. One minute I am reading at poetry slams, then the next I am promoting my Etsy shop. To those on the outside, it may look very erratic and inefficient. Why not just stick to one thing at a time, or why shift or pivot your direction?

Well, for me at least, as I can not speak for all creatives… I have too many different gifts. Sometimes it can be challenging to pinpoint what you truly want to do for the rest of your natural life when you can do more than one thing. But isn’t the point of growing and developing exploration? If one cannot explore because of the fear of looking a certain way or failing, then there is no room for expansion. I believe my experiences, whether great or small, significant or futile, all serve purpose.

I also am not afraid of looking a certain way if I am being my authentic self. That’s what has been instilled in me at a young age. I believe that more creatives need to embody their artistic truth and the confidence to “shift” at any given moment. It is your life to live, no one else’s.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes, I am a YouTube fanatic. For the past couple years, I have devoured clips, videos, and sermons from the one and only Eric Thomas. Eric is one of the most powerful motivational speakers I have ever come across. His words just resonated with me, and his delivery cut to the core. It was the wake up call I needed.

In entrepreneurship, you must discipline yourself. No one is telling you what to do like a typical 9 to 5 job. You have to go and get it. This requires dedication and focus. But admittedly, that can be difficult to achieve if you have multiple priorities. However, it is important to remember why you started and have (like Eric Thomas says), “Your Why”.

“Your Why” is essential to push you past your pain point whenever you feel like throwing in the towel. It’s the inner still small voice that encourages you to not let up the gas when you want to slow down. It’s the fight to obtain the life you have dreamt about in the moments of solitude. It’s your anchor, your reason, your intrinsic motivation. It’s “Your Why”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://regalvision.etsy.com
• Instagram: regalvision_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phionaraffington

Image Credits

HobbiTT Photography

Phiona Raffington