We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rashira Gomez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rashira, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
The biggest risk that I’ve taken is the bet on myself.
Being someone who’s called to many different mediums can be overwhelming and challenging when identifying what’s your purpose and what you want out of life.
My life has always called me to a creative side of life, where color and excitement live. The road of betting on yourself and having faith that it’ll all work out isn’t always the easiest and the challenges will always test your dedication but what pays off is fulfilling projects, seeing their impact on you and others, and being rewarded for your creations.
I’ve grown many skills that have generated a lot of that through my paintings, jewelry making, tarot reading, sound bowl healing, and trust so much more. Having all that under my belt has helped me come to realize that my passion is putting my healing art out there for me to share in whatever form and for others to see themselves clearly through it.
The way it’s turned out? Let’s just say that I don’t see myself living any other life than the one I’m in now. I’m happy to live a colorful life of figuring out what I truly love, what I want to artistically share with the world, and how to live freely and abundantly in the building of that.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Rashira Gomez, artistically known as ShiRa. Born and raised in Inwood, Manhattan. I like to introduce myself as an artist and an alchemist because everything I create is intentional, healing, and magical. I’m in various industries with varying skills, including fashion, music, and art. I was introduced to them throughout middle school, high school, and college art classes.
I first learned designing, painting, and pastel work in middle school and later went on to Fashion Industries where I learned to design and construct clothes from scratch. In college, I focused on oil painting and experimented with other mediums like screenprinting and ceramics.
I started my first business 2 years ago. First, in tarot reading because of my intuitive gifts, read for many, and aligned them with intentional crystal jewelry I’ve made. Then held both individual and group sound healing circles to teach people how to introduce and incorporate holistic practices in their every day to improve their quality of life. Started selling my paintings and now plan to keep sharing my many modalities with the world as I grow in them.
What I want my community and potential clients to know is that my mission besides getting to my highest self is about helping guide you to your truest and highest self whether that be through a read, a painting, a piece, or a simple conversation.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ll never not be me. I won’t stop creating and sharing my art, spreading love, good vibes, and building a strong, unified, and creative community.
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.
The thing that I believe non-creatives will struggle to understand about a creative journey is that many don’t have a clear and concise picture of what success looks like for them.
Some days will be productive, creative, and one might not have to worry about much. On other days, we’re figuring out where our next check will come from, whether we’re crazy for following a dream that others may not ever get, or if our art is worth the risk.
An artist simply just knows that they love creating and that if they dedicate themselves to it, it can eventually pay them back in multiple ways, including money. Some people are not content with a non-creative life and that is okay, we shouldn’t condemn or judge because we all require and desire different things in life.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
What drives my creative journey is the potential of creating more spaces for artists like myself to showcase their work. To create and host spaces where one can network and build on their brand/themselves. I want to create a community that can trust one another to collaborate and to innovate art and life in ways we may not be able to do alone. My goal is to get to a space of financial, mental, and physical stability that’ll allow me to focus on creating products, services, and spaces that’ll bring me and others joy and ideas of betterment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shirathesol.com
- Instagram: @shirathesol @rashirag
- Twitter: @shirathesol