We recently connected with Solija Mitzi Rian and have shared our conversation below.

Solija Mitzi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

As someone who was unsure of themselves and their path during the first year of college, I thought I would end up somewhere in the STEM field. When you’re around this age and when you’re an immigrant kid from the Philippines, there’s a lot of pressure to have a job that “really” supports you. As a child, I was in touch with a more creative and authentic version of myself. In high school, I totally lost that. It wasn’t until I wrote an essay for an elective class when I was eighteen, that changed everything for me. I remember how mapped out a ton of my peers’ lives were. That genuinely startled me. “What am I doing wrong?” I thought. “Is there some sort of guidebook to make things speed up faster?” I honestly thought the problem was me.

After my professor read my essay, she called me up to speak with her privately. She told me that a bunch of essays were rushed, and many kids didn’t have the energy to proofread. Ironically enough, I laughed in my head because that was also what I had done. She took me by surprise when she told me that I should be a writer. Yeah, I had unnecessary commas everywhere, but she told me that my writing was honest. This was the first time I had heard those words. I remembered how much I enjoyed writing at such a young age. Throughout the years of my adolescence, I wrote solely as a hobby. Letters, diary entries, additions to mom’s grocery list… At that moment, I thought to myself, “why not professionally?” All you really need is one person to believe in you. Although I had just met my professor through this one elective that wasn’t even properly credited, I knew I had obtained my biggest realization yet.

Our essay topic was “Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?” Even though it’s only been four, I know for a fact, that lost, high school Mitzi would be proud. Her writing, thankfully, has dabbled in a few places already.

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

For starters, I’m a twenty-two-year-old Homo sapien. “Thehumansun” is my artist name because I like to spread meaning through a lot of my personal work. My first name “Solija” (soul-ee-yuh) means “sun girl.” I’m a Texas-based multimedia artist, writer, musician, and storyteller. You can find my most recent works in award-winning literary journal Applause and indie publication The Lemon Car Lot. You can also find my latest song ‘June Bug’ on all streaming platforms. The earliest forms of art I was immersed in were my dad’s music, dance, and books from my mom. Growing up around Bob Marley, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, and more, really influenced my love of storytelling and reflecting on life experiences. My brother and I also had a super strict (Jewish or German—I forgot) piano teacher that really instilled in us, the art of practicing and perfecting.

Ballet for several years also taught me life lessons. With dance, I am reminded of the fluidity we have as human beings and how much we’re able to learn on a daily basis. Through the art and cycle of discipline, I was able to get my pointe shoes early. On the flip side, I was also introduced to the toxic “standards” of professional ballet. Until this day, dance also taught me that it’s perfectly okay to quit something you’re not 100% into.

That brings me to my writing and creating. I’ve always had a knack for words, whether it be reading or memorizing. I went to the Spelling Bee Regionals when I was in elementary, competing against high schoolers lol. As I got older, I began to expand my vocabulary/artistry through philosophical books and immersing myself in other forms of art like film, photography, visual art, and drawing. It’s important to take advantage of these resources while you’re young because as you experience more life, you also get to appreciate more angles.

Something that I wish I took more credit for would probably be my persistent work ethic and “getting out of my bubble” as a creative during the weirdest years of life. A big part of who I am and a big part of my artistry revolves around utilizing first-hand experiences to create stories that are unique, intentional, full of humanity, and full of “Solija Mitzi.” Because of this aspect, I’m content with what I have out so far, but at the same time, I’m always willing to grow. Coming from editors & colleagues, one thing that I am most proud of is this (introspective human element) that I’ve always incorporated in my works. Through it all, I’m humbled to be a part of the bigger world through the creation of universal art.

When this interview comes out, I’ll be living in New York! The ability and mentality to really strive for your dreams, even if it takes you somewhere unexpected, is something that gives me hope amid the low times. For new readers, fellow followers, fans, and loved ones, it’s always been a pleasure learning from you every step of the way.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When I think of a “resource,” I think of what we learned back in geography class! Something that has utility and adds value to your life. When I think of the earlier days of my creative journey, I guess you could say that the people in my life during that time, became the source for a lot of things. An old flaw of mine was being so particular about my work, that sometimes, I would forget about soaking in the present moment with the present people; I didn’t really take in the process but wondered religiously about the end goal. A significant chunk of being a creative and human is this element of “acting.” As I grow older, it’s true how much people judge based on appearance and other things. Things that aren’t the core of who we are. A lot of us are actors with our own facades. You have to be wary about human resources because some can take advantage of you and see right through you! I think a lot of us habitually put this acting guard up so we don’t reveal all of ourselves to people. I think that’s how it should be?

I wish I knew earlier that some of the best resources you could trust remain your own kin. There’s SO MUCH that I wanted to know about the lives of those who’ve passed. From my grandma, grandpa, grandma’s sister, to my grandpa’s brother, the stories and lessons that they’ve passed down remain such a massive inspiration to the whole. When you lose someone you love, there’s a tiny portion of your being that feels gone or broken. Simultaneously, however, this part of you that hurts only showcases the natural epitome of living and being human; that which is love.

I enjoy listening to the stories of those around me, and I try to actively take note. From the humorous stories of my parents back in the day, to my little brother’s advice when I’m sad, it’s important to be open to hearing their sides, even when you butt heads. You’ve got to be open to these familial resources–your family–because most times, that’s all we’ve got.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There are a few quotes that I live by. Is anyone here familiar with essayist and philosopher, Henry David Thoreau? In my first year of college, I read an excerpt from him that changed my viewpoint on life. I don’t want to ruin it, so I’ll just drop the name of the essay here. It’s called “Walking.” Walden and Civil Disobedience by Thoreau are also some contenders.

Initially, what attracted me to Thoreau’s words in “Walking,” concerned this philosophy of regarding yourself as a human, a parcel of nature, rather than a member of society. Thoreau’s trying to say that first and foremost, we are ourselves. Instead of inverting our energy into politics, opinion, social media, etc., we need to be there for ourselves first. I remember also this aspect of “walking.” The art of truly walking… Taking a stroll outside and witnessing the beauty in mundane and boring things means, acknowledging. Some of the best things in life can only be seen with our own eyes, and sometimes, we can choose not to take that snapshot. It’s okay if we don’t document it as long as we put it in our hearts and heads. As long as we notice with intention. As long as we try, as long as we keep going, and as long as we see the light in something, things will eventually be okay.

Lastly, I think I’ll end this interview with one of my favorite quotes of all time and a self-explanatory work of art that is so dear to me. CanvasRebel, thanks again for havin’ me!

1. “Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify.” -Thoreau
2. Hands with Reflecting Sphere -M.C. Esher

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thehumansun.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumansun/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/thehumansun
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJOuSAc7UKa-y9vieb9C4_w
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5C6LQ8MLE0gKngPLoGxPzf?si=lmQxeQsbSx-L-_5m34vbFw https://applausejournal.com/solija-mitzi-rian/

Image Credits
2022 © Solija Mitzi Rian All Rights Reserved.