We were lucky to catch up with Stells recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stells , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Since my youth, I’ve been captivated by the pursuit of knowledge, personal growth, and artistic evolution across various mediums. Creativity is an innate part of me, a defining characteristic that has shaped my life. Throughout my journey, I’ve been drawn to a concept I call the “light.” This ethereal realm serves as my sanctuary during creative endeavors, whether in the studio, on the canvas, designing graphic art, or on stage. It’s a realm where inspiration flows effortlessly, a gift bestowed upon me at birth.

My path hasn’t been without challenges. Childhood and adolescence presented obstacles that deviated from conventional narratives. I endured a difficult childhood marked by abusive parents, which fueled my artistic expression. Art became my escape, a way to confront and process repeated traumas.

As I reflect on my life, I realize that I’ve overcome numerous obstacles, including an abusive first marriage, homelessness, surviving addiction, life with disabilities, health challenges, and single parenthood. Despite these setbacks, I managed to rise above them, reclaim my passion, and transform it into a fulfilling career. I’ve found meaning and purpose in all of it.

Creativity has been my steadfast companion through my darkest hours. Growing up with “show parents” was a challenging experience, but I’ve learned to reclaim my creative gifts and passion for artistic expression beyond mere career advancement. It has transcended into a higher purpose—a means of empowering, inspiring, and potentially serving as an example to others who have faced similar circumstances. If I’ve found healing, there’s hope for them as well.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am known as Stella the Bard, a multifaceted creative individual. My diverse interests include musical songwriting, singing, instrumental performance, abstract expressionist painting, fashion design, modeling, acting, choreography, music production, and more. I have often been referred to as a virtuoso since i was a little girl because of my fascination with creative outlet in so many areas. Musically I am the driving force behind the alternative rock band Method to the Madness, I also embody the electronic project The Velvet Crush. Additionally, I am recognized as the Artist EdRH and DaVincia di Rossi for my abstract expressionist artistry.
Beyond my artistic pursuits, I am the Founder and Chief Executive Producer of RH Media, a digital media company co-founded with my business and life partner. Also I host THOR Radio, a talk show dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and people.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As a survivor of human trafficking and domestic violence, I advocate for victims’ rights and champion LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. My diverse experiences have made me dedicated to positive societal impact. During Hurricane Stan, a friend’s words inspired me: “Now is a different time, not the time you expect, and we must be here now.” Amidst the mudslides and estrangement from my family in Guatemala, I was going through an abusive first marriage and alone with my son. I was able to escape to safety with friends while in the midst of a national disaster for the first time in my life, the dire situation in Santiago Atitlan, where indigenous and foreign communities were uniting to save those buried alive. It made me realize to power of the human spirit and see the best and worst of humanity all at once.
Inspired, I dedicated myself to helping. I worked with the Gringo Soup Kitchen, donated our gardens, sang to medical crews and volunteers, and witnessed humanity’s beauty during a crisis. After the hurricane, I transitioned to local nonprofits and participated in community projects around Lake Atitlan.

This led me to reevaluate my life both personally and creatively. After a returning stateside I reevaluated my artistic expression and returned to music in 2017. In 2018, I founded a nonprofit called The House of Rossi, and developed the concept of Art with Heart, aiming to assist communities through music and creative networks.

However, the organization faced challenges, and the community didn’t align with my mission. Relocating, I leveraged my growing audience to advocate for various causes through my diverse artistic channels, where I found acceptance and continued to advocate. Every experience and person I met shaped me, as I firsthand witnessed the hardships, alienation, and struggles faced by many and endured my own from within a broken system, that has far to many grey areas and cracks. Unlike most volunteers who come from a place of wanting to help their fellow humankind out of mere kindheartedness, I’ve been there myself. I believe it’s empowering when someone rises above their circumstances and returns to serve those society overlooks.

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

Knowing and cultivating my sense of self-worth has been a journey of self-discovery and acceptance throughout my life. I have grappled with the notion that my worth was contingent upon my productivity and the reactions of others.
Growing up in a household where constant pressure to perform and achieve perfection damaged my self-esteem. The process of unlearning the need for external approval and embracing constructive criticism was arduous because of all the repeat trauma I endured. I frequently faced criticism regarding my appearance, and my accomplishments were often diminished. Consequently, I had to develop the ability to celebrate my own achievements and recognize my inherent worth as I got older.

Years of therapy, self-reflection, life lessons, loss, betrayals and creative outlets have been instrumental in my journey of self-discovery. While I acknowledge that I am not perfect, I have come to recognize that perfection is an unattainable ideal. Instead, I have learned to embrace my uniqueness and recognize that I am the only individual capable of being my authentic self.

I feel like this principle extends to others, as each person possesses their own special talents and gifts that contribute to the tapestry of the human experience.

Perspective is everything and it all depends how you use that perspective. It is not an easy path to cultivate self-assurance when one has endured repeat trauma and depression. There are days when life feels frustrating and overwhelming, but there are also moments when I experience a profound sense of fulfillment and joy.

The ongoing process of unlearning toxic habits and influences, setting better boundaries, ending toxic relationships and behaviors is a constant challenge, but the pursuit of peace of mind within is a worthwhile endeavor, as toxicity can stifle creativity and hinder personal growth.

We are all a work in progress.
And each day is a gift depending on what you choose to do with it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fineartamerica.com/art/estella+di+rossi+hurst
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellshellsbells/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFyi3GkGWVCdZlfoxDmI75w
• Other: https://www.bonfire.com/store/locowear/