We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tauhidah Lovings. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tauhidah below.

Tauhidah, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed and introduced to your audience. My life journey has required resilience and required a good measure of risk taking. I am currently in the process of taking a huge risk as I launch a non-profit named to honor my two adult children utilizing their middle names. 61% of Houstonians currently live in a food desert. In simple terms, a food desert is an area where it is difficult for people to access fresh and healthy food. In food deserts, grocery stores with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods are often far away or not easily reachable for the people who live there. This can make it challenging for them to maintain a balanced and healthy diet which leads to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health issues.

Aiyanna & Addison Foundation will tackle food deserts and work to eliminate housing insecurity related to systemic poverty. Many of our fellow Houstonians struggle daily with housing insecurity. Additionally, one critical area of focus will be removing the stigma from mental health treatment in BIPOC communities. Untreated or undiagnosed mental health conditions can have severe consequences, impacting one’s overall well-being, relationships, work or school performance, and quality of life. It can also contribute to the cycle of intergenerational trauma within BIPOC communities.

By addressing these systemic issues via a three-pronged comprehensive approach, we will see an immediate positive impact to the clients we serve. My strong project management, human resources expertise, and philanthropic heart combined in concerted efforts with Aiyanna & Addison Foundation partners will be the catalyst that people desperately need the help to move them forward.

Tauhidah, 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 am the Head of Talent – DEI Leader with a multinational beauty brand which allows me to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. I have 20+ years working across diverse industries. Additionally, I am a skilled training facilitator, thriving artist, non-profit owner, and open mic poet. I carry many titles, but my most cherished titles are mother, daughter, and friend. I founded Grace Joy Artistry during the pandemic in August 2020. Launching a new business in uncertainty required extreme courage & focus.
What sets Tauhidah apart is not just her courage & focus, but Tauhidah’s unwavering passion for her art. She pours her heart and soul into every piece, infusing it with a depth of emotion that transcends the canvas. Whether it’s a stunning abstract canvas embellished with fire glass that seems to breathe with life or a vibrant mixed media piece that transports you to another world, her work is a testament to her boundless creativity.

But Tauhidah’s artistry extends beyond the realm of traditional mediums. Tauhidah embraces innovation and pushes boundaries, effortlessly blending digital techniques with traditional forms to create truly groundbreaking pieces. Her ability to seamlessly merge the tangible and the virtual is a testament to her forward-thinking approach and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

Grace Joy Artistry, under the visionary ownership of Tauhidah Lovings, is a symphony of color, emotion, and innovation that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Join me in celebrating the brilliance of Tauhidah and allow her artistry to ignite your imagination and inspire your own creative journey.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Sharing your business with family, friends, and colleagues will generate orders and propel your business via word of mouth. Participating in local art shows has served as a wonderful tool to introduce my business to art collectors and fellow artists. Art shows provide a wonderful opportunity to explain the creative process and introduce the mission of your art business to your ideal client.

Social media is also a great avenue to connect with potential art collectors. One great tip for growing your clientele is sharing your digital business card when in public settings. This will help introduce a potential art collector to you & your business. Contacting local galleries, restaurants, and office buildings for potential partnerships and exhibit opportunities. I would also recommend connecting with other local artists for collaboration opportunities, best practices, and sharing lessons learned.

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

In May 2018, my beautiful, active mother suffered a TBI and massive stroke which impacted her mobility, speech, and life functions. She was rushed into immediate surgery and spent weeks in ICU, then transferred to a regular room for an additional two weeks. Upon her release from the hospital, I became her primary caregiver. We experienced many barriers to obtaining adequate stroke recovery care. I had to leave my third-floor unit as there was no elevator. Every time my mother needed to leave for appointments, we would have to contact the local firehouse for assistance.

As I searched for adequate wheelchair accessible housing, we experienced housing insecurity and lived for months in a hotel. I had to take a mental health leave from my administrative role with the school district. During this period, I focused on improving my mental health, establishing a care plan, and finding medical providers for my mom. I worked tirelessly to find resources for which she qualified and began transporting her to medical, speech, and physical therapy appointments.

When my mother was released from the hospital, she could not walk or talk. I am happy to report today that my mother continues to improve. Her speech therapy was effective in improving her speech. While she is primarily in a wheelchair, physical therapy has given her the ability to walk for short periods with the support of a cane. We are currently researching stem cell trials for TBI/Stroke patients. I thank God that her life was spared. I owe my resilience to my relationship with Our Great Creator, God. I am incredibly thankful for my support system of friends, family, and colleagues. The daily phone calls, texts, and prayers served as a consistent reminder that God had the final say regarding my mom’s recovery. I was empowered with supernatural strength to persevere in face of incredible trauma and uncertainty.

Contact Info:

• Website: artbytauhidah.wixsite.com/gracejoyartistry
• Other: 470-295-9001 [email protected]
• Digital Business Card: https://www.poplme.co/gracejoyartistry
• Wearable Art: https://www.legaleriste.com/en/grace.joy.artistry
• Art Inspired Products: www.redbubble.com/people/TauhidahLoving/shop