We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thais Mills a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Thais thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I was 9 and mom moved next door to Sally Ann Roberts who was a veteran News Anchor and I was enthralled to watch her get ready for work. How she told stories was so inspiring.
Her dedication to wake up so early to share local stories was so exciting. My own mother (Louise Doley) serviced the community as a Pharmacist and her loyalty to community health was empowering to watch.
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 background and context?
When my parents were set to divorce I thought writing one love poem would bring them back together. Needless to say it didn’t work but they loved the poem so much it sparked a fire in me to never stop writing. Fast forward to moving next door to my all time favorite media diva, “Sally Ann Roberts” was the icing on the cake. She invited me into her home and I was invited to simply shadow her. As a 10yr old it was a BEST TIME EVER! I went on to teach “Creative Writing’ at NORD at 15 and one day the Art Teacher was out and it was my to instruct groups of 5-6 yr olds. We painted colorful magnets and the rest is “herstory”… I would go on to paint elaborate magnets for every celebrity I interviewed. Now in 2022 I’ve created a brand that embraces Abstract Art just how a New Orleans Artist should.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Hurricane Katrina. I was the most published African American Female and a media guest for Essence Music Fest and in one day I was in a new city (Houston, Texas) with nothing to my name.. My dad came to where I was in Houston, walked up to me sitting alone on the bench and said, ” Everything you need to succeed is on that bench with you. ”
I was alone on that bench and I never forgot that moment my father poured his infinite wisdom into me on that dark day.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The community is a blank canvas to an emerging artist. Visit your local City Hall and ask where is your Art Department and inquire how you can infuse your artistic individualistic. Discover what is happening in your area and how can your art help build it out and make it bigger than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ThaisFlowers.com
- Instagram: @ThaisFlowers
- Facebook: @ThaisFlowersStore
- Linkedin: Thais Mills
- Twitter: @LipServiceInk
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/
lipserviceink - Other: www.BibbyGumbo.com – ww
w.LipServiceInk.com are also my dream jobs!
Image Credits
Thais Mills