We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Toni Weathers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Toni below.
Toni, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
After experiencing an unjust job loss, I faced the challenge of losing a 6 figure position and a stable place to live in one of the nation’s priciest cities. With no immediate family support nearby, I made the bold decision to bet on myself and dive into a career in art. Although I had reservations about my preparedness, I realized that I had poured a tremendous amount of time and effort into a company that viewed me solely as a statistic. This realization ignited a new passion for pursuing my personal aspirations. Despite lingering uncertainty, a fortunate call invited me to participate in a transformative project—painting homes for the homeless. In that moment, it struck me that I was on the verge of not only turning my passion into a source of income but also making a tangible impact on people’s lives. This unexpected opportunity, born out of someone noticing my talent online, sparked introspection: What if I fully committed?
Armed with newfound determination, I launched into a rigorous journey of honing my artistic abilities, honing in on the core of my purpose, and orchestrating a strategic overhaul of my business. The dormant corporation, established in 2017 but largely inactive, emerged as a crucial asset, propelling me into the realm of a full-time artist.
Fast forward two years, and I now find myself deeply immersed in this artistic endeavor. However, the landscape has undergone a profound transformation. I’ve crossed state lines, expanded into international markets, gained the support of notable figures, and become a source of reciprocity, giving back to my community in profoundly impactful ways.
This chapter of my life stands as a testament to the boundless rewards that come from daring to believe in one’s own potential. Each brushstroke, each impassioned creation, serves as a testament to the untapped reservoir of potential within us all, waiting for the catalyst of audacity and self-belief. This journey has not been without its challenges. Transitioning from a nine-to-five job to a relentless 24/7 endeavor was tough. The path was not always smooth, and success was not guaranteed. However, my mission propelled me forward. Through careful adjustments and a more conservative lifestyle, I pressed on, determined to build my career and realize my vision. And so, the fruits of that bold bet continue to materialize—expanding across states, entering international arenas, garnering the attention of luminaries, and contributing meaningfully to my community—all achieved through unwavering dedication and hard work.
Toni, 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?
Toni Weathers’ journey into the world of art began at a tender age of four, guided by the nurturing influence of her grandmother. With this early introduction, Toni’s artistic path was set. Following her formal education, Toni embarked on her career as a professional artist in the vibrant city of New York. In 2017, she established Authentic Expression, a platform designed to foster a judgment-free space where artists can freely express their voices through their art. Known for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, Toni Weathers has emerged as a leading figure of her generation. Her artistic vision has garnered recognition on a global scale. Since extending her reach to Los Angeles, Toni’s creations have graced esteemed platforms like FOX’s flagship show “JHud with Jennifer Hudson” and the ModaSucker Podcast with Michael Blackson, among others. Her client roster boasts luminaries such as Ellen Degeneres, Jason Lee, and the Floyd Mayweather family. Toni’s works have found homes in both solo and group exhibitions across the world.
As a dynamic creative force, Toni’s artistic journey has encompassed various phases, resulting in a diverse skill set and a unique perspective. With an expanding network and a desire to inspire like-minded individuals, Toni transformed Authentic Expression into The TW Group, a creative agency that now encompasses her full range of talents. The TW Group specializes in murals, wall art, graphic design, staging/set design, and interior/exterior decor. Always forward-thinking, Toni’s team is consistently on the lookout for the next engaging project.
For Toni, art transcends personal boundaries. It serves as a vehicle for education and inspiration, enabling individuals to shape their own destinies through self-expression. Creativity has been Toni’s anchor and beacon of hope, offering solace and purpose in myriad ways. The joy of extending that same hope and opportunity to others is her greatest reward. Toni thrives on bringing forth visions that once seemed unimaginable.
The iconic elephant, a signature of Toni’s work, stands as a powerful symbol encouraging young, black entrepreneurs to stand tall and take up space, regardless of the challenges they may face. These gentle giants represent wisdom, great fortune, love, and strength. Each meticulously crafted design embodies these traits. Just like elephants, the brand fosters a tight-knit familial bond and places the community at its core. The commitment of this brand is to provide loyalty, stability, and security, offering a sanctuary for creativity and expression.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
When NFTs initially emerged, I was unfamiliar with the concept. One day, I decided to delve deeper and ended up creating a collection of 5000 pieces. It was a significant learning experience, requiring me to self-teach design techniques and coding to navigate the process of selling them. It was a formidable task, as it demanded a lot of effort. Initially, it seemed like a passing trend to me, and I didn’t fully grasp its potential value for artists. However, upon discovering its potential, I realized it’s a powerful tool for generating passive income and contributing to generational wealth. Creating an NFT involves more than just the artwork; it’s about building an entire brand. It necessitates dedicated time and effort to ensure your work receives the recognition it deserves. It’s certainly not an overnight success, especially as NFTs gained popularity. Nevertheless, it stands as a remarkable tool, one that requires thorough research to truly harness its potential. As we continue to progress in technology, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of NFTs.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to relearn that in the world of Art, it truly takes a community. This lesson became clear when I joined my graffiti crew and experienced the unparalleled support they offered right from the beginning. Despite having held management positions in corporate jobs for many years where delegation was key, I oddly struggled with applying the same principle in my art endeavors. It often left me feeling isolated, even though there were plenty of artists out there who were more than willing to lend a hand with supplies, education, or an extra pair of hands—crucial support, especially in an unfamiliar city. When I moved to California with just my dog, having a crew of over 15 people to turn to for assistance was nothing short of amazing. Their support not only bolstered me personally but also propelled my art career forward. They helped with critical aspects like negotiation, pitching, pricing, techniques, contracts, teaching, and countless other invaluable contributions. It’s shown me that collaboration and community are the lifeblood of artistic growth and building a business. Aside from partnering with people in my specific field, I also partnered with people in tech to explore all the ways art is advancing and I had to learn to keep up as technology advances and the significance it has in the art world. Also the significance of creating spaces for passive income to create a sustainable life as a creative. Partnering with America on tech and Mr.Fascinate resulted in the NFT collection and an event/production studio.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toniweathers.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/toniweathers_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToniWeathers2
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-weathers-b6a24913b
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@toniweathers?_t=8gW53Eo3PoY&_r=1
Image Credits
Bryan Proctor Steph Paul