We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tyeshia Petrie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyeshia, thanks for joining us 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.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my life was parting ways with a company in the early stages of my career without having a backup plan. While I am an artist and writer dedicated to sharing my art with the world, I also have a fulfilling career in content marketing, currently working as an Audience Development Specialist. During what I consider the planting stage of solidifying my professional path, I was dealing with a range of negative emotions internally. I traveled two hours to my job location and back home every day, giving my all to my daily duties, and believed my work spoke for itself. I handled all the day-to-day tasks of social media and email marketing for the business I was employed at, and I thoroughly enjoyed what I did. However, friction in my work environment began to mount, and the tension became too much to bear. After being pushed to what I considered the edge, I had to make a decision—and I chose myself.

Reflecting on that period, I realize there were different signs urging me to trust my process and not worry about where I would land. After leaving that job, I took the time to focus on what I genuinely wanted to do for my career, and slowly but surely, everything came together. Two months later, I started a role that allowed me to grow and expand my ideas of what was possible for my life. I also invested more time and energy into my artwork and blog, Trust the Transformation. Today, here I am, being interviewed—never having imagined that my life would come to this.

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 back background and context?

Thinking back to my younger years and fast-forwarding to the present day, I recognize how creativity has always been a major part of my life. Whether working on a school project, doodling at home for fun, or simply feeling inclined to create, I always made space to do that. In the professional realm, as I mentioned before, I currently work as an Audience Development Specialist. I love my job because I’m encouraged to use my creative edge to develop unique content ideas that my target audience will enjoy reading and engaging with.

When it comes to creating artwork, an elective class I took in college pushed me to take my art more seriously. After focusing so much on structured courses to shape my future career, I recall feeling refreshed in being able to take a class that resonated with me and reminded me of a true love of mine. Combining this passion with another craft I hold dearly—writing—one day it dawned on me to start my blog, Trust the Transformation. On this platform, I share my various pieces of artwork and the inspiration behind them, along with encouraging messages that relate to each piece.

I’ve been told that my writings are touching and motivating, so I wanted to create a platform where people from every corner of the Earth can access them, along with the wisdom from life experiences I feel guided to share. My purpose is to let others know it is welcome and encouraged to be yourself, boldly for the world to see. We all have unique gifts, paths, and experiences that mold us into the amazing beings we are and should be embraced.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being both an artist and a creative is the connection you build with others through your work. Whenever I meet or engage with a peer pursuing their dreams, I naturally feel a mutual sense of understanding about the love we share for what we do creatively. Beyond that, I find joy in knowing that my creations profoundly resonate with someone and can spark something new within them.

Many times on this journey, I have counted myself out and minimized the importance of what I do because I didn’t always receive the reception I had anticipated. It’s not the best mindset to have when putting yourself out there, and I’ve recognized my flaws in having that attitude. However, there are moments when it becomes clear to me that someone may have needed to see what I shared on a particular day, or that they like to keep up with what I’m doing because I inspire them.

Outside of my innate desire to keep going for myself, receiving that type of feedback reminds me why I’m truly doing any of this in the first place. The mission has always been bigger than me, and those instances show me that I’m just a vessel being used.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

The main thing I think non-creatives generally struggle to understand about the journey of being a creative, not just for myself but for others as well, is that it is one of the hardest paths to choose, especially professionally. While everyone enjoys listening to their favorite playlist, binge-watching the latest trending show, or hanging art decor in their homes, the people involved in creating these experiences put their blood, sweat, and tears into making them happen.

For those who genuinely love their craft, it’s understood that beyond the dedication and hard work required to reach a particular level of expertise, success also depends on people connecting with and supporting what you do. It’s not a linear path with a guaranteed favorable outcome. A lot of mental fortitude and self-belief are needed to start and stay consistent in pursuing your goals.

When you see someone pursuing an unconventional path—specifically a creative one—even if you don’t personally align with their work, encourage them and celebrate their bravery. Not everyone is built to thrive within the traditional confines of what society deems the “right” or “best” career path, and that’s okay. Creatives are the ones who allow us to escape the mundane routines of life and transport us into a world of artistic fun and expression. That contribution should always be recognized for how great it truly is.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trustthetransformation.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebelleffect
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trustthetransformation/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyeshia-petrie/
• Other: Blog Instagram: www.instagram.com/trustthetransformation

Image Credits

Lance Davidson