Check Out Tonya Henderson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Henderson.

Hi Tonya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
I started out as a Graphic Designer, my first job being with WJRT-TV. I also worked with advertising agencies and design studios until I moved out of the area and became a full-time mom and part-time freelance artist. When my children were school-age, I started an after-school art program because there weren’t any art classes at their elementary school. I expanded into other districts and then to teaching adults drawing & painting. I continued to do freelance work and began showing my work in galleries. I’ve also been a very intuitive person, studying metaphysics most of my life. I became a Reverand of the Church of Divine Intervention. I married my intuitive nature with my artwork, creating what I call “Personal Energy Portraits” and began creating these images for clients regionally. 

In 2019, I opened an Etsy shop that has allowed me to create these images for others across the country. 

I’m currently in the process of release preparation for two books. “99 Ways to Market and Earn a Living as a Full-Time Artist” Ideas for selling your paintings, and “Acrylic Painting” A Beginners Guide to Tools, Materials, and Working with Color. 

I’ve spent the last three years working with other artists as a coach and business development mentor. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first struggle came when I found myself a single mom when my children were still very young. I wanted to be the best mom I could be, providing for them, attending school events, allowing them to participate in sports and extracurricular events, while also working towards building my business. The next struggle came when they had both graduated and became adults. Freeing up my time to build the business, but at a loss as to how to grow it. It took some trial and error before I married my intuitive side with my artwork. 

I had stopped pursuing freelance work as the teaching had grown into painting workshops at galleries and art guilds. 

Then, I opened a brick-and-mortar shop with my sister for our art and teaching and listed our inventory on the Etsy platform. 

My art at that time had grown to include reclaimed items repurposed in an artistic way. I found that the business had grown enough to make it virtually impossible to create my own art but not enough to hire someone to take over the day-to-day operation of it. I decided it was not the life I wanted and went back to the drawing board, so to speak. 

The next struggles were simpler than the previous struggles and yet in some ways more profound. 

I struggled with “what’s next”. I wasn’t willing to give up on my art, and yet I felt like I’d hit a wall. For a moment, I gave it up and began writing poetry, short stories, and my first book. 

That’s when things shifted. A college friend called me up and asked for my help with her art shows. These were not the usual type of shows one thinks about as “Art Shows.” They were simply events that she used to sell her art. This opened my eyes to a new possibility, and I began creating “Personal Energy Portraits.” 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a full-time artist/painter, business coach for other painters, and writer. I’ve been creating Personal Energy Portraits for about a decade or so, which is my specialty. I’m known in the regional spiritual community for my work as a spirit artist. What sets me apart from other spirit artists is that I was a professional artist prior to entering this arena and that I paint the visions I see of someone while reading their energy. I can do what others do, like the painting of guides and angels, but the Portraits are unique to me. I’m really excited about each one I create as they are like little gifts of awareness to those who receive them. I’m proud to be of service to others in this way. It’s the most meaningful work I have done in my entire career. 

I also paint large-scale, spiritually motivated artworks that include symbolism and the fluidity of energy. These works are available in my own “Creative Spirit Studios” Gallery and Classroom and the occasional partner gallery. 

I’m proud of myself for pursuing a creative career, and in this moment that includes these next two books I’m getting ready to launch. Plus, I have several others I will be working on finishing over the coming year. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
I grew up in the county surrounded by nature and loved walking through the fields, discovering plants and flowers, climbing the cedar tree to read, and riding my bicycle down the dirt road and trails. I love being outside in nature, watching the birds, smelling the pine needles, and digging in the dirt. These things I have continued to do all my life, only now I take along my sketchbook and watercolors creating images of the plants and flowers I find and then researching them to understand things like how they got their name, which are edible, which are medicine, and what makes a good tea. I love planting flower gardens, vegetable gardens, or arranging stones within my property. 

Pricing:

• 6×6″ Personal Energy Portrait – $111
• 12×12″ Personal Energy Portrait – $165
• 5×7″ Spirt Guide Painting – $99
• 8×10″ Spirit Guide Painting – $165
• Weekly Art Bus. Coaching – $65 month

Contact Info:

• Website: Tonya-Henderson.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeSpiritStudios/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-henderson-css
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/creativespiritstudios & PaintingPoet.Etsy.com

Image Credits
Katie Rollyson
Sal Padalino