Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivan Tarver.
Hi Ivan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have a long story, but I’ll try to keep it as short as possible.
I was born and raised on the west side of Detroit, at Plymouth and Evergreen. I’ve always been creative. I started drawing at the age of three, and art quickly became something I loved. Throughout my life, I used art as a vehicle to open doors and express myself.
My artistic ability helped me earn admission to Cass Technical High School in Detroit. While attending Ferris State University, I continued painting but also discovered a passion for poetry and writing.
After college, my creativity took me to Chicago, where I performed spoken word poetry and worked at Third World Press, one of the oldest Black publishing companies in the United States. That experience deepened my love for literature and storytelling.
After my time at Third World Press, I returned to Detroit, where I met my wife. After we got married and started a family, we launched September Bliss Events, a company that provides event décor and event services for a variety of special occasions.
Today, I’m proud to be a business owner, author, and artist. I’m currently working on my 14th book, and my mission is to continue creating work that inspires, encourages, and leaves a lasting impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to success hasn’t been easy. Choosing a career in the arts isn’t always financially rewarding, and there have been many ups and downs along the way. There were seasons when things were going well, and seasons when I wondered how I would keep moving forward.
One of the most difficult periods of my life came in the same year I lost my mother. While grieving her passing, my wife and I also lost the building where our event business was located. It felt like everything I had worked so hard to build was falling apart at once.
Those experiences tested my faith, my resilience, and my purpose. But they also reminded me why I create. Art, writing, and entrepreneurship have never just been careers for me, they’ve been ways to heal, persevere, and inspire others to keep going, even through life’s hardest moments.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Today, I wear many hats as an artist, author, and entrepreneur. As an artist, I use painting, illustration, and visual storytelling to inspire creativity and express ideas that words alone cannot capture. As an author, I write books that educate, encourage, and empower readers of all ages—from children’s books that build confidence to works that help people navigate grief, healing, and personal growth.
As a business owner and co-founder of September Bliss Events, I help families, organizations, and businesses bring their visions to life through professional event design and décor. Whether creating memorable celebrations or meaningful experiences, my goal is to make every project impactful.
I’m most proud of family. They encourage me, and keep me going.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to successfully live in two very different worlds. I’m both a business owner and an artist, and every day requires me to balance creativity with strategy. One side of my brain is focused on creating, imagining, and telling stories, while the other is focused on planning, budgeting, marketing, and building a successful business.
Navigating both sides isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that my creativity makes me a better entrepreneur, and my business experience allows me to turn my artistic vision into something sustainable. That balance has become one of my greatest strengths and is a big part of who I am.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can support me by buying my books on Amazon. If you are interested in event planning visit sbeventstudio.com.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ivanazaan_theartist
- Facebook: Ivan Tarver
