Chasing Dreams: How Obsidian People Became My Journey to Empower Black Creatives

I remember the exact moment Obsidian People went from being a wild dream to something I couldn’t ignore any longer. I was sitting in my living room, the house unusually quiet for a change—probably because my kids were off doing their thing, and I had a rare moment to myself. As I scrolled through social media, watching artists and creatives like myself hustling to get their work seen, something hit me: Where is the space for us? I mean, really for us—a space where Black creatives can show up fully, without feeling like they need to fit into someone else’s box. In that moment, I knew I had to create it. That spark of inspiration turned into what is now Obsidian People, a community where Black culture, creativity, and authenticity are the heartbeat.

The Birth of a Dream

Growing up, art was always a big part of my life. My father, Odes, is an artist from Toledo, Ohio, and he opened my eyes to the beauty and strength of Black culture early on. Through him, I saw how art could tell our stories, celebrate our people, and push boundaries. But I also noticed how often Black artists struggled to find their place in a world that didn’t always value their work or their voices. I watched my mom help my dad with his gallery, putting together events, and getting the business to move forward. It was amazing to see and left me wanting to find how I can be a part of this and use my gifts to keep this going.

I took that memory and my passion to  build it into Obsidian People. But let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. Balancing my role as a wife, mother of four, and entrepreneur? That’s a daily juggling act. Fear of failing? Oh, that’s been a constant companion. But when the dream is bigger than the fear, you keep going. It wasn’t just about me—it was about creating a space for us. For our stories, for our culture, for our art.

Overcoming Barriers

Let’s be real: Being a Black creative comes with its own set of challenges. Systemic racism and discrimination are everyday realities. According to studies, 64% of Black artists have experienced discrimination, and 71% have faced racism in their careers. On top of that, Black-led organizations are often operating on shoestring budgets, with 75% working with less than $500,000 and only 4% receiving the foundation grants they deserve.

I’ve felt those challenges, too. When I started Obsidian People, there were financial hurdles and the question of sustainability, but I pushed through because I knew this was bigger than me. It was about representation—only 12% of artistic directors and a mere 4% of museum directors are Black. Those numbers don’t reflect the immense talent and leadership in our community, and I wanted to do my part in changing that.

Building the Community

Obsidian People wasn’t just about creating an art platform. It was about building a community where Black creatives could feel seen, valued, and celebrated. I wanted a space where we could tell our stories and control our narratives. Art isn’t just an escape—it’s healing. We wanted everyone to know their art matters.

Imagine a room full of artists, each one unique. That's what we aimed for. A community where you can share your work without fear. A place where your voice is heard and valued.

We know the struggles. Many Black artists face discrimination and bias. It's tough, but we can overcome it together. We wanted to change that narrative. By building this community, we provide support and encouragement.

Community-driven initiatives have a big impact. Studies show they improve mental health and wellbeing. They help reduce stress and anxiety. When you feel supported, you can create freely. That's what Obsidian People is all about.

We celebrate every win, big or small. It's about lifting each other up. When one of us succeeds, we all do. 

This community is a testament to the power of coming together.

So, join us. Share your art, your story, your dreams. 

Staying Authentic and Pushing Past Fear

Look, I’ve had my share of sleepless nights wondering if I’m doing the right thing. Starting a business is hard. Starting a business that challenges the status quo and puts Black creatives front and center? Even harder. But I’ve learned that the moment you start doubting yourself is the moment you need to lean into your vision even more.

Authenticity has always been at the core of what I do. It’s what drives me, even when the fear creeps in. I’ve realized that if you stay true to yourself and your vision, you’ll attract the people who resonate with your mission. That’s how I’ve built Obsidian People—by staying true to the vision, even when the road gets rough.

The Power of Obsidian People

At its heart, Obsidian People is about empowerment. It’s about giving Black creatives the tools, the platform, and the encouragement to chase their dreams unapologetically. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing so many talented artists step into their power because they finally have a space that uplifts and celebrates them. Seeing the success stories that have come out of this community is beyond rewarding. We partner with non-profit organizations, like Unbounded Artist who do amazing work in our community. OPC sister Company Harper Assists helps get their message across, and keep their social media update with all their community events.

Like the time an out of state artist, who had been quietly working on her craft for years, wanted to be a part of OPC after talking to her on TikTok we collabaration on our platform and did a creative corner blog to showcase her art on this side of the country. I had a sense of pride and celebration in my community, people of all creative backgrounds wanted to be in our Creative Corner Youtube interviews and be featured in our blogs, even though I’ve stopped the Creative Corners temporarily . It’s a reminder of why I started this journey—to make sure our voices are heard, our art is valued, and our culture is celebrated.

Reflection

Starting Obsidian People has changed me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It’s pushed me to grow as a business owner, a leader, and a person. But more than anything, it’s shown me the power of community and the importance of chasing a dream, no matter how big or impossible it may seem. It has been a life-changing journey. It’s not just about me; it's about all of us. The community we've built is strong and vibrant. We’ve faced many challenges, but we’ve also seen incredible growth.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You don’t need all the answers. You just need to take the first step, stay true to yourself, and trust that the rest will follow. Fear is natural, but letting it stop you isn’t an option. If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my journey, it’s that you don’t have to have everything figured out to start. You just have to start.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been holding back on a dream, waiting for the perfect moment—let me tell you, the perfect moment doesn’t exist. Start now. Stay authentic, push past the fear, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision. If I can turn my dream into reality, so can you.

Together, we can build spaces that uplift our communities, celebrate our culture, and empower us to live fully and authentically. Let’s keep creating, dreaming, and supporting one another.

The world needs what you have to offer. Don’t wait—chase it.