Today we’d like to introduce you to Eddyrose Riley.
Hi Eddyrose, 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?
My name is Eddyrose, I was born and raised in Normal Heights of San Diego. I started drawing when I was about 3 years old. I grew up with my Grandmother who introduced me to pinup art, Marylin Monroe, and all things vintage which became my inspiration for my art and my own personal style. I spent many years creating art. When I was 32 I became a mother and that is when I used my artistic skills and business mindset to really put myself out there. I opened an instagram page, I started posting my art, I made stickers and prints and in one year I gained over 24 thousand followers. During this time, I became a single mother and this is when I put myself back in college. I knew that I needed to do more than just create art. I spent the following 5 years in school to obtain a degree in business while still creating art. I also wrote and illustrated my first children’s book dedicated to my daughter. I plan to publish it this year. By next year I will have 2 more college degrees in behavioral science and communication studies. I also studied Japanese and Spanish language. I want to live up to my full potential and I strive to give my daughter the best life.
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?
It has been an extremely hard road. I grew up in poverty, I never met my biological father and my mother was not in the picture. Although I had my grandmother, she gave me the best life that she could until I was 18. I had to “figure it out” I was lost with no plan. I started college in 2004 and worked for Henry’s Market (known as Sprouts now) I had to choose between work and school and I chose work. I had to pay rent and there were a lot of days I didn’t eat. I lived life on survival mode. I was a paralegal at one point and then I did some accounting work for a company. When I was 25 I lived with my sister and met my daughter’s father when I was 30. I got pregnant early on and we struggled to survive once I had to go on maternity leave. Well into my pregnancy I started to learn that the father of my child was abusive. It took me until she was a year old to finally leave and file a restraining order. From there on, I have built a safe, peaceful life for my daughter and I.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most known for my pinup art with my own modern twist. I specialize in curvy female figure art. I have put my art on cups, shirts, stickers, bookmarks, coasters and plates. I have also wrote and illustrated my own children’s book called “Mia’s October Traditions” dedicated to my daughter about our October traditions and love for Halloween. I plan to take time to focus on more children’s books that focus on single parent relationships. Of all
The art I have done in my 36 years of creating, I am most proud of the book I wrote and illustrated because not only was it one of the most challenging goals I have ever accomplished, it was the most rewarding. I will never forget my daughter’s reaction when she unwrapped her very own copy. Her face lit up with such surprise and joy. In that moment, everything I went through and all that I have accomplished to that point flashed before my eyes. That feeling was the most proudest I’ve ever been of myself.
Any big plans?
Right now while I’m in school, I am planning on offering boho picnic services and pop up wedding proposals soon. I have slowly been building my inventory. I also want to write and illustrate more children’s books focused on single parent relationships. I look forward to reaching all my goals including my next two college degrees.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddyroseart?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddyrose-r-8315b213a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
