Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Summiel.
Hi Elisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
2020 was a big shift for a lot of people, myself included. I took a huge leap of faith and walked away from my full-time job to pursue entrepreneurship. It was both an easy and hard decision to make, but I am so glad I did.
Today is a God dream. I’ve always wanted to work for myself and have the space to create art that I am passionate about. I’m able to participate in Pop up events all over San Diego and bring my products and personality into spaces that wouldn’t otherwise show that representation. It’s so important to me that I am able to break through that barrier and bring some black girl magic to San Diego.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I left a pretty toxic work environment despite being told to have a backup plan or to wait it out— as if it would ever get better. I think people are discouraged to pursue what they love because of comfort, but there’s no comfort in toxicity. You can handle only so much before it takes a toll on your mental and emotional health. I made a choice that has ultimately kept me alive. I was losing my joy and decided my health was more important than any job. If the pandemic has taught us anything, life is fleeting. Take those chances and choose yourself every time.
Of course, choosing that path comes with its financial struggles, especially living in San Diego. Pandemic, gas prices, food prices, rent, and giving up the structure of a 9-5 to work in the chaos of a 24/7.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a digital illustrator. I thrive in empowering Black women through my art in the form of wellness journals, coloring books, greeting cards, and bookmarks. It’s been great to see more representation from companies that were seemingly forced to re-evaluate their diversity practices. My goal is for representation to be in the main show, not just here to tick a box.
I’ve had the pleasure of creating illustrations for companies like GoFundMe and DivaCup that focused on Black women in kindness, maternal health awareness, and the effects of birth control and periods. I am so proud to have a voice that can be heard through art.
My illustrations and products highlight women in their joy through affirmations and positive messaging. Our wellness is important because we’re expected to be strong, Black women all the time, but honestly, we just want to be. We want to exist in a world that accepts us and encourages us and listens to us and affirms us and lets us be us. I create for that purpose and hope that everyone who comes across my website or meets me at a pop-up event, or receives a gift from a friend with my items feels that acceptance.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I listen to a lot of different podcasts and love reading books. Not sure if they all are essential to my business, but they’re great for keeping me entertained while working from home. A few of my favorite podcasts are Code Switch, Dropping Gems with Devi Brown, Here’s the Thing, Creative Pep Talk (this one got me through a lot of hard 9-5 days), and Serial. Some favorite books of mine are Feck Perfuction, Big Magic, and The Four Agreements. My new favorite focus method that a friend suggested are sound bowls. They work wonders for concentration!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://illustratedmelanin.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/illustratedmelanin
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/illustratedmelanin
Image Credits
Elisa Summiel
