Today we’d like to introduce you to Zheila Cervantes.
Hi Zheila, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in El Paso, Texas but raised in Cd. Juarez, Mexico. Being a border child, I’ve had the opportunity to grow up in two different cultures. This has enabled me to have the ability to work across different cultures and be open to new perspectives. I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and later moved to the city of Austin to pursue a project management position. I’m currently working full-time for a tech company in their Ad Operations department. I’m the founder of Zhei Zhei Art, where I offer a selection of digitally hand-drawn goods, like prints, stickers, magnets, and cards that are inspired by female empowerment, imagination, nature, and the promise that there are always better days ahead! I’m a self-taught illustrator who believes in the power of ideas and storytelling! Through my work, I’m striving to become part of something that will make an impact, both globally and locally.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s definitely been challenges in my journey as a professional and as an artist! Being a self-taught illustrator, I would spend the majority of my early days researching, learning and really diving into the work I was creating. I deeply enjoy learning and believe that continuous improvement/learning is a something that I strive for daily. Unfortunately, this sometimes hinders my ability to see the bigger picture and I tend to focus too much on the details (when most of the time, they don’t really matter). I believe it’s important for all creatives and entrepreneurs to seek the balance between perfection & progress that works for them. Another major challenge I’ve faced has been to walk away from opportunities that no longer served me. I was previously working at a tech company where I wasn’t able to fully be my true self. Walking away from a promising, steady long-term opportunity for something unpredictable is definitely scary — especially if it’s your first time building something from the ground up. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to go about this. With time, I was able to trust my intuition and follow my passions and dreams I thought I never could have. I’m still not exactly where I want to be, but I’m not where I was before, and that is so much better! Definitely worth it!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a self-taught Latina illustrator who believes in the power of ideas and storytelling! Through my work, I’m striving to become part of something that will make an impact, both globally and locally. I’m the founder of Zhei Zhei Art, an online shop where I offer a selection of digitally hand-drawn goods, like prints, stickers, magnets, and cards that are inspired by female empowerment, imagination, nature, and the promise that there are always better days ahead! I’m hoping that with my art & illustrations, I can inspire other Latinx creatives to have the courage to believe that they are deserving of everything they desire and that they are capable of curating the kind of life for themselves that sparks something within them. I want women to look at me and see themselves, to feel beautiful for being smart and strong. I want girls to grow up and be brave instead of perfect. I truly believe that when we tell our stories and speak our truth, we change the world. PURPOSE+CONNECTION+ART= ZHEI ZHEI ART For context, zhei zhei comes from the word Zheila as in “Shay-lah”, my first name. Zhei Zhei is my nickname!
Any big plans?
I’m currently working in expanding my brand as an illustrator and I would love to be able to work with other creatives and make impactful work! I’m in the process of developing new merchandise, an extended product line and an affirmation card deck. I would love to connect the dots between art/illustration and the wellness/self-love space! In the long-term future, I want to build a community of women that supports and inspires each other. My values have always centered around impact, continuous learning and creativity!
Pricing:
- Stickers – $3.25
- Cards – $4.25
- Prints – $19.99-$35
- Magnets- $4
Contact Info:
- Email: zheilacervantes@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.zhei-zhei.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zheizhei.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zhei-zhei-art-104362621466254
