Today we’d like to introduce you to Suly Florian.
Hi Suly, 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?
Art was always my passion, since as far back as I could remember. 4 years old drawing in my grandmother’s hymn book on her cold kitchen floor, and all through my 36 years of life I’ve continued to develop this skill. I would draw for fun, for free, for life. At 29, I was living in Louisiana working for a makeup company. I knew I was getting burned out in this industry. The focus was on outer beauty, and my soul collided with that.
I had worked in the industry for over a decade at this point. My heart told me art was the way, but my mind (along with people around me) was logically telling me to continue on with the beauty industry as the money would continue to grow. But it wasn’t about the money for me. At ALL. I decided to go back home to Houston and begin my journey in art, from scratch. I went back to Houston only to find myself eventually broke and clueless about what was next. I did beauty part-time to take care of the bills and focused the majority of my attention on art. I met a muralist within a couple of months and had the coolest experience creating murals all throughout Texas. Then, a year into it, I was let go. Back to square one and broke.
I worked as hard as I could for 8 months straight. I prepared myself for something I couldn’t see but KNEW was coming. My dear friend, Vanessa Cole, a home builder, invited me to a meeting with the Houston Redevelopment Authority to see if maybe anyone was looking for artwork. On this fateful day, my hard work met opportunity. One of the chair members said they wanted the artwork on one of their affordable housing communities and the artist they were in talks with was taking too long to get back to them. I went that same day to take photos of the homes, immediately put a proposal together, and presented it to the MRA the following week.
I booked the biggest deal of my life from that one meeting, backed with 8 months of mentally strenuous days, and many, MANY, sleepless nights. That was 5 years ago. From there, it’s been an upwards grind, building momentum and I haven’t stopped since. I’ve even displayed in a gallery in Manhattan NY, which was a 5-year goal that I reached in one year. I am glad to report, I am a HAPPY full-time artist now and I’ve painted many murals all throughout this beloved city and my portraits have found homes in cities all over the U.S.!
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?
Hell no, not even a little. In those 8 months of trying to figure it out on my own, I lost my townhouse, went through ALL of my savings, lost my car in an accident, all while trying to keep my daughter fed, and build this art career. I worked 12-17 hours every day, with maybe a day off every 2 months.
There were days I wanted to quit, but I would look at my daughter watching me and knowing that she was REALLY watching me. If I quit, it would be ok for her to quit, and that was not ok with me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist, a pretty well-rounded artist, and a muralist. I specialize in portraits, and I am known for my portraits and my colorful aesthetic. I am most proud of being a mom while also being an entrepreneur in art. It’s not an easy task but well worth it.
I’m not sure what sets me apart really, but I will say, I have a spirit that is indestructible and I create with that spirit. Also, when I’m in the zone, I’m IN THE ZONE… there’s no getting me out! Ask anyone that has experienced it.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Keep your vision alive always. There are times where you WILL want to quit, and your vision keeps you on track to push through. Consistency always beats talent. Continue to educate yourself, and stay creative. There is a blueprint to your success and your time is the most precious commodity.
Read books, read articles, research, trial, and error, listen to podcasts, listen to uplifting music, study your craft, find a mentor. Don’t distract yourself with things that do not invest in your success. If you are stumped, I promise there is a way through it. If nobody has found a solution to your problem, create one. Be disruptive in your industry.
I wish I knew starting out that what your thoughts focus on is what will come to you. Keep them strong, steady, and focused on your success. Also, don’t share too much with people. Sometimes not even those closest to you because in their wanting to protect you, they can steer you away from your goals.
Pricing:
- Gallery style ready to hang paintings: 16×20 or 20×20 – B&W $1150 – Color $1850 : 30×40 – B&W $3100 – Color $3800 : 48×60 – B&W $4100 – Color $4800
- Murals: Small: 10x16ft $2500
- Murals: Medium: 15x26ft $7500
- Murals: Large: 20x36ft $12,500
Contact Info:
- Email: acephoenixart@gmail.com
- Website: www.acephoenixart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acephoenixart
- Other: www.sacredboudoirexperience.com
