We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiesha Harrison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiesha, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Sunflower Soul Project was founded in the light of losing a sunflower soul, Delores Smith to domestic violence in December of 2021.

It was about 5:30 a.m., cold, during the winter and I dropped off a friend at work. It was one of those mornings when I was crying hysterically and could not continue driving. Overwhelmed with grief, I pulled over and parked. After 5 minutes, I looked up and saw a sunflower mural which calmed me down. It took a couple more minutes of observation and sobbing when I decided to drive again. As I started to drive again, I saw the second sunflower mural just minutes away. Without much thought, I drove down the alley way when I saw an even larger sunflower mural on the backside of the MonOrchid Gallery. I was in awe, surprised and knew it was meant for me to see these murals. I took it as a sign from my sister. As I reached the end of the alley, a woman with a sunflower-printed backpack crossed in front of my car. At that moment, I felt a sense of clarity and purpose and decided to create an initiative that would bring joy and light to grieving families and DV survivors.

Sunflower Soul Project is a healing arts initiative committed to utilizing the transformative power of creativity and self-expression for emotional well-being. Inspired by the resilience and beauty of sunflowers, our mission is to provide a supportive platform for individuals to explore and express their emotions through various art forms, advocacy and somatic movements. We aim to promote mental and emotional well-being by offering workshops, community events, and resources that foster connection, self-awareness, and personal growth. Through the Sunflower Soul Project, we strive to create an inclusive community where every soul can blossom and thrive, finding strength and healing in the transformative power of art. www.sunflowersoulproject.com

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? “As a sunflower follows the sun’s journey across the sky, the human soul navigates the highs and lows of life’s journey, finding purpose and direction amidst uncertainty.” What I want the world to know about me and my brand is deeply rooted in the belief that art has the power to heal. When I launched my business, it was centered around collaboration, art, and self-expression— as a means for healing from the challenges I faced during that time. Now, 4 years later I created a healing art initiative to help others. Art is more than just an expression of creativity; it’s a therapeutic process with profound benefits for mental and emotional well-being.

My brand is more than just a business, it is a platform for storytelling, healing, and positive change. It’s about nurturing connections, fostering empathy, and creating spaces where art can thrive as a powerful tool for healing and transforming lives and communities. Through my journey and the work I create, I aspire to leave a lasting impact that resonates with others, demonstrating the profound healing potential of art in our everyday lives. We are SUNFLOWER SOULS!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As an artist in Greater Phoenix, I love the vibrant creative community and diverse opportunities for collaboration. Whether it’s exploring local galleries, joining community events, or connecting with other artists, there’s always something inspiring happening here. If my bestie was visiting for a week, we would probably go to a concert whether it be Rihanna, Jhene Aiko or Lauryn Hill. We would definitely invest in backstage passes to hang out. The next day, we would plan a hike to Havasupai Falls for three days. After that, we would head to a retreat in Sedona where we would treat ourselves to facials and massages. Why not? I always wanted to do a silent meditation retreat, so I would add this to And while we are in northern Arizona, we would visit Flagstaff before heading back to Phoenix to catch a flight to our next destination.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would say God deserves all the credit and recognition and my sister! What she did for her son is the most heroic thing anyone could ever do. She is my HERo!

Website: https://www.sunflowersoulproject.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflowersoulproject

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamundefinedart/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/iamundefinedart

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