Today we’d like to introduce you to Fantasia Gibson.
Fantasia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been jokingly using the expression “jerk of all trades” (a loving reference to my favorite girl band ‘Lunachicks’) to describe myself for years now, uncertain of whether it was my strength- to dabble in many things, but fully commit to none- or my weakness. As years pass, I realize that being a multi-faceted creative is complicated, and can be used in your favor or work against you. My self-appointed working title is “Creative Director of Everything.”
Having bounced around from many hobbies over the years- from illustration, makeup & making appearances in drag to some photography & fashion styling- it dawned on me that the most valuable work I had done was on myself. The work towards self-love & acceptance, being more empathetic, being a more aware and caring person. Those lessons have transformed my perspective on all of my artistic endeavors, pushing me to use those skills to assist others in finding self-acceptance, self-love, empathy, and awareness.
Has it been a smooth road?
In my experience, no road is smooth for more than a few feet. I’ve navigated my way through years of uncertainty & self-doubt, something I still sometimes struggle with. We can often be our own biggest fan AND saboteur if we aren’t careful. If there is any piece of advice I’d dare to offer, it’s to allow yourself the time and space to grow. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers right now. They will come in time.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
After a total of ten years in the service industry, I’ve worked the past several years in the coffee business as a barista and experimenting with cocktails on the side, all the while taking note of the lack of representation for women (more specifically women of color.) While I love drink-making almost as much as I love drink-drinking, I can feel the service industry taking its toll on my body & mind. I often find myself wondering, in the limited spaces that seem to represent me, do I even want to be there? And it dawned on me that I can create my own spaces.
More recently, my life long interest in the occult, more specifically astrology & tarot, has been growing and providing me with a major channel to connect with those around me. From helping friends interpret their birth charts to hosting parties every full moon, I’ve learned so much about others but also myself. Tracking lunar cycles has been a wonderful mindfulness tool and being able to celebrate with friends during full moons, an event idea I intend to expand on in the future has been priceless. Ultimately, my mission is to create spaces for those willing to look inward, find love, and share it. I just hope to create experiences that encourage self-care & promote mindfulness.
I’m definitely known as the “woo-woo” one of my friend group.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Unfortunately, the focus is on the challenges because the challenges still exist. I’d say that women throughout history have been pretty great at taking a challenge and flipping it into an opportunity. Through activism, our voices have been heard, our experiences have been seen, and they’ve inspired countless others. Sometimes just fearlessly being yourself is activism. Existing as a woman in certain spaces is activism. Speaking outwardly and feeling openly is activism. The opportunity we’re best positioned for is to be wholly & fully ourselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/partyp00p/#home
- Email: gibson.fantasia@gmail.com
- Instagram: partyp00p
Image Credit:
Fantasia Gibson
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